If you’re planning to invite a fair number of guests to your wedding, you’re going to need to decide not only where everyone should sit, but how you should go about it.

There are two different options to consider.

The Escort Card

Cost: From as little as $1

These are individual cards that include a guest’s name as well as which table they should be seated at. You can also design and display these cards any way you want. Add basic tented cards to a table at the entrance of your reception hall or get creative and hang your escort cards from a display. You can even combine them with welcome drinks or your wedding favors if you’re going to have any – the options are endless. 

Just remember that you will need one card for each guest you want to invite, which can affect the final cost, depending on the design and display option you choose. 

The Table Plan

Cost: From around $25

This is one list that includes table numbers and the guests allocated to each table. A wedding table plan is also housed at the entrance of your reception venue. This seating plan can be as simple or elaborate as you want – it all depends on how unique you want it to be and how much you are willing to spend. Again, there are a number of great design ideas for table plans. 

You can also take it one step further and add name cards to each seat at every table, telling guests where you would prefer them to sit. 

What to Choose

If you suspect that there will be some guest changes closer to your wedding day, escort cards make more sense because they’re more flexible. Other than flexibility, your budget is the only other factor to consider when choosing between these two options!