Stupid question - Escort Cards?

I read the title and thought, "What the hell are escort cards?" lol

^ Same here

Google: All of the escort cards are arranged near the entrance of the reception for the guests to pick up as they go in. Each escort card will usually have the name of the guest, and the number/name of the table they are to sit at.

Isn't that what a seating chart is for? Sorry I'm not trying to be dumb haha but I don't understand the point. Is it one or the other?

I don't believe both are used at the same event. Isn't it an either or thing?

Its just another version of the seating chart. Its a regional thing. Some weddings have a single displayed seating chart with names and tables numbers, and some wedding have a table of cards with peoples names and table numbers.

Thanks @Elle. It seems like a lot of work and paper to keep track of haha. One big one is harder to lose!

It's funny because I have never seen a seating chart in real life and think they're so weird. I had escort cards.

Yea I've never seen a seating chart and if I did I'd probably laugh at it.

I prefer seating charts. Less chances of it getting lost than a tiny escort card. Here's mine, Alexis Our guests got a good laugh out of it too.

I pictured little circular tables in the area that they are at with little names scribbled in each spot. I was thinking more like the hostess' table at Applebee's lol That's way more organized than what I had in my head

I'm with Heather A, I hadn't really heard of seating charts before WW. One benefit to having escort cards is for plated meals. If you are having a plated meal and gave options like for fish or beef then you usually indicate it somewhere on the escort card (for example I'm going to have a stamp in different colors depending on what the person chose, then the waiter just has to look for a specific color to determine whether that person will get beef or fish). Otherwise you have to plan out exactly where the person sits at the table and have place cards at each seat that indicates the dish for the exact person. An escort card allows the person to sit where they want at the assigned table. If you're doing a buffet then there's really no difference to using escort cards or seating charts.

Even though I think your seating chart is really cute it's so odd to me because you actually have to search for your name depending on table with no idea where it might be. With escort cards they're displayed in alphabetical order so it's really easy.

Ignore my bad handwriting.

I see your point Heather. I was actually not to happy with how our seating chart was assembled, I ran out of time and someone else just slapped them all on the board. The tables inside the ballroom were not in any order at all so inside it really could've been confusing for our guests to find their tables, initially. However the chart was displayed during cocktail hour in the lobby so guests had plenty of time to find their names before entering the ballroom.

We are doing escort cards because they are cheaper than seating charts. I haven't seen many wedding where I live use seating charts it's mostly escort cards.

I'm also on the escort card train-way easier!

I've seen some really cute escort charts on here. I never comment on them because I always picture them surrounded by a sea of people trying to find their names. Every wedding I've been to has escort cards (tables, not seats). Typically they are placed in straight lines and laid out sequentially from Table One to Table Whatever. Because they're displayed as you walk into cocktail hour, you've got an entire hour to find your card and your table. Some people find them as they walk in, some do it ten minutes into cocktail hour, and some wait until cocktail hour is over and there are 15 cards left. The last wedding I went to must have had over 250 guests, and there were no lines, no pushing, and no confusion. Nice and easy.

With all the weddings I have attended, including some large ones in PA, I have never been to a reception where there were escort cards, or even seating charts. Just a reserved table or tables for the Bridal party.

I had never actually realized this until tonight!

Seating carts can be grouped by table or done alphabetically with your table number after your name. Im haveing a theme for each table so unfortunately it will have to be grouped by table. I'm going to get mine printed out on a poster board and then put it in an ikea frame. Easy peasy and inexpensive.

Thanks for asking this @Lauryn. I had googled it before but still didn't really "get it" LOL I really like the idea of Escort cards now that I hear how they are used but I also have never been to a wedding that had anything other then a seating chart. I may have to start a new trend with my circle!