Do You Need Escort Cards at Your Wedding? Here's How to Decide Based on Meal Service Style (and Guest Experience!)

Photo Credit: Erin Hannum Photography

When planning a wedding, escort cards might seem like a small detail—but they’re actually a key player in both your catering logistics and your guest experience. Whether you're serving a plated dinner or hosting a buffet, how and when you use escort cards depends on two things: your meal service style and whether or not you’re assigning tables or seats.

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can decide what works best for your wedding day—and how to do it thoughtfully.

🍽️ First, What Are the Main Wedding Meal Service Styles?

Understanding how your caterer will serve dinner is the first step. Here's a quick breakdown of the four most common wedding meal service styles:

1. Plated / Served Dinner

Each guest is served a meal at their seat. Couples can choose one entrée for everyone or let guests pre-select their meal in advance (chicken, beef, vegetarian, etc.).

2. Buffet

Guests serve themselves from a buffet line. There’s typically a variety of dishes, and guests can choose whatever they'd like.

3. Family Style

Large platters of food are placed on each table and passed around like a dinner party at home. Everyone shares the same offerings.

4. Stations

Multiple food stations are set up around the space, often with chefs preparing items live. Guests roam, mingle, and build their own plates.

🏷️ What Is an Escort Card, Anyway?

Let’s define it clearly, because the terms can get a little confusing!

An escort card is a small card with a guest’s name and their assigned table number. It’s typically displayed on a table or board near the entrance of the reception space—guests pick up their card as they arrive and use it to find their table. It’s called an escort card because it escorts the guest to their seat.

Sometimes, instead of individual cards, couples opt for a seating chart, which lists names and table numbers in one central display—but escort cards are still commonly used for a more tactile, personal experience.

Now, here's where the terminology shifts:

If the same card is placed directly at each guest’s seat or place setting—rather than picked up at the entrance—it’s typically referred to as a name card or place card.

So what’s the difference?

• Escort Card: Picked up by the guest at a display before entering the reception. Guides them to their table.

• Name/Place Card: Found at the guest’s designated seat or plate. Helps them find their specific spot at the table.

🎯 Pro tip: These terms are often used interchangeably, and the content of the card is the same—usually guest name, and sometimes a meal indicator if needed. The main difference is where and how they’re displayed.

🎯 Assigned Seating vs. Open Seating: Why It Matters

You’ll also decide whether to assign guests to specific tables (or even exact seats)—or let them pick their own spots.

Even if your catering style doesn’t require assigned seats, assigning tables is a powerful way to welcome your guests.Think of it like inviting someone into your home and personally showing them where they belong. Escort cards or a seating chart offer that same intentional hospitality—especially in a large group where not everyone knows each other.

💡 When Are Escort Cards Needed?

Escort cards are used when guests need to find an assigned table—and sometimes, they also communicate meal choices to the catering team.

Here’s how to approach escort cards based on your meal service style:

✅ Plated Dinner with Guest Meal Selection

Escort Cards RequiredCatering must know what each guest ordered and where they’re sitting.Include: Guest name, table number, and a visible meal indicator (icon or color).

✅ Plated Dinner with One Entrée for All

Escort Cards RecommendedYou don’t need to identify meals, but assigned tables help with serving and flow.Option: Use escort cards or a seating chart.

⚠️ Buffet

Escort Cards OptionalSince guests serve themselves, you don’t need to track meals.However: Assigned tables still add structure and a warm welcome.

⚠️ Family Style

Escort Cards OptionalEveryone shares the same meal, but assigning tables helps ensure group flow.Especially helpful if you’ve grouped guests by relationship or connection.

⚠️ Stations

Escort Cards OptionalGuests roam between stations and eat casually.Still a great idea: Use escort cards to provide direction and elevate the guest experience.

❤️ Why Assigned Tables Are More Than Just Practical

Escort cards don’t just serve the catering team—they serve your guests.

Even when they aren’t strictly “necessary,” assigning tables gives each guest a sense of belonging. It shows you’ve thoughtfully considered where they’ll sit, who they’ll connect with, and how they’ll experience your day.

It’s like greeting every person at the door to your home.A simple card with their name says: You matter. You have a place here.

📌 Quick Reference: Do You Need Escort Cards?

Meal Style	Escort Cards Needed?	Meal Indicators Needed?
Plated (Guests Select Meal)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Plated (Single Entrée)	⚠️ Recommended	❌ No
Buffet	⚠️ Optional	❌ No
Family Style	⚠️ Optional	❌ No
Stations	⚠️ Optional	❌ No

Final Thoughts

Escort cards may be small, but they serve big purposes: helping caterers deliver smooth service and making guests feel seen and welcomed. Whether you need them functionally or want them to add a personal touch, they’re a powerful planning tool worth considering.

Need help designing creative escort cards or figuring out a seating strategy that works for your vision? I’d love to help you bring it all together beautifully.