New to the wedding planning scene? Don’t sweat it – most engaged couples are, and we’re here to help! When it comes to directing guests to their seats at your wedding reception, you have a few options to consider. Here are some important terms related to all-things-seating that will help you make informed decisions on your wedding seating chart, place cards, and more.
Seating Chart
Your wedding seating chart is placed at the entrance of your wedding reception and directs guests to their assigned seats. Seating charts come in an array of designs, including professionally printed signs, calligraphy on vintage mirrors or glass rental items, elaborate displays, and more. Guests’ names are organized one of two ways – either alphabetically by last name with the assigned table number listed next to each name, or in groups by table number. For weddings of over 100 guests, we highly recommend opting for organizing your seating chart by last name to avoid crowds of guests attempting to hunt down their name by table number!
Escort Cards
Instead of opting for a general seating chart, some couples choose to display traditional escort cards on a large table at the entrance of their wedding reception, or with a modern twist on an elaborate display! Escort cards are small cards (or favors, or really anything!) labeled with your guests’ names and their table numbers. These take the place of a seating chart and accompany or “escort” your guests to their assigned table. If your wedding caterer is serving a plated dinner, each guests’ dinner selections would also be displayed on the card, usually as a small icon on the lower corner of the card.
Place Cards
Place cards are small cards labeled with your guests’ names (and dinner selections for plated dinner service), which are placed directly at their seats at your reception tables. Your seating chart is placed at the entrance of your wedding reception venue to guide your guests to their assigned table, and the place card indicates their seat at the table.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our Wedding Reception Seating Chart & Escort Card board on Pinterest!
Photo by Morgan Photo Co.
