If you’ve carefully crafted a seating chart for your reception dinner, then escort cards are an important piece of the puzzle. Escort cards direct wedding guests to their specific table. At that point, they may find a place card with their name on it, or they’re free to choose their own seat. But just like any other key wedding detail, there are so many ways to arrange these placards in order to set up a beautiful escort card display. It may be a chart, but it certainly doesn’t need to be boring!

“As with any and all wedding design elements, it’s important that your escort card display be a cohesive addition to the overall aesthetic,” says Becca Atchison, founder and creative director of Rebecca Rose Events. “Don’t be afraid to have a lot of fun with this, as the interactive nature of an escort card display can be such a fun highlight of the guest experience.”

Meet the Expert

Becca Atchison is the founding partner and creative director of Rebecca Rose Events, a full-service wedding planning company based in North Carolina.

The options for putting together a clever escort card display are pretty much endless. “Anything that can be personalized with a name can serve as an escort card. It’s also okay to ditch the ‘card’ and focus on a more interesting tangible item that will double as a gift,” says Atchison.

But as you’re determining the ideal escort card display, it’s also essential to consider just how it will be set up in your reception space. “It’s important not just to focus on the cards or items themselves, but also the broader background or surroundings,” adds Atchison. “If you use a wall, furniture piece, or table to set up an interesting display, make sure it will look fabulous on its own and serve a purpose, or be able to be swiftly removed, once all the escort cards are removed.”

Materials for escort card displays can be found through rental suppliers or even craft stores if you’re planning to go the DIY route. However, Atchison strongly suggests bringing in expert help for this part of the planning process and the day-of execution. “A great escort card display is well worth it, but the truth is that it may take many hours and some engineering expertise to make sure that it is set up beautifully in a way that is both safe and secure,” she says. Because escort card displays often stand on their own or hang, they require collaboration between a professional designer, florist, stationer, and rental supply company. After all, it is one of the most prominent elements that will welcome your guests to your reception and truly make a statement.

Ready to discover options for your big day? Below, find 18 awe-inspiring escort card ideas to get the planning started.