A wedding is composed of a number of small elements. At times, it can be difficult to remember all the different tasks in front of you. In fact, there are some that you may not even have realized were important. Such is often the case with escort cards. Though couples put a lot of energy into the act of seating guests at specific tables, these cards can sometimes be overlooked. Review this guide and learn everything you need to know about this important aspect of your big day.

What Are Escort Cards?

Though similar in nature, escort cards are different from placement cards. Some couples plan weddings out to the very smallest detail. If who sits at what seat at a table matters to you, then you would use place cards to inform the guest of their exact chair. This used to be quite common, but modern couples don’t usually feel the need to micromanage in this way. Escort cards, instead, offer general guidance to guests so that they can understand what table they have been seated at.  

Do Escort Cards Matter?

Unless you don’t have a seating chart at your wedding, you’ll need escort cards to a certain degree. If there’s no sign of structure, your friends and family might just sit wherever they’d like upon arrival at the reception. To avoid this, your cards should be displayed in a prominent way outside the main venue space. This reduces the odds of your guests moving chairs from one table to another or making other decisions that can impact catering, entertainment, and other elements.

How Should Cards Be Displayed?

The fun aspect of escort cards is that how you display them is entirely up to you. If your wedding has a specific theme, then you can work this aesthetic into the look of the cards. An event that takes place on or near the beach may benefit from escort cards with nautical appeal. The main objectives are to have the cards noticed and to provide guests with table assignments. As long as you hit both of these marks, how you go about the rest depends on how creative you are.

What Are Current Escort Card Trends?

As with almost any element related to planning a wedding, annual trends dictate a big portion of what you’ll come across in your research. This means the images you see on blogs or in bridal magazines may have an aesthetic that matches current popular trends. Throughout recent years, for example, there’s been an emphasis on rustic styles. You’re likely to see cards made of textured materials, like recycled cardboard or old pieces of wood. Keep this in mind when exploring your options, but don’t feel limited by the trends. Do whatever works for your event.

Are There Easy Alternatives?  

Restrictions with time and finances can make the idea of another task too much to handle. If you don’t think you can swing escort cards before the event, you can easily go digital as an alternative. Send table information to guests via text, social media, or on your wedding website. You don’t need to be formal about the matter, and most guests will find this method just as acceptable as taking a card from a display. With so many other pressing responsibilities to concern yourself with, it’s best to make a choice and move on.

Though escort cards might not be at the top of your planning to-do list, you still should think about putting together a general plan for this aspect of your event. Once you’ve got a seating chart down, play around a bit with how you can best create escort cards that meet your own standards.