Seating Chart vs. Escort Cards vs. Place Cards: Which One is Right for Your Wedding?
When planning your wedding, one of the details that might not seem like a big deal—until you have to make a decision—is how to guide your guests to their seats. Do you go with a seating chart, escort cards, place cards, or some combination of the three? Let’s break it down to help you figure out what works best for your wedding vibe and logistics.
Seating Chart: Simple & Stationary
A seating chart is usually a large display that lists guests' names along with their assigned table numbers. It’s a one-stop guide that lets your guests know where they’ll be sitting, but they don’t take anything with them. Seating charts are great for keeping things streamlined and organized, and they work well when you don’t need guests to have a physical card for any reason.
Pros:
Easy to set up—just one sign instead of individual cards.
Reduces waste since there’s nothing for guests to leave behind.
Perfect for a minimal or modern wedding aesthetic.
Cons:
Guests have to memorize their table number or take a photo of the chart.
Doesn’t allow for assigned seating at each table—just table assignments.
Escort Cards: A Personal Touch
Escort cards are individual cards (or objects) that guests pick up to find their table. Unlike a seating chart, escort cards are movable, which means guests physically take them to their table. This option can add a fun interactive element and also gives you more flexibility with creativity—think calligraphed cards, luggage tags, or even mini bottles of champagne.
Pros:
Can be used as a favor by doubling as a keepsake.
Allows for last-minute adjustments more easily than a printed seating chart.
Provides a personal touch with names written individually.
Cons:
Requires a table or display setup, which takes up space.
More materials are needed compared to a single seating chart.
Place Cards: The Ultimate in Assigned Seating
Place cards go one step further than a seating chart or escort cards—they specify exactly where each guest will sit at their assigned table. These are especially useful when you want to seat specific guests next to each other (or strategically separate them!). They’re also essential for plated meals, where the catering staff needs to know who ordered what.
Pros:
Ensures guests sit exactly where you want them to.
Helpful for meal selections if they include food indicators.
Adds an elegant, formal touch to the table setting.
Cons:
Requires more setup time and planning.
Not necessary if guests can choose their own seats at their table.
Combining Seating Charts, Escort Cards, and Place Cards
If you love both the ease of a seating chart and the organization of place cards, you can totally use both! Guests find their table using a seating chart, then have place cards waiting for them at their table.
Alternatively, if you love the idea of escort cards but still want assigned seats, you can pair escort cards with place cards. Since escort cards are movable, they help guests get to their table, while place cards ensure they sit exactly where you want them.
Pro Tip: Double Up on Favors & Escort Cards
A creative way to make escort cards even more fun is by incorporating them into your wedding favors! Think mini succulents, handwritten notes, or personalized keychains—something guests can use and take home, making it both functional and memorable.
Stephanie Gould | Custom Wedding Stationery
Your wedding details should be as thoughtful and unique as your love story. Whether you want elegant letterpress escort cards, custom hand-illustrated place cards, or a beautifully designed seating chart, I can help bring your vision to life. Let’s work together to create stationery that feels personal, cohesive, and unforgettable. Reach out here to start designing your dream wedding details!