Escort cards tell guests which table to go to. They sit at the reception entrance, one card per guest or couple, with a name and a table number. Place cards tell guests which seat is theirs once they reach the table. They sit at each place setting with just a name. You need escort cards (or a seating chart) whenever tables are assigned, and you add place cards only when you also assign seats.
Escort cards vs place cards at a glance
| Escort cards | Place cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they go | A table at the reception entrance | On each place setting |
| What they say | Guest name and table number | Guest name, sometimes a meal mark |
| What they answer | Which table am I at? | Which chair is mine? |
| How many to print | One per guest or per couple | One per guest |
| Needed when | Tables are assigned | Seats are assigned |
What is an escort card?
An escort card "escorts" a guest to their table. Guests pick theirs up on the way in, so cards are usually arranged alphabetically by last name. Couples who share a table often share one card. A seating chart sign does the same job for everyone at once, and a QR code seating chart does it on each guest's phone.
What is a place card?
A place card marks one chair. It is common at formal dinners, at the head table, and anywhere the caterer serves plated meals, because a small mark on the card (a dot, an icon or a color) tells the server who ordered fish and who ordered beef.
Seating chart vs escort cards
A seating chart is one big sign listing every guest and table. Escort cards are many small cards. A chart is faster to read and easier to update the week of the wedding. Escort cards double as decor or favors. Many couples use a chart at the entrance and skip escort cards entirely.
Do you need both?
- Buffet or family style, tables assigned: escort cards or a seating chart only.
- Plated meals with meal choices: escort cards or a chart, plus place cards with meal marks.
- Small dinner of 30 or fewer: place cards only. Guests can find their name walking past the table.
- Open seating: neither, though a reserved sign for family tables helps.
Print both from one guest list
The hard part is not the cards. It is the list behind them. Seat everyone first, then print. In PlanSeats you can export the chart and print place cards from the same seating chart, so a guest you move on Thursday prints correctly on Friday.
Related guides
Escort card ideas
Display ideas for the entrance table.
Wedding seating chart etiquette
Who sits where, and why.
Printable seating chart for a wedding
Sign designs if you skip escort cards.
QR code seating chart
Let guests find their table on their phone.