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Kate is a senior editor covering home, registry, and wedding décor. She has been with Brides since 2015.
It's the little things that tie a cohesive wedding design scheme together, and there's no better example than escort or place cards. They both serve a very functional purpose (after all, guests need to know where to sit), while also providing a beautiful decor moment that really plays off the overall theme or vibe of your big day.
When deciding on what wedding place cards are right for your reception, look for options that match well with your wedding venue and menu. For example, if you have an outside wedding, you need something that will stand up to the elements rather than traditional paper cards. Meanwhile, the font and color scheme should match or compliment your wedding menu since they will likely be placed next to each other on the table. Also, consider the overall aesthetic and setting to efficiently narrow down your options.
“If you are outside and the threat of wind and rain could arise, then doing a really creative board, whether printed on foam core or something more custom on plexiglass with calligraphy, would be better than individual cards," says Sarah Miller, an event director with Paulette Wolf Events.
To help you find the perfect place cards for your wedding, we researched various options with these features in mind. For unique, stand-out style, we love the ZCreativeGiftsStudio Laser Cut Wedding Place Cards. Looking for a classic and chic design? You can't go wrong with the BrownFoxCreative Wedding Escort Cards With Wax Seal and the CalligraphyByDeanna Calligraphy Place Cards.
While the two terms are interchangeable, there is a difference between escort cards and place cards. Escort cards tell people which table they will be sitting at, whereas place cards indicate where specifically they should sit at the table. These days, most couples choose to forgo assigned seats, but place cards are sometimes used for formal or black-tie affairs.
Read on for the best wedding place cards.
Few things are more classic than hand-calligraphed place cards. Case in point: These sophisticated ones are basically begging to be used at a black-tie wedding. Still, you can keep the overall look fresh and modern by choosing from either tented or flat cards, 12 different font styles, 30 paper colors, and eight different ink shades. If you had guests pre-select their entree, you can also add a meal sticker in the bottom corner of the card. They're cut from durable, high-quality cardstock, but we'd still recommend using them for indoor weddings or outdoor weddings that have a covering over the dining area.
Price at time of publish: $2
Place cards can in fact be both pretty and practical, and these are proof. The personalized, ring-shaped napkin holders come in a variety of finishes—three different wood options and four metallic/mirrored options—to pair with various wedding themes and color palettes. The shop also offers custom orders if you want something specific. Since they're crafted from wood or durable plastic, they're ideal for indoor and outdoor weddings. You could also order a set for your home since they would look great on a holiday table, too.
Price at time of publish: $3
Another beautiful choice that pulls double-duty as both a place card and place setting, these smooth stones are topped with hand-painted calligraphy in your choice of gold, copper, rose gold, or silver ink. They’re also ideal for anyone who doesn’t want everything to be so matchy-matchy since the stones vary in size and color because of the natural variation. We imagine these for a tranquil outdoor garden wedding. We also love that they're a great sustainable pick and can be used as a keepsake for your guests to take home after the wedding.
Price at time of publish: $3
A greenery illustration coupled with simple black fonts makes this an option that works with almost any style or decor aesthetic. They come in a digital download, making these great for couples on a budget. And since you're printing them on your own, it's incredibly easy to make any last-minute changes should they pop up. They work great for indoor weddings or outdoor weddings with a covering to deter any weather mishaps.
Price at time of publish: $4
Hand-torn edges plus a wax seal make for the perfect combination of elegance and romance in these escort cards–they remind us of something straight out of a Jane Austen novel. You get up to three rounds of digital proofs before they’re printed, and once the final product comes, you put the wax seal on yourself. You can also hole punch the cards and add a delicate ribbon for an extra special effect. Designed with navy font, this is great for those who have a blue wedding color scheme. Since they're paper, they're ideal for indoor weddings or outdoor weddings with a cover.
Price at time of publish: $4
Is there anything more glamorous than the gold tassel on these stunning place cards? We think not. Choose from a black or white circular card, accented by this glam touch. If you don’t love gold, there are also black, pink, and burgundy options to choose from, as well as two different thicknesses of the tassel. We see these as an ideal option for those going after a Great Gatsby-type vibe. They're printed on high-quality, heavy cardstock, so they're durable enough to last the entire night—although since it is on paper, we do recommend them for indoor weddings.
Price at time of publish: $4
Simple and fun, this digital download works for either flat or folded styles. They feature a rustic, hand-painted lemon and greenery design, which complements the black script font. You can also add meal icons if you so choose. You can fully customize the font color and style to your liking and print them as many times as you need on your choice of paper. We imagine these at a simple backyard or barn wedding in the spring.
Price at time of publish: $6
If you have a sleek, modern, and minimalist wedding theme, look no further than these rectangular place cards. They come in a digital download, so you can choose what paper to print them on, and they have easy-cut lines to cut them out. Their streamlined shape adds dimension when laid across any type of table setting. You can also purchase a matching menu from the same Etsy shop. In terms of customization, you have the option of tweaking the font, font color, and background color to match your wedding color scheme. Overall, these are a great choice for an indoor wedding.
Price at time of publish: $8
When life hands you lemons, make these fun place cards. While you’ll need to provide the lemons (or another fruit of choice) and pin, these small place cards are the perfect accent. You can choose your card stock color (we say go with green to accentuate a natural leaf effect), font style, and ink shade. Just one look at these and we’re instantly transported to the Amalfi Coast—an ideal pick for an Italian-inspired wedding.
Price at time of publish: $16 for 20 blank
These laser-cut, wooden place cards double as a personalized keepsake for each guest. You can choose from eight different fonts and 18 different colors, so there’s something to go with any type of wedding decor and menu theme. But if you can't find a color that matches your wedding color palette, you can order the unpainted wood option and paint them yourself. They look beautiful laid out on top of a napkin at each place setting and are durable enough to withstand indoor and outdoor weddings.
Price at time of publish: $1
Magnolia leaves are the epitome of Southern charm, so we love these cards for any type of Southern nuptials or for couples looking to bring some more organic or earthy elements into their big day. The sturdy, deep green leaves are hand-painted with your guests’ names in either white or gold and can last up to three weeks if they’re stored properly and refrigerated. Not to mention, this is a great sustainable choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact.
Price at time of publish: $3
Modern and glam, these acrylic place cards can be hand-painted with your choice of the background color (painted on in an abstract-style swoop) or left blank and finished with your preferred text font and color. They can easily go from more abstract to full-on dramatic, and their sturdy weight ensures you never have to worry about them getting blown away in the wind. You also have the option of adding just your guests' names, their names and meal choice, names and table number, or names, meal choice, and table number on the card.
Price at time of publish: $3
These escort cards are a great way to add a subtle touch of color without it being too in your face. A painterly, almost marble background is available in eight subdued hues accented by crisp white text. Choose from flat or folded and three different paper stocks, including a pearlescent option that adds a beautiful sheen and a recyclable paper choice. You can also add on matching accessories, including menus and more. We recommend using these for an indoor wedding to avoid them being ruined or lost by the weather.
Price at time of publish: $13 for set of 5
If you have a black-and-white wedding, try these abstract escort cards from Minted. They add an artistic and fun touch and are available in folded or flat card options. If you aren't partial to black and white, you can choose from several other color schemes, including cabernet, coral, and more. They are available in three different paper stocks and have matching accessories like menus and place cards to go with them. Use them for a modern indoor wedding.
Price at time of publish: $13 for set of 5
These delicate cards are an excellent finishing touch to a floral-filled table. Available in classic green along with a range of other muted hues, they're ideal for an indoor or covered outdoor garden party reception. You can choose between flat and folded cards and three different paper types, and you can add on matching menu cards, wedding table numbers, and wedding programs for a fully cohesive look.
Price at time of publish: $13 for set of 5
These sleek black and white cards are an excellent choice for a minimalist indoor wedding. They're utterly timeless and easily adaptable to work with any decor scheme. You can choose from six different paper stocks and can add on envelopes for an additional cost. Make sure you or your spouse have good handwriting if you go with this pick since it’s on you to write in the names and table numbers.
Price at time of publish: $14
Sarah Miller is an Event Director with Paulette Wolf Events in Chicago. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Miller works with both the corporate division and high-end social division, producing a wide array of events, weddings included.
This holds true if you need to consider the weather, says Miller. “If you are outside and the threat of wind and rain could arise then doing a really creative board, whether printed on foam core or something more custom on plexiglass with calligraphy would be better than individual cards."
Considering your setting also helps you determine the aesthetic or theme of your place cards. Throwing an elegant black-tie affair? Opt for a classic black-and-white option with a calligraphy font, such as the CalligraphyByDeanna Calligraphy Place Cards. If you're hosting a garden wedding, get creative with natural and durable elements to add a unique pop to each table. We love the Papercasestudio Fresh Magnolia Leaf Place Card.
Ideally, you want the font to match, or at least be cohesive with the menu and program, says Miller, particularly if you are going with place cards that will be placed on the table right near the menu. Coordinating the styles will help create a cohesive feel and look for your reception.
While the two terms are used interchangeably, place cards are used to indicate exactly where at the table a guest should sit, whereas escort cards simply tell them which table they’re sitting at. Many couples choose to go the more casual route, allowing guests to choose any seat at their assigned table, but specific place cards are great for an extra personal touch or for more formal affairs.
“Keep in mind that there are lots of trends and you can really get as trendy or as classic as you want,” says Miller. If you want to use them as a decor element, one idea is to get a flower wall that matches your decor and pin the cards to the wall as a focal piece, she suggests.
Wax seals are always fun, as is laser cutting, she adds. And if you want to really up the ante, you can have an origami artist create a custom origami design for each person featuring their table information, she adds.
Notoriously one of the more taxing pre-wedding tasks, start by organizing your guests by groups: family, friends, and co-workers, advises Miller. “Try to seat those individuals together, and ask your parents for help seating family members and their guests,” she says.
It's also important to keep the layout of the venue in mind so that you’re not placing older guests right by the band or DJ, where it’s going to be very loud, she adds. Finally, it's important for family members, such as grandparents, to be seated close to your or your parents, Miller says.
Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s also a bride-to-be, currently in the process of choosing escort cards for her own upcoming wedding.
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