The guest count is finalized and the tables are assigned – huzzah! You’ve carefully placed your immediate family close to you, different social groups at the same table, and even made sure that the grandparents sit away from your brazenly loud college roommates.
All this thoughtful planning, but you’re not the one who’s going to be directing the reception traffic (cuz you’re going to be too busy being that beautiful bride in the spotlight) – that’s why we have escort cards =)
Escort cards (not to be mistaken for place cards – another blog on that to come!) are used to instruct guests to their table. Whether its an intimate 5 tables or a grand 25 – guests want to know where they’re sitting, and more often than not, who they’re sitting next to.
Even though this is often one of the last steps in the wedding planning/producing process, just remember: It’s a simple, thoughtful detail that has low impact on your budget, but can have maximum impact for your guests.
Sometimes, all an escort card might need is a pop of a color to help it out. Like this eye-catching yellow backdrop from Azadeh’s wedding.
To give your wedding a cohesive look, consider using the same background print as your invite, or maybe use the ribbon that your bouquet is wrapped in. A thoughtful presentation goes a long way.
BTW – The best way to display escort cards is alphabetically, to minimize card grabbing frenzy! =)
A fun alternative to individual escort cards is the seating chart – which provides the same purpose, just presents it in a different way, and equally tangible way. At Angi’s wedding, we displayed ridiculously HUGE heart shaped seating charts.
Come on – cute colors and easy to read font? SO awesome. Can’t go wrong with that. Beauty in the streamline simplicity.
Also – a commonly asked question – where do you PUT said escort card display? We generally recommend these to be displayed in a common area during the cocktail hour. This gives people time to find their card, and gives your display some time to shine! ;)
By now you also know that ITN girls love a multipurpose detail, especially one that can be showcased as the center of attention. At the Serra Plaza opening event, we created boutonnieres for guests to wear.
Though they were used as name tags instead of escort cards, you can totes rock this idea for a large scale wedding where families might not know each other. Cuz everyone loves something personalized.
And…how about an edible escort card? This has seriously been my obsession lately – in a wonderful, can’t-get-enough-of-it way! Though not fully published yet, Ashley Rose gave us a little sneak peak of Lillian’s wedding last November.
Vinyl monogrammed lollipops – a labor of love and worth every second. And worth every lick, since they were champagne flavored – yummmmmm!
And…this amazing surprise that Amanda showcased at my wedding last month – ornament escort cards! Perfect for a December wedding, and yes, I knew nothing of it until the day of! Thank you Manders!
They also doubled as wedding favors, which was such a treat for everyone. And don’t forget to give people clear direction on what to do. Always.
Again, escort cards are another trendy detail that can be often overlooked and tossed to the side. By bringing in some purpose and some CUTE into your escort cards, your guests can be super excited about their seating assignment, and maybe even a bonus gift or treat on the side ;)
Love each other always!
