Escort cards vs place cards
Escort cards tell a guest which table they're at. They're usually laid out alphabetically near the entrance. Place cards sit on the table and mark a guest's exact seat.
Which do you need?
- Assigned tables, free seating at the table: escort cards (or a seating chart sign) only.
- Assigned seats: escort cards or a chart to find the table, plus place cards at each seat.
- Plated meal with choices: caterers often want assigned seats so they know who ordered what – ask yours.
What goes on an escort card
The guest's name as they'd recognise it, and the table name or number. Couples can share one card. Keep it legible from a step away.
Seating chart sign instead?
A single large chart (by table, or A–Z with table numbers) does the same job as escort cards with less printing. A–Z is faster for guests to scan.