Creative Escort Cards: Diy Guide For Your Wedding

Wedding escort cards are an important part of the big day, helping to direct guests to their tables and adding a decorative touch to the celebrations. While they may seem like a small detail, escort cards can be an opportunity to get creative and add a unique and memorable element to your wedding. From handwritten notes in envelopes to miniature bottles of olive oil, there are endless possibilities for customising your escort cards. In this article, we will explore different ways to make creative and practical escort cards, as well as offering some dos and don'ts to help you navigate the process.

How to make wedding escort cards by hand

Wedding escort cards are a great way to add a unique and creative touch to your big day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you make your own wedding escort cards by hand:

Planning and Materials:

First, decide on the design and theme of your escort cards. Choose something that reflects your personality, wedding theme, or interests. You can find materials at craft stores or through rental suppliers. Consider using items like mini envelopes, laser-cut wood pieces, or cards with unique shapes or illustrations. If you're crafty, you can even make your own cards from scratch using paper, cardstock, or other materials.

Information to Include:

The most important information to include on your escort cards is the guest's full name and their table assignment. You may also include their meal selection if you're not providing separate place cards. It's recommended to organise the cards alphabetically by guest surname, rather than by table number, to make it easier for guests to find their names.

Presentation and Display:

Get creative with your presentation! You can display the escort cards on a table, multiple tables, or a unique structure. Add decorations like flowers, candles, or props to make it visually appealing. If using a table, place the cards at a 45-degree angle and ensure the area is well-lit to make it easy for guests to read their names. You can also incorporate the escort cards into your favours, attaching them to items like seed packets, luggage tags, or small gifts.

Timing and Organisation:

It's best to start working on your escort cards about three weeks before the wedding, after you've received all your RSVPs. Sort the cards alphabetically and group them together to make it easier to set up on the day. Have some blank cards on hand for any last-minute changes. If you're using a complex display, consider hiring professionals to help with the setup to ensure it's safe and secure.

DIY Ideas:

• Handwritten notes in mini envelopes with a heartfelt message from the couple.
• Gingham cards displayed on a wooden table with an autumnal arrangement.
• Silky bows with custom calligraphy and ivory wax seals.
• Escort cards attached to small gifts or favours, like mini bud vases or seed packets.
• Cards with quirky illustrations or pop-up designs, such as dogs or citrus fruits.
• Escort cards hung from a structure, such as wooden blocks with guests' names strung from a ceiling installation.

How to display escort cards

Wedding escort cards are a small but important detail that can make a big difference in both practical and design terms. Here are some tips and ideas for displaying escort cards at your wedding:

Planning and Preparation

Before the wedding, sort the cards alphabetically and group them together. Place them into ziplock bags or clip them together with paper clips. It is also a good idea to have some blank cards on hand for any last-minute changes. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare the escort cards, starting about three weeks ahead of the wedding. Make sure all your RSVPs are in first! Choose someone who can set up the display for you and give them a clear diagram.

Display Ideas

Escort cards can be displayed on a table or other structure near the entrance to the reception area. Get creative with your presentation and draw inspiration from your wedding theme or your love story. Think big and bold, and incorporate floral elements or hanging installations. You can also use non-traditional objects and favours, like fruit, shells, plants, or candy. If using a table, add florals or props like hurricane candles, and create visual interest by using containers at different heights. Even just adding a beautiful linen on the table can make it stand out.

To avoid crowding and promote social distancing, set up multiple tables or displays spaced well apart. Provide clear signage so guests know where to find their cards. If you are placing the cards on a table, lay them at a 45-degree angle and ensure good lighting by using a spotlight or candles.

Card Design and Presentation

The escort card display should be in theme with the overall look and feel of your wedding. Work with your wedding stationery designer or calligrapher to keep the look cohesive. Make sure the font or writing on the cards is legible as well as pretty. Don't group the cards by table number, as this can make it difficult for guests to locate their names. Instead, organise them alphabetically. You can also split them by guest surnames if you have multiple escort card tables.

Escort cards don't have to be traditional tented cards. Anything that can be personalised with a name can serve as an escort card. For example, you could use candles, seed packets, luggage tags, or even mini bottles of limoncello. If you're feeling creative, you can ditch the card altogether and focus on a more interesting tangible item that will double as a gift.

Repurposing the Display

Consider repurposing the escort card display after the cards have been taken by guests. For example, a floral display could be reused as a cake or dessert table. You can also double the escort cards as wedding favours for attendees, such as mini honey jars or bottles of olive oil with guest names and table numbers.

How to organise escort cards

Escort cards are an important part of your wedding reception, helping guests find their assigned tables. Here are some tips to organise your escort cards effectively:

Planning and Preparation:

• Sort the escort cards alphabetically and clip them together in groups or place them in ziplock bags. This makes it easier for guests to locate their names and reduces crowding.
• Start preparing your escort cards about three weeks before the wedding. Ensure all RSVPs are in before finalising the cards.
• If you're using a wedding planner, provide them with a clear diagram of how you want the display set up. If not, choose someone to set it up for you.
• Have some blank cards on hand for any last-minute changes.

Display Ideas:

• Place cards at a 45-degree angle on the table for better visibility.
• Ensure good lighting at the escort card table by using spotlights or candles.
• Instead of grouping cards by table number, organise them alphabetically by guests' surnames. This makes 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.
• Decorate the table with flowers, candles, or props. Use containers at different heights to create visual interest.
• Incorporate your wedding theme or colours into the display.
• Get creative with your presentation. Think beyond traditional cards and consider using non-traditional objects like fruit, shells, plants, or candy.

Working with Professionals:

• Consider hiring a professional wedding stationery designer or calligrapher to create cohesive and well-designed cards.
• If you're planning a complex display, it's recommended to bring in experts for planning and execution to ensure it's safe and secure.

How to decorate escort cards

Escort cards are a small but important part of a wedding. They can be beautiful and unique, and there are endless ways to decorate them. Here are some ideas to decorate your escort cards and make them a memorable part of your wedding:

Decorating the Table

If you're using a table to display your escort cards, consider dressing it up with some decorations. Add florals or props like hurricane candles to create a romantic ambiance. Use containers of different heights to add visual interest and a beautiful linen to make the table stand out.

Lighting

Ensure that the lighting in the escort card table area is good. Use a spotlight or lots of candles to illuminate the table and make it easier for guests to find their names.

Alphabetical Order

Organize your escort cards alphabetically by guest surnames. This will make it easier for your guests to locate their names, especially if you have multiple tables or displays.

Interactive Display

Turn your escort cards into an interactive display. For example, attach each guest's name and table assignment to a small gift or favour, such as a mini bottle of olive oil or a bud vase with flowers.

Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements into your escort card display. Attach table numbers and names to taper candles decorated with flowers and greenery, or use leaves with handwritten names and table numbers.

Theme and Colour Scheme

Carry your wedding theme and colour scheme through to your escort cards. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, use sea glass as escort cards, or if your wedding has a rustic theme, display your escort cards on trays of pebbles.

Favours and Gifts

Combine your escort cards with favours or gifts for your guests. For a gardening-themed wedding, attach each guest's name and table assignment to a seed packet. Or, for a destination wedding, use luggage tags as escort cards, arranged beautifully on a pegboard.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery can add a touch of elegance to your escort card display. Integrate your wedding flowers by attaching each guest's name and table number to a small flower pot or vase. Alternatively, create a dramatic oversized flower arrangement as a centrepiece for your escort card table.

Calligraphy and Handwritten Notes

Add a personal touch to your escort cards with beautiful calligraphy or handwritten notes. This can make your escort cards look elegant and sophisticated, and they can also be kept as souvenirs by your guests.

Interactive and Fun

Make your escort card display interactive and fun. For example, place each escort card under a small pebble and on a bed of stones, with a sign reading, "Just a Stone's Throw."

Favours and Decorations

Combine your escort cards with decorations that can also serve as favours for your guests. For example, attach each guest's name and table number to a small candle or a bottle of their favourite liquor.

Remember, your escort cards are a chance to get creative and add a personal touch to your wedding. Have fun with the process, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

How to save time when making escort cards

Wedding escort cards are a small but important detail that can make a big difference in both practical and design terms. Here are some tips to save time when making them:

Plan in Advance

Give yourself plenty of time by starting about three weeks ahead of the wedding. Make sure all your RSVPs are in first, and then sort the cards alphabetically and clip them together in groups, or place them into ziplock bags.

Keep it Simple

While it's tempting to get creative with your escort cards, a simple, classic design will save time. You can still add a bit of flair while keeping things straightforward.

Group by Surname

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is to organise their escort cards by table number. Unless your guest list is tiny, this will make it nearly impossible for guests to locate their name. Instead, organise cards alphabetically by surname. If you have multiple escort card tables, you could split them by guest surnames A-H, I-P, and so on.

Make it Easy to Read

Ensure the font or writing on your cards is legible, and if placing them on a table, lay them at a 45-degree angle. Good lighting is also key—use a spotlight or candles to ensure guests can easily read the cards.

Attach to Favours

If you're providing wedding favours, consider attaching the escort cards to them. This will save time and waste, as you won't need to create separate cards.

Hire Professionals

Although it may be tempting to DIY your escort cards, bringing in experts to help with the planning and execution will save time and stress. A great escort card display may take many hours and some engineering expertise to set up, so it's worth getting help.

Frequently asked questions