The purpose of a seating chart OR escort cards at your wedding is simply to direct your guests to their assigned tables/seats. Which one should you choose? Oh the decisions of planning a wedding! We breakdown the pros and cons of each one and provide some tips to help make your planning process a bit easier.

SEATING CHART
What is it? Typically one large “chart” which lists all of your guest names with their table numbers.

Pros Cons
  • Often take less time to create since there is one piece instead of multiple cards.
  • Guests often want to know where their family/friends are seated. One chart makes it easy for them to glance over.
  • In the event of an error, you’ll likely have to print the entire thing (IF your seating was printed one one massive sheet)

Seating Chart Tips:

    • Be consistent. List your guests in order alphabetically (first OR last name).
    • For a smaller guest list (100 people or less), you can choose to arrange your seating chart by table #’s.
    • For a larger guest count (400+ people), have two copies of your seating chart at two different ends of your cocktail area.
    • Don’t forget you’ll likely need to have an easel to place the seating chart on at your wedding.
    • Check out seating chart ideas on the P.S. Eventful Pinterest board.

ESCORT CARDS
What is it? An individual “card” listing the guest name and table number. Each guest picks up the card on their way to their seat.

Pros Cons
  • Typically allow for greater creativity. Your “card” can really be anything…such as a fun shape or hung up by clothespins.
  • Can be combined with your wedding favors. You can add a name/table number tag to practically anything.
  • The greater your guest count, the more escort cards you’ll have to create.
  • Require a greater set-up time. Do you have a wedding planner to set up your cards?

Escort Cards Tips:

    • Cards should always be ordered alphabetically by name (first OR last name); NOT by table #.
    • For easier day-of set-up, package your cards alphabetically in labelled Ziploc bags, or similar.
    • Take the weather into account. If your cards are meant to stand up, what happens if your receiving table is outside on a windy day?
    • Check out escort card ideas on the P.S. Eventful Pinterest board.

Whether you move forward with a seating chart or escort cards, the purpose remains the same: your guests should be able to find their seats in a sufficient manner!

Banner photo by: Lindsay Coulter Photography