Photo by Meg Smith Photography; Design by Jenna Lam Events; Calligraphy by Janis Anzalone
At this backyard California wedding, a hanging escort card display that looked like a modern chandelier. How fun!
Believe us: You're not limited to a card!
Congrats, you're married! You've celebrated with champagne at cocktail hour and now it's time for everyone to find their way to dinner. This is where escort cards come in. And, boy, are they important, considering the hours and hours you spent fine-tuning that seating chart. (After that much work, you definitely want your friends to sit in the seats you oh-so-carefully selected.)
But here's the thing: You don't want that chart to look so much like a chart, right? That's why we scoured our real wedding features and our favorite Instagram accounts to find creative solutions to this dilemma. Here, you'll find a photo gallery of 18 ideas that are perfect whether you're throwing a beachside bash (think classic and white), garden party (think scented lavender sprigs), or lakeside soiree (think pieces of driftwood). And here's the newest trend in escort cards: choose something that can do double duty. Like those lavender sprigs we mentioned: they can serve as a fragrant treat at dinner—and even as as a boutonniere on the men's jacket pockets. Or you can go with an escort card that's also a favor—like mini succulent plants (everyone loves those) or a personalized illustration of each guest (again, love). Basically, your guests are going to love anything with their name on it, so give them something they can keep! It's a physical guarantee that they'll remember your big day forever. (Well that, and the fact that you're throwing a damn good party.)
So keep scrolling to find the pretty inspo that best matches your wedding theme, and remember: There's no wrong way to create your seating chart, but there are 18—and counting—creative ways to get it right.
Photo by Christy Wilson Photography; Planning & Styling by Randi Events
Names were calligraphed on sheer tiles that looked as pretty together as they did apart.
Photo by Sanford Creative Photo
Sometimes, simple is best. Here, square escort cards are printed in gold script and attached to twine. Colorful flowers add the final touch!
Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography; planning & floral design by Tara Guérard Soirée.
Everyone loved the lavender escort cards at this Newport wedding—so much so that the men put sprigs in their lapel pockets!
Photo by Jenny Smith and Co.
At this rainbow-colored wedding, the couple hand-wrote each guest a "love note" to thank them for attending. They placed each letter in a colored pocket, where the guests found their table number—and a surprise!
Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography; Design by Tara Guérard Soirée
Elephant heads add a bit of fun—party animals, anyone?—to this mossy escort card table.
Photo by Erin McGinn
If you haven't heard, circle installations are all the rage. Here, thin escort cards were attached to rings of greenery for a fun display.
Photo by Larissa Cleveland
This escort card display (also shown above) is the epitome of personalization. The bride and groom selected their favorite photos of family and friends and used them—in black and white for a cohesive vibe—to lead everyone to the proper table.
Photo by Gianny Campos; Design by Rebekkah Rosado of Runway Events
Mother-of-pearl-like discs, when calligraphed in pretty pink script, make for the perfect beachside escort card.
Photo by Jose Villa; Design by Sarah Winward; Planning by Laurie Arons Special Events
For this botanical-loving bride, Sarah Winward created framed pressed botanicals, which were finished with guests names and table assignments.
Photo by Alexandra Tremaine; Design by All Who Wander Events; Calligraphy by A Fabulous Fete
If you're saying "I do" in a rustic, lakeside ceremony, these are the escort cards for you. We love the mix of fonts on the natural wood.
Photo by Gayle Brooker; Design by Kristin Newman Design; Calligraphy by Elizabeth Porcher Jones Calligraphy
At this outdoor reception, white calligraphed cards were displayed on a trellis covered in greenery.
Photo by Brumley + Wells; Design by All Who Wander Events
Calling all boho brides! This escort card display combines a sweet saying with dreamcatchers, which are basically the coolest wedding favor, right?
Photo by Kallima Photography; Design by Little Island Design; Paper Products by Rabbit Rabbit Design
Fuchsia bougainvillea added a bit of color—and local flora!—to this otherwise neutral display.
Photo by Becca Lea Photography; Design by Amy Gallegos of For the Love Events
To create this boho-meets-rustic display, hand-calligraphed cards were dip-dyed in a warm blush hue and pinned to hanging threads with clothespins.
Photo by Larissa Cleveland; Design by Allison Weddings; Paper Products by Heart Paper Soul
If you're marring in the orange state (and even if you just love oranges), consider this unexpected prop. Here, mini scrolls wee added to citrus fruits for a fun pop of color (and maybe even a snack).
Photo by Aaron Delesie; Design by Lisa Vorce Co.; Floral Design by A Fine Flower Company; Cards by Wiley Valentine
This organic-looking display brings flower box creativity to the next level. And we think it's perfect for your outdoor garden party, even without the flowers.
Lauren Fair Photography
Everyone knew where to "plant themselves" for the ceremony thanks to seating assignments tucked into mini terra cotta pots (which doubled as favors!).
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