Wedding Seating Cards: Diy Guide For Brides

Wedding seating cards are an important part of planning your big day. They are a great way to guide your guests to their seats and add a stylish touch to your dining tables. There are two types of cards: escort cards and place cards. Escort cards are the informal option, directing guests to a table rather than a specific seat. Place cards, on the other hand, are more specific and formal, indicating both the table and the exact seat for each guest. Place cards are usually placed at each table, while escort cards are typically displayed together near the entrance to the dining area. Couples may choose to use both types of cards or opt for just escort cards.

Seating cards can be purchased or handcrafted, and many couples opt for creative alternatives such as flowers, fruit, or other unique items. They can also be used as an opportunity to surprise and delight guests by incorporating the couple's hobbies, wedding theme, or personal style. Whether you decide to go traditional or think outside the box, seating cards are a fun and functional part of your wedding day preparations.

Escort cards vs place cards

Wedding escort cards and place cards are both used to designate where each guest will be seated at a wedding reception. However, they have some key differences.

Place cards are more specific and formal than escort cards. They not only direct guests to their assigned table but also indicate their particular seat at that table. Place cards are usually placed at each table to denote each guest's assigned seat. If you're having a sit-down dinner reception with different menu options, most venues will require place cards to indicate who has chosen each meal option. Place cards are typically purchased as part of the wedding stationery suite or sourced from independent stationers, calligraphers, or online marketplaces. They can also be printed out using pre-made templates or handwritten.

Escort cards, on the other hand, are more informal. They direct guests to a specific table but do not assign a particular seat. Guests are free to choose their own seats at the table if there are no place cards. Escort cards are usually placed together near the entrance to the dining area so guests can find their assigned table. Like place cards, escort cards can be purchased or handcrafted.

Couples often use both escort cards and place cards together, but it is also common to use only escort cards and allow guests to choose their own seats at the table. While it is possible to forgo both types of cards, especially for an informal wedding with ample seating, it is generally not recommended as it can lead to uneven seating and increased costs.

In terms of format, place cards can be flat or tent cards. Flat place cards are often used with place card holders, while tent cards are folded in half and can stand on their own. Escort cards, meanwhile, are typically displayed together in a grouping near the dining area entrance.

Flat cards vs tent cards

Flat cards and tent cards are the two most common types of place cards for weddings. Place cards are pieces of paper that indicate which table a guest is assigned to sit at. They usually include the guest's name and table number, and sometimes feature a design.

Flat place cards are flat pieces of card that resemble business cards and lie flat on the table. They are often used with a place card holder. Tent cards, on the other hand, are meant to be folded in half and stand on their own. They are also called foldable cards.

The main advantage of tent cards is that they are free-standing, so you don't need to find something else to hold them. You can simply arrange them on a table. However, if you have the time and budget, you can use place card holders with flat cards to add a bit of flair to your event.

There is also a third option: doing something totally unique! For example, you could use flowers or fruit instead of cards.

Hiring a calligrapher vs handwriting

Wedding seating cards can be a fun and creative project, but they can also be time-consuming and costly. If you're considering hiring a calligrapher or doing the handwriting yourself, here are some things to keep in mind:

Hiring a Calligrapher:

Hiring a calligrapher can add a touch of elegance and formality to your wedding seating cards. Calligraphy is an art form that takes time and practice to master, and it can be a worthwhile investment for your special day. The cost of hiring a calligrapher can vary depending on their experience, the complexity of the design, and the number of cards required. According to Lauren K. Beth, owner of Lively House & Home, the cost of calligraphy for place cards starts around $2 per card, while envelope calligraphy ranges from $2.50 to $6 per envelope.

When hiring a calligrapher, it's important to give them ample notice, as they may need several days to complete the order. Additionally, you'll want to leave time for proofreading and making any necessary changes. It's also a good idea to provide them with a formatted guest list, including titles, names, and addresses, to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Doing it Yourself:

Doing your own handwriting for wedding seating cards can be a cost-effective option, especially if you or someone you know has neat handwriting. It can be a labour of love and add a personal touch to your wedding. However, it can also be time-consuming, so be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the task without feeling rushed.

If you decide to handwrite the seating cards, consider using a template or printable place cards, which can be found on sites like Etsy or Google. This will give your cards a more uniform and polished look. You can also get creative and incorporate your wedding theme or colours into the design.

In conclusion, whether you decide to hire a calligrapher or do the handwriting yourself, wedding seating cards can be a wonderful way to guide your guests to their tables and add a unique touch to your special day.

Printable templates vs printed cards

There are several options available for creating seating cards for your wedding. You can hire a calligrapher, handwrite them yourself, print them at home using a template, or have them professionally printed. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.

Hiring a calligrapher is a great option if you want elegant, handcrafted seating cards. This option can be costly, with prices starting at around $1 per card, but it will give your cards a unique and luxurious feel. If you have nice handwriting or want to add a personal touch, you can also handwrite the cards yourself. This option is cost-effective but may be time-consuming, depending on the number of guests you plan to invite.

Printable templates are another popular choice for seating cards. This option offers convenience and flexibility, as you can easily customise the cards to match your wedding theme and print them at home. There are many free and paid templates available online, and you can also create your own. Printable templates are typically more affordable than professional printing services, and they allow you to make last-minute changes if needed. However, the quality of the cards will depend on the type of paper and printer you use.

If you want high-quality, professionally printed seating cards, you can upload your guest list to websites like Minted.com, Michaels, or Printed.com. These sites offer a variety of templates and card options, and they will mail the finished product to you. Printed cards are typically more expensive than printable templates, and you will need to plan ahead to allow for shipping time. However, they can be a good option if you want to ensure a consistent level of quality across all your cards.

Ultimately, the decision between printable templates and printed cards will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Printable templates offer convenience, flexibility, and affordability, while printed cards may provide a higher level of quality and consistency. Whichever option you choose, your seating cards will surely add a special touch to your wedding and help guide your guests to their seats with style.

Creative escort card ideas

Escort cards are a fun way to add a unique touch to your wedding. While they serve the practical purpose of helping guests find their tables, they can also be beautiful and creative. Here are some ideas for escort cards that will wow your guests:

Interactive Displays

Get your guests engaged with an interactive escort card display. One idea is to have a “Just a Stone's Throw” sign with each escort card placed underneath a small pebble and on a bed of stones. Another idea is to hang escort cards from a structure made of vintage oars, perfect for a camp-inspired wedding. For a destination wedding, consider hanging flower-filled vessels from ribbons, with simple white escort cards placed inside.

Gifts and Treats

Your escort cards can do double duty as gifts or treats for your guests. For a summer wedding, consider giving each guest a seasonal treat like fresh strawberries with their escort cards. If you and your partner love gardening, attach escort cards to seed packets. For a festive touch, create tequila shot escort cards or offer mini bottles of olive oil with guest names and table numbers.

Nature-Inspired

Bring the beauty of nature into your wedding with these ideas. Attach escort cards to citrus fruits with calligraphed scrolls, or use paper leaves in vibrant greens as seating cards. For a wedding by the sea, have family and friends collect flat rocks or sea glass with guest names and table assignments. If you're a plant lover, register for a special horticultural license to export unique plants for your escort cards.

Sentimental Touches

Add a sentimental touch to your wedding with these ideas. Set up a display of polaroids with photos of each guest or family member, along with their table assignments. Or, write handwritten notes to each guest, placed in envelopes with a floral arrangement that ties into the reception decor.

Creative Designs

Think outside the box with these creative escort card ideas. Use black-and-white beach balls as escort cards, especially fitting for a beach wedding. For a modern wedding, choose a stand-alone structure with black chairs against a white background. If you're a fan of games, try "Cards Against Humanity"-inspired escort cards, where guests match their card to a prompt on each table.

With these ideas and a bit of creativity, your escort cards will surely be a memorable part of your wedding!

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