Table plan vs. escort cards: What’s the difference?
Many wedding traditions are totally optional but when it comes to telling your guests where to sit for dinner, some kind of seating plan is pretty essential. Particularly if you're having a large wedding, assigning seats makes the whole process so much smoother and you can ensure guests sit with people they know, making for a more relaxed, fun and intimate meal.
So should you go for a traditional table plan (also known as a seating chart) or escort cards? And what's the difference? We're here to guide you through making this decision alongside some gorgeous classic, modern and super creative ideas to inspire you.
What's a wedding table plan?
A table plan is simply a list of table names (or numbers) and the names of guests to be seated at each one. It's usually placed at the entrance to the reception so guests can check where they're sitting and head to the right table. Once at the table, there's usually named place cards at each seat.
Seating chart designs can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you like. We love seeing the creative ideas planners and couples come up with, such as this traditional Chinese screen and all the beautifully designed boards decorated with flowers.
Photography: Taylor Jordan Photography
Planner: Belle Beauty Events | Photographer: McSween Photography
Stylist / Planner: Plume Events | Floral Designer: Fearrington Village | Stationer: Em Paper Co. | Photographer: Jamie Vinson
What are wedding escort cards?
Wedding escort cards are individual cards detailing each guests name and their assigned table number or name. They can be as simple as small tented cards set out on a table in alphabetical order, or you can really get creative and combine them your welcome drinks or wedding favors, or the overall theme of your wedding. We're always here for double duty decor and anything that's functional and looks cute is a wedding winner.
There are countless fabulous ideas, you can really get creative. Some we love include mini limoncello bottles and signature cocktails; Russian Dolls; cow bells; shells; flower seeds and even jars of hot fudge sauce. Let your imagination run wild! Just remember, if you've got 200 guests, you'll need 200 of whatever you decide on.
Stylist / Planner: Loli Events | Floral Designer: Jennifer Cole Florals | Photographer: Anna Gianfrate
Planner: Pamela Barefoot Events | Photography: Kati Rosado | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper
Photographer: Lindley Battle Photography
What's the best option?
It really comes down to personal choice but escort cards do offer more flexibility to cater to last minute changes in the seating arrangements if any guests aren't able to attend. Providing you have spare cards, you could move guests between tables right up until before they enter the reception space. With a table plan on the other hand, whether you create one yourself or hire a professional, it will be written up in advance of the day and therefore difficult to make changes without messing up the design.
Calligraphy: Babooche Calligraphy | Photography: Roberta Facchini Photography | Flowers: Larry Walshe | Planning: Bespoke Events London
Photography: McSween Photography | Planner: Fox Events
Stylist / Planner: Loli Events | Floral Designer: Jennifer Cole Florals | Photographer: Anna Gianfrate
How much do wedding table plans cost?
Whatever your budget, you can find a table plan to suit it. From DIY or handmade designs on Etsy to large statement designs made by professional sign-writers or printers, you can spend anywhere from $25 to $750 depending on what you are looking for. Remember to factor in any additional costs, such as hand calligraphy and flowers.
Stylist / Planner: H & L Lovely Creations | Calligrapher: Blushing Calligraphy | Photographer: Redamancy Photo Film
Photography: McSween Photography | Planner: Wren and Chick Events
How much do wedding escort cards cost?
Again, you can spend as much or as little as you like on escort cards. You can even write them yourself to keep costs to a minimum, or ask your wedding stationer if you prefer a more polished and professional look. If you decide to include trinkets or wedding favors with your escort cards, this is where costs start to add up so keep your budget and number of guests in mind.
Planner: Pamela Barefoot Events | Photography: Kati Rosado | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper
Stylist / Planner: House of Hannah | Photographer: Sophie Kaye
Stylist / Planner: Taylor Dawn | Paper goods: Lairsey Paper Co | Photographer: Jessica Gold Photography
Which one should you choose?
There's no right or wrong choice, just go with whatever feels right for your wedding style and budget. However, if keeping in mind that we're not out of the Covid pandemic yet and last minute cancellations are to be expected, escort cards give you more flexibility to deal with changes to your reception seating plans.
Stylist and planner: Jennifer Fox Weddings | Photographer: Maïlys Fortune Photography
Photography: Taylor Jordan Photography
Photography: Courtney Bowlden
