All About Your Wedding Seating Chart!
“What’s the difference between escort cards, place cards, and a seating chart?”
Photography: Mackensey Alexander for Caitlyn & Jason
You’re definitely not the first couple to ask this question-- and trust us, you won’t be the last! When arranging the seating for your wedding, you have a whole host of options, and what works best for your big day may depend on how many guests you’ve invited. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by your options, take a deep breath! We’re here to break it all down for you.
Photography: Apt. B Photography for Kimberly & Luke
Escort Cards
Photography: Alexis Sweet Photography for Megan & Chris
Perhaps the most traditional method of seating your guests, escort cards are usually presented to your guests before the reception begins. Typically arranged in alphabetical order, these cards will include the guest’s name and table number in order to “escort” them to the proper place. Many times, these cards will be “tented” and set up on a table, but feel free to get creative by offering your guests mini bottles of bubbly or custom calligraphy favors instead!
Place Cards
Photography: Alexis Sweet Photography for Megan & Chris
If you like the idea of escort cards but can’t find the space to set them up properly, you may want to try place cards instead! Rather than having your guests find their own seat, place cards are set at each individual seat. Keep in mind that place cards generally require a little extra planning, if only because you have to decide exactly where each guest will sit. Get adventurous and paint guests’ names onto tropical leaves or customize a keepsake for them to treasure forever.
Photography: Apt. B Photography for Kimberly & Luke
Seating Charts
Photography: Apt. B Photography for Kimberly & Luke
If you’re a couple who loves to get creative, designing a seating chart is the perfect choice for you! There are so many fun ways to dress up your seating chart to match the overall vibe of your wedding (we’ve featured just a few of our favorites here).
(Left) Photography: Bronston Photography for Lauren & Ryan // (Right) Photography: House of Ivy for Caitlin & Timothy
These charts can either be designed to direct your guest to the exact table or seat you’ve intended. Seating charts generally work best for couples who plan to have lots of guests-- it will save both you and your guests time, which, let’s be real, would definitely be better spent on the dance floor.
(Left) Photography: Marianne Lucille for Gretchen & Alex // (Right) Photography: Finnegan Photography for Ashley & Scott