Escort Board vs. Place Cards

How many guests are you anticipating? If it's a small wedding then I think a board would be ok. If it's over 100 then I would recommend escort cards to assign tables. Or do want to use place cards and assign specific seats?

Our guest list is 193. That does include all of the plus 1's however. We are anticipating about 125-150 but we may end up pleasantly surprised. I have never heard of escort cards. We are not assigning specific seats since we are doing a buffet, but we will be assigning tables to make it easier on everyone.

Escort cards are what you grab at an escort card table (usually right by the entrance where the guest book is) and it tells you what table you are at. Then you sit where ever you want at the table. Place cards at on the dining table and assign everyone a specific seat. If you really want to do a board then do it before the cocktail hour or during so guests have an hour to look. Dont place it right by the reception/dinner room after cocktail hour. You will have a long line with everyone looking for their table at the same time. I hope this makes sense.

I like the board better when i went to my uncle's wedding they had one hugh board with names for the tables and people sat where they wanted but were assigned tables i loved it when i saw it and it flowed so much better than little place cards all over

Personally i like the board idea - but if you have menu choices it might be easier for your waitstaff if you have cards (the card indicates meal choice usually)

We are doing a buffet, so menu choices isn't an issue. I personally like the board better too I am just worried it will cause a traffic jam with that many guests, or people will have trouble reading it. I am not sure how large the font can get for these. Any one have examples of what they did, or are doing?

My uncle have a hugh poster in calligraphy alphabetical order with your name by the table it flowed really well from a guest stand point

Alphabetical order with your table number

I had 180 at our wedding and did the board.

As long as the cocktail hour is in the same room, everyone should have enough time to find their name (it is alphabetical) and their table before dinner starts.

I still have a template if you PM me your email.

Designed in word, printed at kinkos, glued on foam board. Cost less than $6 and in the trash at the end of the night. You could print 2 if you like on either side of the door.

Hummm.... I was considering this too. Hayley what did you use to display it? I also really like the chalkboard idea, any tips?

PS- Sorry Kristen don't mean to steal your post, just need advice in the same topic

It was just black foam board (.50 I think) and a glue stick to attach the paper. (free - used the one at Kinkos on their craft table)

And the venue had free easels that we could use. I'm sure your venue has some too.

Some people will buy a nice big fancy frame to put it in, and then use the frame after the wedding to hold a photo of the wedding.

@Tach...steal away I am looking for some ideas!

We did a seating chart on the old window. this is ours. it wasn't the cheapest option but i was in love with it and couldn't get it out of my head so we splurged.

Hayley

Can you email me your template? This may work for us! I'll PM you my email.

We are doing the folded business cards, and just typing them up on the printer and feeding them through. The hall will have a table set up that when the guest walk in all the name cards will be in alphabetical order, and the guest just has to locate there card to know which table they are at. My hostess at the hall will have a master list just in case someone can not locate there card. I ordered the cards just plain with only the design on them from VP

We are doing an oversized handmade chalkboard. Names will be on the seating chart as well as name place cards on the tables.

Mrs. Fornasty ~ those business cards turned out beautiful!!!!!

@RWC I love that look. I might have to look around and see what I can find. Did you have the writing etched on?

I'm torn myself. I like the look of the printed board, but I'm worried about last minute changes to the tables (guests canceling, etc). Wouldn't it be easier to alter the cards? Or am I over thinking this?

I've been to weddings with both and they were all easy to access and read.

I had planned on the board too. I was going to pick up a massive frame at the thrift store. But, I found 100 bud vases at $0.25 a piec instead. I think the board is best vs escort cards, also one less stress element on the day of (alphabetzing/blowing away)