A meticulously planned wedding day is like a magnificent symphony, where every element harmoniously comes together, creating a beautiful and awe-inspiring experience for all in attendance.
If you’ve painstakingly crafted a seating chart for your reception dinner, then escort cards take center stage as a crucial piece of this intricate puzzle. Escort cards serve as the guiding stars, leading wedding guests to their designated tables. At that point, they might discover a place card bearing their name or be free to choose their preferred seat. Like other significant wedding details, escort card displays offer a delightful opportunity to infuse your event’s theme.
In the realm of wedding design, your escort card display must blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. Embrace creativity and fun, as the interactive nature of an escort card display adds an enjoyable dimension to the guest experience.
The possibilities for creating an imaginative escort card display are virtually limitless. Anything that can be personalized with a name can serve as an escort card. You can even forego the traditional ‘card’ concept and opt for a more intriguing, tangible item that doubles as a keepsake. We strongly recommend seeking expert assistance during both the planning phase and the day-of execution, as this task may require several hours and some engineering expertise to ensure it’s set up safely and securely.
Your escort card display is one of the most prominent elements that will greet your guests at the reception, making a striking statement. So, consider what excites you the most – whether it’s travel or outer space – and incorporate it in the most captivating way. Below, discover 27 curious escort card ideas to kickstart your wedding planning journey if you are obsessed with…
Cooking
Gwynne, the bride, added a personal touch by sharing her family’s cherished hot fudge sauce recipe. To create a delightful and memorable experience for their guests, a plaid “secret sauce” backdrop was custom-designed, adorned with florals and pomegranates, and individual jars of this delectable fudge were calligraphed with the guests’ names, serving as unique escort cards. It was a heartwarming way to pay tribute to her beloved mother and a fantastic idea for couples looking to incorporate their own or family recipes into their wedding.
Photo: Dear Lovers, Design & Styling: Amorology, Florals: Nectar & Bloom
On the other hand, Katie and Alex infused their love for cooking into their wedding by sharing their family recipes with their guests. As a thoughtful gesture, they provided sweet personalized spoons, allowing guests to recreate these cherished dishes at home. It’s a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your celebration while sharing something special with your loved ones.
Photo: Rebecca Yale, Planning & Design: Amorology, Florals: Posey Pop, Backdrops: Back Up Backdrops
Soccer
Tallia and Matt, avid Liverpool Football fans, share a unique passion for the sport. It’s no wonder that their vibrant garden wedding drew inspiration from their love for soccer. Amorology, the couple’s wedding planners, had a blast infusing their celebration with playful references to the game. The custom soccer ball escort wall adorned with calligraphy and florals added a personalized touch to the event, making every detail resonate with their beautiful love story.
Photo: Sposto Photography, Planning & Design: Amorology, Florals: Nectar & Bloom, Backdrops: Back Up Backdrops, Calligraphy: Four Things Paper
Candles
Upon entering the reception, Darby and Hinge’s guests were met with a beautiful arrangement of custom-calligraphed candles, each thoughtfully assigned to a table. Darby shared her inspiration, citing the scripture about God being ‘a light for my path,’ which was the guiding light for these enchanting escort candles.
Photo: Rebecca Yale, Design & Styling: Amorology, Florals: Native Poppy, Backdrops: Back Up Backdrops, Calligraphy: Cecile’s Paper Co.
‘Star Wars’
Find your space! When Jordan and Taylor first approached their wedding planners with their shared passion for Star Wars and a desire to weave it into their special day, the Amorology team eagerly accepted the challenge. They artfully and gracefully incorporated the couple’s love for the cosmos and nature, resulting in an elegant wedding that was bursting with vibrant colors.
Design & Styling: Amorology, Florals: Native Poppy, Backdrops: Back Up Backdrops, Calligraphy: Four Things Paper
Hotel Aesthetics
The crown molding, the wallpaper, the wainscoting, and the custom gold keys were passed out to each guest by bellhops so they could find their seats during this wedding. These charming elements added an extra layer of sophistication to the event. Furthermore, the exquisite floral print, featuring soft green and blue hues, seamlessly blended with the natural beauty of Viansa Winery, enhancing the overall ambiance of the wedding.
Photo: Amanda Crean, Planning & Design: Jenn Robirds Events, Seating Walls & Keys: Shimmer & Stain
Ice Cream
It is one of the sweetest seating charts we’ve come across! Dive into delightful childhood memories by incorporating sugar cones, iridescent pearl-beaded cones, cookies, or candy-filled glass jars. These sweet treats evoke a sense of nostalgia, much like those cherished moments when you’d reach for a sugary delight, seeking a portion of joy. In this case, they guide you to your place on this beautiful celebration.
Photo: Scott & Dana Photographers, Coordination & Design: Kristina Elyse, Signage: Shimmer & Stain
Safari
Embark on a wild adventure! This wedding whisked guests away on a safari-themed journey, from the seating chart crafted from hand-carved wooden animals to the lush greenery. Stylish animal figurines adorned with white scarves resembled genuine works of art that guests wanted to cherish as mementos of their loved ones’ magical day. Additionally, consider the versatility of your display – this one was repurposed to serve late-night bites, showcasing its multi-functionality.
Photo: Michelle Behre, Alex Schon, Planner: House of Catherine
NBA
NBA Detroit Pistons player Kelly Olynyk tied the knot with his dream girl, Jackie, in a stunning wedding awash with sunset hues at Sunstone Villa, a French-inspired winery in California. The couple aimed to host an unforgettable celebration. As the newlyweds entered, they were welcomed by bridesmaids holding cheer poms, while basketball nets and balls adorned with delicate greenery adorned the vibrant green escort card display.
Photo: Sposto Photography, Planner: Weddings by Susan Duane, Lettering: Love This Way
Gucci
If one in your couple is obsessed with a particular fashion brand, collaborate with your wedding planner to brainstorm how you can tastefully integrate the brand’s aesthetics, colors, or logo. Get creative! We were particularly captivated by the use of gradients in arranging the seating cards.
Photo: Rachel Artime Photo, Planner: Wild Heart Events
Sipping Champagne
One of our favorite methods for guiding our beloved guests to their respective tables incorporates something that may add to the celebratory mood as the wedding unfolds: alcohol. And, of course, there’s one particular celebratory beverage that’s absolutely synonymous with weddings – a flute of Champagne. If you plan to have a Champagne toast as your guests enter the reception, consider setting up a table adorned with Champagne flutes, each filled with a perfect pour and a straightforward acrylic stirrer bearing their seating information.
Right: Photo: Iann Ivy, Planner: About Us Events, Floral: Vo Floral Design, Escort Display: Shimmer & Stain
Vynil Record
Couples often share a deep bond through their love for music. Music can be a powerful connection, whether it’s a specific music genre, the warm sound of vinyl records, a favorite artist from their teenage years, or a memorable encounter at a concert. A fantastic way to convey this passion and make it evident to all is by using vinyl records to create an extraordinary seating chart display.
Photo: Jodee Debes, Planner: E Events Co, Florals: Seascape Flowers, Escort Display: Summer & Sage
Tarot
She’s so Lucky. She’s a star and… it’s all in the cards. Using tarot cards as escort cards created one of the most unique and creative experiences for the guests at this wedding. The bride and groom would regularly have their cards read, so this was simply a must-do for them.
Photo: Abby Jiu, Planner: Grit & Grace, Production: Cantiero Bodas
Fresh Flowers
A perfect extension of the overall floral decor and a means to express a couple’s affection for specific colors or their symbolic meanings is by incorporating them into the escort card display. Opt for buds to maintain a neat and organized appearance.
Photo: Stephanie Lynn, Planner: So Eventful, Florals: Jacqueline Ching, Escort Display: Shimmer & Stain
Herbarium
If you’re a fan of sustainability and giving items a longer life, consider using dried plants for your seating cards. This approach has a more minimalist aesthetic, allowing you to create a distinct floral section at your wedding. You can utilize various plant components in varying shades to add a personalized touch to your guest seating arrangements.
Photo: James Moes, Planner: Laurel & Rose, Florals: FlorKlor, Paper Goods: Lotus & Ash
Climbing
Incorporating climbing hooks and a stunning artistic mountain print into your escort card display is a beautiful way to showcase your love for climbing. Add a romantic touch to your display by including a phrase on the wall that provides additional context, such as how this hobby marked the start of your beautiful journey together.
Photo: Mariel Hannah, Planner: Sikora Events, Escort Display: Shimmer & Stain
Reading
Brooke and CJ’s wedding love story was one for the books, so they decided to base their escort display on a library shelves theme. The books featured autumnal hues – burgundy, orange, and beige – and the display was beautifully embellished with elegant blooms, lush floral arrangements, and white candles.
Photo: Juliana Aragon, Planner: Jenn Robirds Events, Signage & Place Cards: Shimmer & Stain
Traveling
One of the wonderful ways to spend time with your partner and bond even more is to travel together. If you love to do it together, put new flags on Google maps, consider using the globes on your display as an entourage. Different sizes, colors, designs will add a note of style, emphasizing that none of your trips is like another – each one is special in its own way.
Photo: Madison Lauren, Planner: Jenn Robirds Events, Signage: Shimmer & Stain
Forest
If you find solace and inspiration in the tranquility of lush forests and strolls among timeless trees, then a woodland-themed wedding might be perfect for you. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by majestic evergreen trees. To add a unique touch to your wedding, set up your escort card display amidst the natural beauty of a wooded area. Create an enchanting scene by incorporating tree figurines of varying heights and shades, and even consider placing a wooden bridge nearby. Embrace a color palette inspired by nature, featuring shades of green, brown, and white.
At the second wedding, guests were welcomed by a customized stained wooden shadowbox display. It featured clear etched acrylic and leather escort cards, elegantly secured with brass rivets and magnetic strips. This thoughtful presentation perfectly blended rustic charm with modern sophistication, setting the tone for a magical celebration in the heart of the forest.
Left: Photo: The Posh Posey, Planner: Jenn Robirds Events, Escort Display: Shimmer & Stain
Right: Photo: Joel Villa-Serrato, Planner: Laurie Arons, Escort Display: Yonder Design
Garden Aesthetics
The wedding had a summer Farmers Market Saturday vibe, and a well-placed trellis wall was stocked with local Virginia delicacies like apples, honey, peanuts, and Pippin Hill Farm wine. It provided a delightful treat for guests as they picked up their escort cards.
Photo: Abby Jiu, Planner: Grit & Grace
Family Heritage
The groom’s grandmother was an artist, so the dedicated planner transformed her beautiful artwork into an art gallery wall for the couple’s client’s escort display! The colors from the paintings were echoed in the color scheme of the floral arrangements at the bottom of the display and on the tables, as well as in the decor above the reception tables. This created a cohesive, colorful atmosphere with a touch of family heritage.
Photo: Sophiae Lin Berard, Planner: Wild Heart Events, Paper: Maison Blanche
Plaid Blankets & Cosiness
Autumn is one of our favorite seasons for design and decor. This Blackberry Farm wedding embraced a romantic, late-fall ambiance. It’s a time to wrap yourself in warm plaid blankets, savor hot tea or cocoa with marshmallows, and find comfort in each other’s arms.
Photo: Jose Villa, Planner: Easton Events
Western Aesthetics
Anticipating the first couple’s upcoming move out west, they celebrated with copper cocktails, great company, cow prints, and cows sporting bandanas as their guiding symbols.
Photo: Perry Vaile, Planner: Grit & Grace
The second couple drew inspiration from the Wild West. They requested a massive wanted poster display featuring vintage sepia and black-and-white photographs of famous outlaws, cowboys, and cowgirls from that era. The planner and the couple assigned a specific outlaw to each of the 23 reception tables. Each card displayed guests’ names on the front and, on the back, along with the table number, featured a mini-biography and a list of fun facts about their table’s outlaw. It’s not just about practical stationery; it can also be interactive and, in this case, even educational.
Photo: Brogen Jessup, Planner: Bash, Escort Card Display Design: Summit & Sage
Spring & Birds
If you or your partner have a special connection to spring, whether it’s your birth season, when you first met, or when you both feel rejuvenated, pay homage to it! Consider using a birdcage escort card display adorned with budding branches and delicate birds. You can even play birdsong in the background to immerse your guests in a delightful springtime atmosphere.
Photo: Megan Kay Photography, Planner: Tara Guerard, Custom Bird Picks Design: Lettered Olive
Music
Another fantastic way to celebrate a couple’s shared love for music is by featuring musical instruments. In a beautiful fusion of their passions, the bride is a guitarist, and the groom is a cellist. Their planner orchestrated an exceptional escort display featuring miniature instruments adorned with calligraphed names. It lets guests join in and play along as they find their tables.
Left: Photo: Diane Sotero, Design & Styling: Amorology, Backdrops: Back Up Backdrops, Grey & Cake
Right: Photo: Barb Simkova, Planner: The Eventeur, Signage: Aralia
Disco
Add a touch of glamour to your display by incorporating mirrored disco balls and vibrant flower arrangements that infuse some color into the seating process. Create an atmosphere of festive excitement that gets your guests into the carnival mood!
Photo: Mike Cassimatis, Planner: Kate & Company
Butterflies
“For the rest of both our lives
You give me butterflies
And I keep on getting
Butterflies”
– Ali Gatie and Max Schneide
Discuss the butterflies in your stomach and the tremulous feelings your partner evokes within you through this display design, and your guests will instantly grasp the depth of your connection, becoming even more enchanted by your magical love story.
Photo: Meraki Weddings, Planner: Amy Abbott Events, Sitting Chart Butterflies: Sofia Orozco, Stationery: Bells & Whistles
Art
Matthew Oliver, a wedding planner, reminds us that escort cards are deceptively tricky. While they can be creative and enjoyable for guests, they often become a logistical challenge for planners, resulting in a hectic scramble on the big day to set them up, hang them, and assist guests in locating them. There’s a lot of effort that goes into them behind the scenes. So, this talented team devised a fantastic solution: they had a painting of each guest created, allowing guests to find themselves easily, and the paintings served as lovely keepsakes for their loved ones. Painting all of these frames is a truly imaginative and brilliant idea!
Photo: Sanshine, Monika Frias, Planner: Matthew Oliver Weddings, Flowers: Amie Bone, Paintings: Hand Crafted Mirrors
