Place cards vs. Escort cards

There is sometimes confusion when it comes to the terms place card and escort card. Hopefully this will provide clarity when communicating with your coordinator, calligrapher or venue …

Place cards are placed at each setting, usually on the plate or above. They are used for more formal events. Some venues require them, especially when there are entree options. For this, a watercolor wash, colored gem or small number in the corner can be added to the place card to indicate meal selection.

At table

Place card on plate

Escort cards literally “escort” the guest to their table. Found at the entry, a guest will find their name which also indicate their assigned table. Escort cards are best used when there will not be assigned seats, but assigned tables.

Tented

with table # inside

In place of escort cards, a seating chart written on a mirror, wood, plexiglass, or other material can indicate where guests are to find their table. In this scenario, you can choose whether or not to have place cards at each table.
Are place cards/escort cards really necessary? I recommend you DO use them unless your reception is very small and very informal. Having guests seat themselves will require more tables, tablecloths, place settings, flower arrangements … When left to sit anywhere, seats and sometimes full tables will be left empty which is not visually appealing. Without assigned tables there is seating confusion. I ask my couples to imagine themselves as a guest at their reception and choose the seating plan that will be easy to follow so the event can be enjoyed (somewhat) stress free.