I often get asked, what is the difference between a place card and an escort card, and which do I need? First things first, a place card is a card which is already at the dining table, indicating the specific seat at which a guest should sit. An escort card is at a separate location (usually just inside or outside of the dining area), and indicates the table at which a guest should sit. Many events forgo place cards altogether, using only escort cards and allowing guests to choose their own specific seat at each table. Some people choose to even forgo escort cards, and instead provide a seating chart, which lists all the guests’ names and their assigned table number.

Whether you are using escort cards, a seating chart or both, it is important to remember to arrange them alphabetically, rather than by table number. Your guests won’t know their table number until they arrive, so arranging alphabetically by last name will allow everyone to find their seats quickly and easily.

If you are offering a meal choice to your guests, their escort or place card can indicate to the catering staff which meal they have chosen. For example, at a wedding last summer, we created place cards in two separate colors (matching the color themes of the wedding)- blue place cards indicated that the guest had ordered salmon, and purple place cards indicated that the guest had ordered chicken. You can also use symbols, colored stickers, or any other method. Just be sure to let your caterer know ahead of time what your “system” is!