Escort cards and place cards are an amazing opportunity to infuse a bit of personality into your wedding. For a formal or traditional wedding, classic escort cards are a great way to go. Traditional escort cards have the names of the each guest (by couple or by family) calligraphed on the outside of a small envelope. The specific table number the couple is seated at is then inserted into the envelope. Just because something is traditional, does NOT mean it needs to be boring, so incorporating an unexpected color (our current obsession is navy paper with gorgeous gold calligraphy), can create something truly memorable. For the non-traditionalists, escort cards can infuse some amazing character into your wedding. Honestly, there are no rules or norms anymore for what your escort cards should or need to look like, so have fun and use them as an opportunity to showcase your wedding theme.
Place cards are used when the couples who not only want to assign guests to tables, but actually want to assign each guest to a specific seat. Place cards can truly be one of the most beautiful elements at your table setting. There are a million and one ways to do a place card. It’s always super beautiful and classic to calligraph the name on the top portion of the menu or do a simple tented card in front of the place setting. For a recent dinner party, Molly McGlone calligraphed stunning elongated place cards that we placed over the bread plate. Additionally, if you have a favor, perhaps a bottle of olive oil, why not tie the card to it using beautiful ribbon or twine?
Truly, the possibilities are endless! The only rule for escort cards and place cards, is that they should be reflective of you and the beautiful story you are trying to tell with your wedding!
Article: Sarah Tolboe for Park & Grove | Photography: Jose Villa | Styling: Joy Thigpen | Calligraphy: Betsy Dunlap | Graphic: Hannah Lee
