Escort Card vs Place Card: What is the Difference?

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from my clients is: "What is the difference between an escort card and a place card"? These terms often get used interchangeably - even within the industry - but there is a difference! Most of the time, all you really need for your seating arrangements are escort cards.

Escort Cards are located on a centralized table and indicate what table the guest is seated at. Each guest (or couple) receives his or her own card with their assigned table number. Tented cards are the most typical, but these days, brides and grooms are getting much more creative with the presentation of the cards.

TIP: The cards escort the guests to their table.

Photo Source: Aruna B Photography

Place Cards on the other hand, are located at each place setting and indicate to guests exactly where to sit at the table. These are typically found at more formal events, but are not necessary, as most guests can decide where to sit around the table. 

Photo source: Invitations by Ajalon

Which do you think you'll use for your wedding or event? Have you seen any creative escort cards or place card displayes?

Weddings by Charlene Liang Part of the Second City Soiree Contributor Series. Charlene is on Twitter @SweetchicEvents. Read her full bio here.