Escort Cards. What are they, really? I get asked this question all the time. An Escort Card is what some call the casual cousin to the Place Card. A Place Card will direct to your table and your exact seat at a wedding. An Escort Card will direct you to your table where you are free to choose your own seat.

Another question I get all the time, "Won't it be fun to let guests sit where ever they want?" In a very short answer, NO. That is usually not a great idea for so many reasons. I know it seems fun and it allows your guests to feel like they are at your home for a fun casual evening but none of that is true. Your guests will feel a bit lost when no table is suggested for them. Some tables will end up with one, two or several seats never used. You will need extra tables, linens and centerpieces because the tables will not fill up like they will when you assign them a table. Plus, in my opinion it makes the caterers job much harder. Now, if you truly are having a backyard barbecue or a wedding with only 20 guests, go for it. But for a larger wedding, assigned tables is always the way to go.

One of my favorite areas to design is the Escort Card displays. It's a way to bring the different elements and special touches together for the day. Here are a few of the different displays we have done over the years.

Your newest Vermont Wedding Planner,

Randi

A simple room divider transformed into a fab Escort Card display.

Birch, succulents, glitter and lavender were some of the brides favorite's things.

A simple vase full of flowers completes this table.