Photos: Kyo Morishima Photography; Readyluck
You've put a lot of thought into where you want each of your wedding guests to sit, so to make sure your careful planning goes off without a hitch. It's key to have a neat arrangement of escort cards at the entrance of your reception. Complete with each guest's name and table assignment, these seemingly minor details may not feel like a place to invest a ton of time or effort, but you'll be surprised at what a major impact a lovely display can make. Not only will these important little cards get your guests to the correct table, they can also set the tone for your entire reception. To help inspire your planning, we found 8 fresh ideas that you should consider for your own seating assignments!
Classic Upgrade
There's nothing wrong with the classic, tented escort card. In fact, they can be created on nearly any budget and are easy to display. But if you're looking for an elevated take on this traditional pick, consider the options seen above. At left, calligrapher Rachel Carl transformed stark white escort cards into mini works of art. For the escort cards on the right, a crafty bridesmaid sprinkled natural cards with gold glitter for a gilded upgrade.
Photos: Dennis Kwan Weddings; Erich McVey
Edible Options
Your guests will love a tasty treat combined with their seating assignment. It's the perfect way to ensure each guest takes a favor, too! On the left, jars of olives are topped with a chalkboard painted lid, so they can snack as they find their table. For the couple that wants to kick off their party from the moment their friends and family walk in, take note of the option on the right. Colorful tags are attached to mini tequila bottles for an instant start to cocktail hour.
Color Treatments
For a creative take on escort cards, consider a trendy color treatment. A bride and her matron of honor used watercolor paint to decorate classic luggage tags, seen at left, then added romantic calligraphy for a final touch. If you prefer something more traditional, consider the antique style cards at right. Tea-stained escort cards complete with formal calligraphy are perfect for a vintage affair.
Thematic Picks
If you've worked tirelessly to plan a wedding around a specific theme, don't forget to incorporate it into your escort cards! For a garden party, we love the adorable seed packets seen at the right. Hosting a nautical bash? Antique-inspired compasses are the perfect match.