Wedding Place Cards vs Escort Cards: Which to Choose
By Lily & Roe Co. | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Deciding between place cards and escort cards for your wedding? Learn the key differences, when to use each, and which style suits your reception best.
Quick Answer
Choose escort cards if you want to direct guests to their table, and place cards if you need to assign specific seats within a table. For most weddings, you'll use escort cards only, but a seated dinner with assigned tables calls for both.
The Core Difference: Table vs. Seat Assignment
Escort cards tell each guest which table they're assigned to. They're typically arranged alphabetically on a table near the entrance, and guests pick up their card as they enter the reception. Place cards, on the other hand, sit directly at each table setting and indicate the exact seat a guest should take. If you have open seating or only need to assign tables, escort cards are sufficient. If you want to control who sits next to whom, add place cards.
When You Need Both
A formal plated dinner with assigned seating usually requires both. Escort cards direct guests to the correct table, and place cards at each setting confirm their specific seat. This approach helps your catering team serve the right meal to the right person and prevents confusion. For buffet-style or less formal receptions, escort cards alone are often enough.
Place Card vs. Escort Card: Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Escort Cards Only: Guests find their table assignment on a card they pick up at the entrance. No need to assign individual seats. Best for buffet, cocktail-style, or open seating receptions where table assignment is enough.
- Place Cards Only: Cards sit at each table setting and assign a specific seat. Guests must already know their table number to find their spot. Use only if you have a very small wedding or a single long table where guests can easily find their seat.
- Both Escort Cards and Place Cards: Escort cards direct guests to the correct table; place cards confirm the exact seat. Common for formal plated dinners. Adds cost and setup time but gives you full control over seating dynamics and meal service.
Place Card & Escort Card Options from Lily & Roe Co.
- The Slate Wedding Place Card: Clean lines, bold contrast, and modern clarity. Crisp white cardstock with bold black type for a streamlined, no-frills look. The Slate Wedding Place Card works best as a place card because its flat or folded design sits neatly on a table setting, letting guests see their name and meal choice at a glance.
The Slate Wedding Place Card - Modern Escort Cards | The Avery: Striking modern escort cards designed to pair with the Avery Stationery Suite for a cohesive look throughout your ceremony and reception. The Modern Escort Cards | The Avery are purpose-built for escort card duty—they're easy to arrange alphabetically and match a full stationery suite, so your paper goods feel intentional from start to finish.
Modern Escort Cards | The Avery
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- Couples hosting a formal plated dinner who need to control seating and meal choices
- Weddings with a large guest list where alphabetical escort cards simplify entry
Not ideal for
- Couples on a tight budget who want to minimize paper costs and setup time
- Very casual receptions with open seating where no assignment is needed
