Wedding escort cards don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Many couples spend way too much on tiny pieces of paper that guests glance at for five seconds. The truth? You can create beautiful, functional escort cards that feel personal and polished-without breaking the bank. With smart design choices, a little creativity, and some common household supplies, you can cut your stationery budget by 60% or more.
Why You’re Overpaying for Escort Cards
Most wedding planners push expensive printed cards because they’re easy to sell. But here’s what you’re really paying for: premium paper, custom fonts, foil stamping, and professional printing. You don’t need any of that. A 2024 survey of 1,200 Australian couples found that 78% of guests couldn’t tell the difference between a $2 card and a $12 card when placed on a simple wooden stand. The real value isn’t in the card-it’s in the presentation.Let’s say you have 100 guests. At $10 per card, that’s $1,000. At $2 per card, it’s $200. That’s an $800 saving. You could use that money for a live band, a late-night snack station, or extra flowers. The math is simple: less expensive materials + clever layout = same emotional impact.
Material Swaps That Save Big
Start by ditching thick cardstock. You don’t need 300gsm paper. In fact, 120gsm recycled paper from your local art supply store works perfectly. It’s sturdy enough to stand on its own, looks elegant, and costs less than half the price of wedding-specific paper.Try these affordable alternatives:
- Cardstock from discount stores: Kmart and Officeworks sell packs of 50 sheets for under $8. Look for textured or colored options to add visual interest without printing costs.
- Old book pages or sheet music: Thrift stores sell vintage books for $1-$3. Cut them into rectangles and write names in fine-tip pens. It adds a romantic, literary vibe.
- Scrapbook paper: Buy single sheets instead of full packs. You only need 100 pieces. A $5 pack of 20 sheets gives you enough for 80 cards if you cut them in half.
- Cardboard from packaging: Save cereal boxes or shipping boxes. Coat them with white acrylic paint and let dry. They’re durable, matte, and free.
One Perth couple used pages from a 1950s cookbook they found at a garage sale. They wrote names in calligraphy with a fountain pen. Their guests thought it was a custom design. It cost $4.
Print Less, Write More
Printing names individually is expensive. Most online printers charge $0.50-$1.50 per card just for printing-even if you use their cheapest paper. Instead, print names in bulk on regular printer paper, then cut and glue them to your base material.Here’s how:
- Use Google Docs or Canva to create a simple table with 100 name slots.
- Choose a clean font like Lato or Montserrat-no fancy scripts.
- Print 100 names on A4 paper using your home printer. Black ink only. No color.
- Cut each name into a 5cm x 7cm rectangle.
- Glue them onto your chosen base material with a glue stick.
This cuts printing costs to under $0.10 per card. Total for 100 cards? About $12 for paper and glue. You’ll save over $900 compared to professional printing.
Display Ideas That Cost Almost Nothing
The card is only half the story. The display matters just as much-and it’s where you can make a big impression for almost no money.Forget expensive acrylic stands. Try these:
- Branches from your backyard: Cut 10-15 small branches from a eucalyptus or lemon tree. Stick them in a heavy vase filled with sand or pebbles. Hang cards with twine or ribbon.
- Wooden clothespins and a string: String twine between two wooden boards or even two chairs. Clip cards with mini clothespins. Instant rustic charm.
- Bookshelf or ladder: Lean an old wooden ladder against a wall. Place cards on each rung. Add small potted succulents or fairy lights for warmth.
- Chalkboard or whiteboard: Write names directly on a chalkboard with colored chalk. Add decorative borders with washi tape. Reusable and changeable.
One couple in Fremantle used a vintage wooden ladder from a thrift store for $15. They hung cards with twine and added a few eucalyptus sprigs. Their display cost $22 total and became the most-photographed part of the reception.
DIY Tools You Already Own
You don’t need a laser cutter or a Cricut machine. Here’s what you actually need:- Scissors or a paper cutter (even a ruler and a box cutter works)
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Fine-tip pens (Pilot G-2 0.7mm is affordable and smudge-proof)
- Printer (any home printer will do)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Optional: Washi tape, twine, small clips
Pro tip: Practice writing names on scrap paper first. Use a lightbox or a window to trace if your handwriting isn’t perfect. Most guests won’t notice small imperfections-they’ll notice the effort.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common money traps:- Custom fonts: You don’t need a unique font. Stick to free Google Fonts like Merriweather or Open Sans.
- Color printing: Color ink costs 5x more than black. Use colored paper instead.
- Pre-made templates: Etsy templates cost $5-$15 each. You can make your own in 20 minutes for free.
- Envelope inserts: Skip envelopes. Guests don’t need them. Just lay the card flat on the stand.
- Overdesigning: Less is more. One name, one clear font, one clean background. Don’t add borders, icons, or clipart.
Real Cost Breakdown: 0 vs 0
Here’s what a $100 budget looks like for 100 escort cards:| Item | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Base material (recycled paper) | $8 (50 sheets) | $120 (100 premium cards) |
| Printing (home printer) | $4 (ink + paper) | $150 (professional printing) |
| Display (branches + vase) | $15 (thrifted) | $200 (acrylic stand) |
| Writing tools (pens, glue) | $10 | $30 |
| Decor (twine, washi tape) | $10 | $50 |
| Total | $47 | $550+ |
That’s not a typo. You can do this for under $50. And you’ll have a unique, handmade touch that no professional vendor can replicate.
Why Guests Will Remember It
People don’t remember how much you spent. They remember how it felt. A handmade card with a handwritten name feels personal. It says, “We thought about you.”One guest told a couple she found her card tucked under a small potted plant. She kept it as a memento. That’s the power of thoughtful, low-cost design. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Focus on what matters: connection, not cost. Your guests aren’t judging your stationery budget. They’re celebrating your love. Let your cards reflect that-simply, sincerely, and smartly.
Can I use digital names instead of printed cards?
Yes, but only if your venue allows it. Some couples use a digital display like a tablet or TV with a slideshow of guest names. This works for tech-savvy crowds but can feel impersonal. Handwritten cards still win for emotional impact. If you go digital, pair it with a physical keepsake like a small engraved wooden tag for each guest.
How far in advance should I make escort cards?
Start 3-4 weeks before the wedding. Printing and cutting can take a weekend. Gluing and assembling takes another day or two. Leave 1-2 days for last-minute name changes. If you’re doing calligraphy, practice first. Don’t wait until the week before-you’ll regret it.
What if my handwriting isn’t good?
No problem. Print names on sticky labels and stick them on the cards. Or ask a friend with neat handwriting to help. You can even use a stencil for letters. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s presence. Guests care that you put in the effort, not that every ‘g’ is perfectly curved.
Can I reuse escort cards after the wedding?
Absolutely. Use them as bookmarks, gift tags, or frame them as a keepsake. Some couples turn them into a guestbook by having guests write messages on the back. If you used wood or cardboard, they’ll last for years. Even paper cards can be saved in a scrapbook.
Should I match escort cards to my invitations?
Not necessarily. Your invitations set the tone, but escort cards are functional. You can use the same color palette or font for cohesion, but don’t feel pressured to match exactly. A simple, clean card often looks better than trying to replicate a complex invitation design.
Next Steps: Start Today
Don’t wait for inspiration. Grab a sheet of paper, your printer, and a pair of scissors. Spend an hour this weekend making five sample cards. Test the materials. Try different displays. See what feels right.You don’t need permission to do this your way. The most memorable weddings aren’t the most expensive ones-they’re the ones that feel true to the people getting married. Your escort cards can be part of that story, without costing a fortune.