Post # 1

Member
19 posts
Newbee
I have been toying with the idea of using escort cards and assigning seating for the guests but I’m not sure if this is necessary or expected. My wedding is going to be semi-formal and we are expected about 250 people. Any suggestions?
Post # 3

Member
248 posts
Helper bee
Many people with larger semi-formal weddings such as yours use escort cards (which assign guests to a certain table, but not a place at that table). The escort cards are placed in a central area for guests to take to their table with them. Or couples use place cards (which assign guests to both the table and a specific seat at that table.) These place cards are placed at each guest’s place setting with a chart of some kind to direct people to their table. As a wedding guest, I would not enjoy scambling to get a seat at the same time as 250 other people so I would greatly appreciate the bride and groom who take the time to plan the seating with either place cards or escort cards.
Post # 4

Member
4765 posts
Honey bee
- Wedding: January 2011 - Vintage Villas
With a semi-formal wedding of that size, I would definitely recommend them from what I’ve heard. Personally, I’ve never been to a wedding with escort cards, but I always feel like it’s a mad dash to get a table for everyone!
Post # 5

Member
19 posts
Newbee
I don’t necessarily like the idea of using place cards. I would prefer to let my guests choose their seats once they are assigned a table. But I’m starting to definitely consider escort cards.
Post # 6

Member
1490 posts
Bumble bee
For 250 guests, I think escort cards are a must. Placecards are nice to avoid that awkwardness of everyone standing around a table looking at each other to decide who sits where, but that’s just my opinion.
Post # 7

Member
53 posts
Worker bee
I was at a wedding once that was much smaller than 250 people, and they didn’t assign tables. As a guest, I hated it. There was a huge rush where people were trying to get tables together, saving seats, etc. It was worse that the high school cafeteria! I don’t think you need to assign a specific seat at the table but I would do your guests a favor and assign them to a table.