Ettiquette Advice - Escort Cards VS Place Cards

In the wedding industry there are little nuances that signal how formal an event is. Often times, these things can be overlooked by those that are not familiar with the different levels of entertaining protocol.

One of the questions I get asked about the most is the difference between escort cards and place cards. Many people think they are the same thing and use these terms interchangeably. However, there really is a difference! If you don't want to confuse your caterer, it is important to learn the role each plays at your wedding reception.

The more formal of the two is the place card. Place cards are usually used at black-tie events with plated meals. They are a representation of assigned seating. This means that the hosts have taken the time to decide exactly where each guest will sit. Place cards are set out at each place setting before the event starts. Often times, a large seating chart will be available in the lobby to direct guests to their table number.

Once they receive that information, they then find their place card and sit. For many formal weddings, there are three or four different entrees available to guests. To keep the staff from having to ask each guest what meal they have, place cards are often color coded to signal the dish to be served to that person. This is a very efficient way to make sure everyone gets the right meal.

Another option is to use a meme on each place card, for instance a stamp of a chicken or fish. I did this with one of my clients and it was an absolute hit!

Escort cards tend to be used at semi-formal weddings. They do not assign guests to seats, rather they assign them to tables. Their function is very similar to a place card but a notable difference is they are often set up on a table with a flower centerpiece.
Another difference is the guest's name will have a number after it, for instance John Smith -14. Escort cards can also be color coded for plated meals. However, they are also used quite a bit at buffet dinners. Brides are becoming more and more creative with how they display their escort cards. I've seen everything from magnetic escort cards to jars of jam with guest names on them. (Having favors double as escort cards is cost effective and looks great!)

I hope that I've cleared up any misconceptions that you might have had about place cards and escort cards. Their differences are mostly in function instead of form so it is easy to get them mixed up. Happy Planning!