1. Often confused with placecards, escort cards indicate guests’ table assignments. Placecards are found on the actual dining tables, and tell guests precisely where to sit. There’s no table assignment needed on a placecard since the card is already placed at the guest’s seat.

2. Often called table assignment cards. Use the term you like!

3. For couples (whether married or not), one escort card is appropriate since they’re sitting at the same table.

4. Arrange the cards alphabetically by last name. Position them near the entrance to the cocktail hour venue (but not right next to the door). A good place is in the center of the room, where guests can approach from all sides.

5. Use appropriate titles such as “Mr. James Miller” or “Dr. Linda Ross” at formal weddings; for casual weddings, go with first and last names only (“James Miller”).

6. When ordering escort cards, be sure to indicate the style you’ll need. Will the cards need to stand on their own (tent style) or will they be placed in some type of holder (in which case, you may just need a single panel card).

You may have heard these terms before and have no idea what they mean. Really, the only time you really hear these phrases is when you’re planning a wedding, so you’re not expected to actually know what they mean. Here’s a little glossary of some words that you may not know the meanings of:

At Home Cards: These are small cards giving the newlywed’s address after the marriage. They are sometimes included with the invitation or announcements or provided at the reception. They can also be included with the thank you note.

Within the ribbon cards: aka Pew cards. If you would like to be sure certain people are seated near the front, you may use a ribbon on the pew or seats to indicate reserved seating. If the ushers won’t know who’s seated in that area, you may enclose with your wedding invitations small cards with the words “Within the ribbon” which the guest will present to the ushers.

Kalogram: A type of monogram in which the entire name is used rather than the initials. (See example below).

Escort Cards: place cards

Here’s an example of a Kalogram: