13 Ways to Make Your Escort Card Table a Design Focus

We hate to be finicky, but when it comes to wedding decor, the devil is indeed in the details. One wrong element and your entire design vision is ruined. But the opposite is also true. Take escort cards, for example. That simple piece of paper which directs your guests to their tables may seem like an insignificant detail, but you can actually turn it into a dazzling part of your wedding design and wow your guests. We turned to wedding pros for their tips on how to make escort cards shine.

From Diana Venditto, founder and creative director of Eventi Floral & Events: “Even though we kept it simple for this escort-card display, we upped the design using a vintage piece from Snyder Event Rentals and large, fabulous blooms. The cards were sitting on top of large ribbon strands made out of the same material as the cocktail linens and dinner napkins.”

From Calder Clark, owner and creative director of Calder Clark: “Use your escort-card bar as a conversation starter. Whether it’s hand-collected geodes or ready-to-pin boutonnières, guests are sure to engage over a small activity during cocktails.”

From Denise Fasanello, creative director of Denise Fasanello Flowers: “Think of your escort table as a still-life painting. Use props and items that reflect your wedding’s theme or the venue’s architecture and location.”

From Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events: “Add a unique, sophisticated vibe by having the waiters hold your escort cards in copper trays.”

From Kelly McLeskey-Dolata, owner and creative director, A Savvy Event: “Show off your fun side with a pop of color or unique design. Try a hanging installation or an unusually shaped escort card, like these butterflies, to add an element of playfulness to an otherwise stiff wedding tradition.”

From Emily Clarke, creative director, Emily Clarke Events: “The days of limited options for escort-card displays–folded cardstock on a plain entry table–are long gone. Take ideas from your location, color story, and theme to produce an inspired arrangement like this orange tree with real oranges and names inscribed on the leaves.”

From Chelsey Morrison, owner and principal event designer of Gather Together: “We love to design escort-card displays that are not only beautiful, but double as favors. Using personalized bud vases with single blooms, guests are both greeted with a stunning display and get to take home a piece of the wedding flowers. Plus, they add even more floral beauty once they’re on the dinner tables. This is an escort-card table that truly performs!”

From Jodi Moraru, owner of EVOKE: “For our foodies, we designed a beautiful pearl display of oyster shells done in hand calligraphy for their guest’s escort cards.”

From Jennifer Thye, owner, Imoni Events: “Create a beautiful display that guests can check on their way into the reception. This way they don’t have to hold onto a card while they are holding onto cocktails at cocktail hour!”

From Beth Bernstein, owner and event director, SQN Events: “Greet your guests with a glass of champagne that serves double-duty as an escort card!”

From Michelle Edgemont, creative director of Michelle Edgemont: “Use unexpected materials, like these calligraphed acrylic squares, to create a show-stopping installation that your guests will love.”

From Eatherley Schultz, owner of Floressence Flowers: “We created an 8′ x 8’ moss and succulent wall that was used as a ceremony backdrop, escort-card setting, and a photo-booth backdrop. As the wall was costly, it served many purposes for the couple’s succession of events.”