escort CARD, that is! (please don't take that any further!)
ever wonder the difference between escort cards, place cards, table cards, and seating cards? some of you may be scratching your head - that's because it's a trick question!
some of these titles are used interchangeably, but ESCORT cards are used to guide guests to their appropriate table and are most traditionally an envelope with a flat card inside, arranged in alphabetical order. but informally, these can be tented cards or even more clever themed items that are hung on branches or a clothesline, etc. proper etiquette says that names should be written out (which is often done by a calligrapher), such as "Ms. Harper Welch" for a single woman or for a married couple, "Dr. and Mrs. Wesley Wiggins." always try to get the names of a single person's "and guest" - it makes it more personal. escort cards include a table assignment. [you may recognize the design of these escort and table cards from the BHLDN shoot, designed by rock paper scissors; see the real event here (part 1 & part 2), shot by Holland Photo arts.]
TABLE cards are the cards you use at each table to indicate table name or number - pick a theme that relates to the couple, such as travel (name all the places they've visited!) or wine (beaujolais, petit syrah, viognier, etc.). or you can stick with the tried and true 1, 2, 3, etc. here's a question: will you skip table number 13?!
PLACE cards (above right) seat people within a table, and therefore just have the person's full name on the card, no table number. this takes even more thought and coordination; but your seating chart and placecards can be handed to your event coordinator or the person in charge at your catering hall to place properly for the reception. keep your expectations low - people may switch last minute to catch up with an old friend, or catch a better glimpse (and photo!) of your first dance.
assigning tables and making seating charts can take time and effort, but there are many good reasons for them:
1. it would take guests longer to get seating without assigning them at least to a table
2. unsightly arguments might ensue over the "good seats"; not to mention popularity contests over who sits at which table
3. the older generation should be seated where they can hear best (FAR away from the band!)
4. your hard-earned decor could get covered up by jackets and purses that are holding or reserving seats
5. if you've asked people to indicate meal choice, place cards help the caterer deliver food properly
here are some fun pics of creative escort card ideas (that can often be carried into the table card and place card theme):
[manilla tags with photo corners designed by rock paper scissors for the Art of Photography learning series; card catalog by Bridal Bubbly; typewriter keys found on oh so beautiful paper; thirst quenching lemonade from Martha Stewart weddings; stones by friend of rock paper scissors; green pinwheels, blue candy, sand dollar and horseshoes found on ca event planners; black & white name buttons from Martha Stewart Weddings]
what are you doing for escort cards? send us your pics!
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