The Escort card selection is so important and often overlooked until close to the wedding. When should you start this process? Select the cards when you select your invitations, then set your RSVP date one month prior to the wedding. Once the responses are in, plan your seating chart and place the order.  My first tip is to work with a competent stationary company. This way, when a guest asks last minute to bring their new boyfriend, you are delegating and not stressing.  

Almost every couple experiences at least one major change to the seating arrangement weeks if not days before the wedding.  We like  Carlson Craft for all of our stationary needs but there are many reputable companies out there to help. 

horizontal wine cork escort card

Tip #2: When using wine corks or other escort card stands, make sure the cards are at an approximate 45 degree's in angle.  There is nothing worse than to have your guests bending down to find their escort card and the photos will be better.

vertical wine cork escort card

grey satin with embellishment

Tip #3: The guests name should mimic the outer invitation envelope for a semi formal, black tie or white tie wedding reception.

Tip 4: Use your wedding colors. If your escort card table has a neutral colored linen, pop your color to enhance the photographic prospective.






Tip 5: Plan decor for the escort card table. Consider re-purposing a floral from your reception or ceremony to the table to save.  This only works if you have someone to discretely move the piece for you.  Our coordinators at the Commons 1854 do this with pleasure.

cheery blossoms and muted grey and silver tones

Tip 6: Show your personality.  This digital seating chart is what I used for my wedding.  My husband has a background in computer engineering so we had a "tech" element to our reception.  At first I was reluctant. HOWEVER, when the changes needed to be made, my amazing wedding planner Holly from  In the Pink Ink was there to take care of it digitally!!!

think out of the box

unique escort cards can indicate the precise meal selection

Tip #7: Be unique and incorporate your meal selections for each respective guest.  This starts with the wedding invitations.  Be sure to promote the meal selection indication for the exact guests. Your stationary vendor can help with this and your caterer will provide a better service in doing so.




Tip #8: Hire a calligrapher. A formal wedding lend itself perfectly to traditional calligraphy. DIY calligraphy is stressful for the couple so be leary.  The personal touch achieved with wedding calligraphy is an element that that will impress all generations.

Tip #9: Consider the linens.  This delicate neutral pattern was daring and yet softly balanced the ivory silk damask linens. Sometimes, taking a chance on contrasting patterns pays off. The real tip here is "sometimes" so try the juxtaposition at home or at your venue to ensure it will be pleasing to the eye.

blue love birds and navy pintuck linens

Tip #10: Show your love. You two love birds will be joined at the hip for your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception and the rest of your lives. Like you, these love birds add an extra smile to your guests face on your wedding day!







Remember, be yourself when your planning!  You have only one day, one love and one happily ever after! Enjoy!!!!!!
blog by Johanna Esposito PWP®