Place cards and seating charts have become wildly popular in modern weddings. They are such a helpful tool to organize and personalize the reception layout. It's a great way to allow for proper socialization among your family and friends and can also help limit any awkward situations between your guests. There are many different ways to organize your seating charts and group tables, but let's chat about two of the more popular ways to arrange seating at the reception; escort cards and place cards.
Grace and Henry - Lionlady Photography
Place cards are individual cards that indicate the specific seat assigned to each guest at the reception. There is typically a seating chart that will direct the guest to the table, then at the table, the place card will specifically indicate which seat the guest is to sit at. Place cards allow the bride and groom to have more control over their guests' seating arrangements, allowing for more tailored social circles and a more organized reception layout. Having individual place cards can also help organize dinner by allowing servers or caterers to know what each person ordered by indicating their order on their place card. They can also serve as a fun way to personalize the place setting by adding in a party favor or gift with each person's place card.
Josephine and Ly - Brittany Hyatt Photography
Escort cards are different from place cards in that they guide guests to their assigned tables rather than specific seats. They typically list the guest's name and the table number and are often displayed in a central location, like the reception entryway, where guests can pick them up when they arrive. Escort cards allow guests a bit more freedom than place cards because, although they direct each guest to their assigned table, they are allowed to sit wherever they want. This helps them feel more comfortable in choosing their own companions and allows more freedom of socialization and enjoyment. Since escort cards are a little more loosely organized, some couples get creative with this option by marking tables as symbols, unique tokens or memorable elements from their life together.
Overall, escort cards and place cards hold a similar function, each with their own pros and cons. If you want to encourage social interaction and help guests find their tables, escort cards might be the better choice. But if you prefer a more organized approach with assigned seating at each table, place cards may work best. Either way, find the option that will fit your vision the best and allow for the best streamlined flow at your reception and run with it! There is no wrong decision and whatever makes you and your guests the most comfortable, is the way to go!
Jubilee Weddings and Events
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