Creating Wedding Escort Cards: A Simple Guide

Escort cards are an important part of wedding planning, helping to guide guests to their tables and ensuring a smooth seating process. They can also add a creative and decorative touch to the wedding reception. While they may seem like a small detail, escort cards can make a big difference in both practical and aesthetic terms. This article will provide an introduction to the world of wedding escort cards, offering tips and ideas for making them a fun and functional part of your special day. From simple tented cards to more unique and interactive displays, there are endless possibilities for creating escort cards that are not only informative but also delight your guests.

Escort Card Display Ideas

Escort cards are a small but important detail of a wedding. They direct guests to their tables and can add a creative and thoughtful touch to the decor. Here are some unique display ideas to surprise and delight your wedding guests:

Interactive Flower Wall

This idea combines escort cards with personal flowers for each attendee. A floral designer can help create a flower wall where each flower is attached to a card with the guest's name and table assignment. This interactive display will guide guests to their tables in a beautiful and memorable way.

Dramatic Oversized Flower Arrangement

A dramatic floral arrangement can be the centrepiece of your escort card display. Place the cards on a table with a large floral arrangement to create a stunning visual impact. This idea adds a touch of flair and elegance to the entrance of your wedding reception.

Cloche Jar Statement Piece

Create a captivating display by placing escort cards under a cloche jar or bell jar. The cloche adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue, beckoning guests to come and find their seating assignments. You can enhance the presentation with a bold arrangement or other decorative elements.

Display Shelf with Greenery Garland

A display shelf can be transformed into an eye-catching escort card presentation. Adorn the shelf with a greenery garland, such as an asymmetrical garland of foliage and flowers. Place the escort cards on the shelves, adding a touch of nature and elegance to the overall aesthetic.

Champagne Flutes

Combine escort cards with champagne flutes for a festive touch. Hang decorative tags with guest names and table numbers from the flutes, or use wine glass tags or markers. This idea adds a touch of celebration and elegance to the escort card display, and guests can use the flutes for a champagne toast.

Antique Serving Tray

For a unique and elegant touch, scour antique stores or your own collection for a vintage serving tray. Escort cards can be displayed on the tray, creating a sophisticated and charming presentation. This idea is perfect for a wedding with a vintage or rustic theme.

Preserved Leaves

For an eco-friendly and seasonal idea, collect interesting leaves and dip them in melted beeswax to preserve them. Then, use a calligraphy marker to write each guest's name and table number on the leaves. This idea brings a touch of nature and autumnal charm to your escort card display.

Escort Card Formats

Escort cards are usually placed on a table or other structure near the entrance to the reception area. They can be displayed in a variety of ways, from simple cards lined up on a table to more creative and decorative displays. Here are some ideas for escort card formats to inspire your wedding:

Tented Cards

Tented escort cards are a popular choice as they are easy for guests to pick up and provide a bit of multi-dimensional intrigue. You can include the table number inside the tent, with the guest's name displayed on the front. Dress them up with elegant calligraphy or colourful designs that match your wedding theme.

Glassware

This idea involves doubling your escort cards as beautiful glassware. Hang decorative flags with your guests' names and table numbers from empty champagne flutes, which can then be used for toasts throughout the night. You can use twine, lace, ribbon, or wire to attach the cards, depending on your wedding style.

Envelopes

Address envelopes with your guests' names and designated tables, adding a unique finish like a wax seal. This idea also allows you to get a head start on your thank-you notes, as you can include a personalised message inside.

Matchbooks

Personalised matchbooks are a unique way to display escort cards. You could even turn it into a two-part wedding favour by including candles at each guest's seat with their name on it.

Glass Bottles

For a beach or nautical-themed wedding, use tiny glasses filled with sand, gold leaf, beach glass, or seashells. Slip the guest's name and table number inside for a perfect little memento.

Origami Cranes

Following a Japanese tradition, create strings of origami cranes with your guests' names and seating numbers for a stunning hanging display. This idea adds a colourful and cultural touch to your wedding decor.

Escort Bottles

Personalised bottles of water or cider with escort cards attached to the neck can help keep your guests hydrated during the celebrations.

Plant Markers

For plant-loving couples, use plant markers or wooden labels with your guests' names and seating assignments. You could also use small packets of seeds, which are easier to manage and make great favours.

Hanging Display

Set up a hanging display along a wall with escort cards attached to twine or ribbon. This avoids a crowded table and allows guests to spread out while finding their cards. Add fairy lights for a touch of sparkle.

Photo Display

Repurpose photos of your loved ones by writing each guest's name and table number on the back or bottom of the photo. Print them in black and white or as polaroids for a cohesive look.

Personalised Coasters

Coasters are a popular wedding favour, but you can make them even more special by inscribing your guests' names and table assignments on them. Geometric shapes that fit together like a puzzle can also be arranged into an aesthetically pleasing welcome display.

Escort Card Table Setup

Escort cards are usually displayed on a table or other structure near the entrance to the reception area. However, you can get creative with your escort card table setup. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Multiple Tables or Displays

To avoid crowding, set up multiple tables or displays with escort cards, spaced well apart. Ensure each table has clear signage so guests can easily find their cards. Decorate the tables with flowers, candles, or other props to make them look pretty.

Legible and Well-Lit Cards

Make sure the font or writing on the cards is legible, and place the cards at a 45-degree angle if displayed on a table. Ensure the lighting is good by using spotlights or candles to make it easy for guests to read their names.

Alphabetical Order

Arrange the escort cards alphabetically by guests' surnames, rather than grouping them by table number. This will make it easier for guests to locate their names, especially if you have a large guest list.

Decorative Table

Even if you opt for a traditional tented card display, be sure to decorate the table. Add florals, candles, or other props to create visual interest. Use containers at different heights and a beautiful linen tablecloth to make the setup stand out.

Interactive Display

Consider an interactive escort card display that doubles as a gift or favour for your guests. For example, attach the cards to seed packets, mini bottles of olive oil, or even shot glasses filled with your favourite liquor.

Dramatic Floral Arrangements

Add a dramatic flair to your escort card table with a large floral arrangement or a display of potted plants. You can also incorporate greenery, such as a boxwood hedge or garland, to create a natural, rustic look.

Personalised Details

Incorporate personalised details into your escort card table setup. For instance, use polaroids of each guest or family, or include handwritten notes from the couple in envelopes along with the cards.

Themed Decor

Tie your escort card table setup into the theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a nautical-themed wedding, use boat-shaped escort cards or compasses with striped ribbons. If you're having a garden-themed wedding, display the cards on an antique hutch with botanical details.

Repurpose the Display

Think about how you can repurpose the escort card table setup later in the evening. For instance, you can use the display as a cake or dessert table after the cards have been taken by the guests.

Escort Card Design

Escort cards are a fun and creative way to welcome your wedding guests and direct them to their tables. Here are some tips and ideas to design your escort cards:

Design and Display:

• Escort cards can be displayed on a table or other structure near the entrance to the reception area. Consider the broader background and surroundings, and use walls, furniture pieces, or tables to create an interesting display.
• Ensure the escort card display is safe, secure, and well-lit. Use spotlights or candles to illuminate the area.
• Alphabetize the escort cards on the table to make it easier for guests to find their names.
• If you have a large guest list, set up multiple tables or displays spaced apart to prevent crowding. Provide clear signage so guests can locate their cards.
• Decorate the table with flowers, props, or containers at different heights. Use beautiful linens or tablecloths to make it stand out.
• Incorporate your wedding theme, colours, or personal style into the design. For example, use silk ribbons, floral illustrations, or bespoke coasters.
• Get creative with hanging installations, floral elements, or non-traditional objects like fruit, shells, plants, or candy.

Card Design:

• Escort cards can be traditional cards or unique items such as flowers, fruit, or mini tequila sippers.
• Include the guest's full name and table assignment on the card. If needed, also include their meal selection.
• Use legible and pretty fonts or handwriting. Ensure the cards are easy for guests to read, especially if they are placed on a table.
• Fold the escort cards into tents or origami shapes for a unique presentation.
• Attach escort cards to useful items or gifts, such as plant seeds, wine glasses, sunglasses, or luggage tags.
• Incorporate personal touches, such as polaroids of each guest or handwritten notes from the couple.
• For a cohesive look, work with a wedding stationery designer or calligrapher to create cards that match your wedding theme and colour palette.

Escort Card Timing

Escort cards are an important part of your wedding, helping to direct guests to their tables and speed up the seating process. Here are some tips to consider for the timing of your escort cards:

Planning and Preparation

Start planning your escort cards about three weeks before your wedding. Ensure all your RSVPs are in, and finalise your seating chart before beginning to make your escort cards. Sort the cards alphabetically and clip them together in groups or place them into ziplock bags. This will make it easier for guests to locate their names and prevent crowding. If you're attaching escort cards to favours, you may want to prepare individual cards for each guest. However, if not, you can have one escort card per couple or family to reduce waste.

Set-up

Traditionally, escort cards were set up at the entrance to the reception space. However, this can cause crowding, especially if guests all arrive at once. Instead, consider setting up multiple tables or displays with escort cards during the cocktail hour, spaced well apart to avoid bottlenecks. Ensure there is good lighting, using spotlights or candles, so guests can easily read their names. If using a table, lay the cards at a 45-degree angle. Decorate the table with flowers, props, or a beautiful linen to make it stand out.

Presentation

Get creative with your presentation and make it memorable! Draw inspiration from your wedding theme, colours, or your love story. Think big and bold, and incorporate floral elements, hanging installations, or unique objects like fruit, shells, or plants. If you have multiple escort card tables, you can split the cards alphabetically to make it easier for guests to find their names.

Remember, your escort cards are a fun way to welcome your guests and make a great first impression, so give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare them!

Frequently asked questions