Seating chart AND escort cards?

Following ... we initially were going to assign tables but let guests choose their own seat at the table (so no escort cards) but we are having plated meals as well - guess I had better check with my caterer!!

I'm having both place cards and escort cards since our caterer needs to know where each entree goes.

We are only assigning tables. Staff will take orders after everyone is seated.

I plan to have a table when my guests walk in with all of the escort cards and the meal choice on each. My guests will be assigned to a specific table but I don't think I will assign actual seats at the table.

We're just assigning tables to people. We're having plated and our caterer told us we could put a little sticker on people's place cards so the wait staff knows who gets what (we're printing hearts in our wedding colors on the front and back - each entrée is a different color). We're also including a sign next to the place cards that says "Find your name! Then place your card at your seat so you can eat!" to make sure people bring their card with them...

I'm assuming you mean a seating poster on display? It's kind of redundant to have both a poster and escort cards. They function in the same way. You could do both if you really want to, but it isn't necessary.

I think you can have both without it being overkill

I have seen were the escord cards have a little leave or flower . Green flower for chicken, blue flower for beef? Does that makes sense?

If you really want to do a seating chart you could do place cards to indicate meal choice. The place cards would already be at the table they're assigned and would assign them a seat. Both escort cards and a seating chart would be a little silly since they tell guests the exact same thing.

Leslie's idea is really good! If I was having a plated dinner, I'd probably do that.

I'd talk to your caterer about this. Most likely this isn't their first rodeo and they'll know what to do.

We had a seating chart (organized by table) and then individual place cards. Our guests had a menu to order from that was at each place setting, but for us it cleared up any confusion about where at each table everyone would sit. Here is a photo of the seating chart I made and the table numers.

Below is the photo of the individual place cards at each table setting we used.

Ok so is there a way to have place cards set out on the table but still say that they can sit in any seat? I just am trying not to be a seat nazi

ETA: @brooklynbride I loved all of your diy's so much-definitely copying your envelope guestbook and wishing for your flowers -I'll give you credit in the BAM though : )

If you want to assign tables only and have the place cards on their respective tables, you can have the place cards set in the middle of the table and guests can set them in front of their seats when they get there?

Bumping for those that don't check forums on the weekends : )

Escort cards tell people what table to sit at and can include a designator for meal choice. Place cards tell people which seat they need to sit at. A seating chart is used in place of escort cards when you don't need to tell staff what meal belongs to which person. If the staff needs you to designate meal choice, skip the seating chart, create escort cards and don't bother with the place cards. For ideas on how to let staff know what meal belongs to which person, google escort card meal choices. Just make sure whatever you choose, it is large enough/distinctive enough to be seen by staff in dim lighting.

We are having a small wedding of less than 50 people with a plated meal. So we are keeping it simple and a maybe a bit different-please chime in if you think this is a bad idea or have other suggestions.

We will have a seating chart upon entry with no escort cards. Then at each seat we will have a menu card customized for each guest-doing double duty as place cards. If they rsvp'd beef, then their menu card will be on the table with their name and the beef course description only. I have been to plated weddings where I honestly couldn't remember which course I chose on the rsvp card and would have appreciated the reminder. I am hoping this serves as a reminder to our guests of what meal they selected weeks before while providing waitstaff with guidance.

Our caterer approved this method as we wanted to make sure it worked for service staff. I think you should talk to your caterer and ask for suggestions. I think the number of guests definitely plays into what would be the most efficient for you, your guests, and above all your servers.

I'm doing both and I don't think it's too much. Normal in plenty of weddings. It's difficult to coordinate plated meals properly without that. Then you would have to rely on your guests to display their card when they sit.