Wedding escort cards might seem like a small detail, but they set the tone for your reception before guests even sit down. A well-designed escort card tells people they’re welcome, guides them smoothly to their tables, and adds a personal touch that guests remember. Skip the pre-made, generic ones from the store. Making your own escort cards gives you control over the look, feel, and cost-and it’s easier than you think.
Start with a Clear Purpose
Your escort cards aren’t just name tags. They’re the first step in guiding guests from the entrance to their assigned seats. That means clarity matters more than flair. Guests should instantly know their name and table number without squinting or asking. If your wedding has more than 50 people, consider grouping tables by letter (A-D) instead of numbers to reduce confusion. For example: Emily & Mark - Table B works better than Emily & Mark - Table 17 when guests are walking through a crowded room.Choose the Right Template
You don’t need to design from scratch. Free templates exist in formats like PDF, Canva, or Adobe Express that are sized for standard card stock (3.5 x 2 inches or 4 x 2.5 inches). Look for templates labeled "escort card" or "place card"-they often include space for a name and table number, with room for decorative elements like borders or floral accents. Avoid overly fancy fonts. Script fonts look elegant but can be hard to read from a distance. Stick to clean sans-serif fonts like Lato, Montserrat, or Helvetica for names, and use a slightly heavier weight for table numbers so they pop.Pro tip: Always download templates at 300 DPI resolution. Low-res files look blurry when printed, especially on textured paper. Test print one card on regular paper first. Hold it up to the light. If the ink bleeds or the text looks smudged, adjust your printer settings or switch paper types.
Paper Choices That Make a Difference
The paper you pick changes how your cards feel in someone’s hand-and how they remember your wedding. Avoid thin, flimsy printer paper. It feels cheap and bends easily. Here are the top three options:- Cardstock (80-110 lb): The sweet spot. Thick enough to stand on its own, easy to write on, and affordable. White or ivory works best for most themes.
- Textured paper (e.g., linen or cotton): Adds luxury without the cost of metallic or foil. Linen texture hides minor printing flaws and feels elegant. Great for rustic, vintage, or modern weddings.
- Recycled paper: If sustainability matters to you, choose 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Many brands now offer it in soft white or natural tones that still look premium.
Avoid glitter paper, plastic-coated stock, or metallic finishes unless you’re printing with a professional service. These often jam home printers or require special inks. Stick to matte or satin finishes for the cleanest results.
Printing at Home vs. Professional Services
Printing at home is tempting because it’s cheap-but it’s not always the best choice. Here’s what to consider:| Factor | Home Printer | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per card | $0.10-$0.25 (ink + paper) | $0.30-$0.75 (bulk discount) |
| Color accuracy | Often inconsistent | Match Pantone or CMYK exactly |
| Print quality | May smear on textured paper | Sharp, even ink coverage |
| Turnaround time | Same day | 3-7 business days |
| Best for | Under 50 cards, simple designs | 100+ cards, textured paper, custom shapes |
If you’re doing fewer than 50 cards and your printer handles 110 lb cardstock without jamming, go ahead and print at home. But if you want flawless color, a professional finish, or are using specialty paper like cotton or linen, order from a service like Vistaprint, Minted, or even local print shops. Many offer free templates and pre-cut options that arrive ready to write on.
Writing Names by Hand? Do It Right
Handwriting your escort cards adds charm-but only if it’s legible. Use a fine-tip pen like a Micron 01 or a Sakura Pigma Gel Pen in black or dark brown. Avoid ballpoint pens-they skip on textured paper. Practice writing names on scrap paper first. Write slowly. If your handwriting is messy, print the names and use a lightbox or window to trace them with a pencil, then go over with ink. Or skip handwriting entirely: print names directly onto the cards using your printer. It looks just as elegant and saves hours.Layout and Assembly Tips
Once printed, how you display the cards matters. Don’t just toss them on a table. Use a simple wooden stand, a vintage book, or a tiered acrylic display. Group cards by table number in neat rows. Add a small sign that says "Find Your Name" or "Your Table Awaits" to guide guests. If you’re using double-sided cards (name on front, table number on back), make sure they’re printed in the correct orientation. Test one card before printing all 120.Pro tip: If you’re using a directional layout (e.g., left to right, front to back), label your printed sheets with a small pencil mark on the back corner. That way, if you accidentally shuffle them, you can re-sort quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute. Printing and handwriting 100+ cards takes time. Start 3-4 weeks before the wedding.
- Using too many fonts. One font for names, one for table numbers. That’s it.
- Ignoring the envelope. If you’re using envelopes, make sure they’re slightly larger than the card. A 3.5 x 2 inch card fits in a 3.625 x 2.125 inch envelope. Too tight, and the card tears.
- Forgetting the RSVP list. Double-check your guest list against your printed cards. Misspelled names are the #1 complaint.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
You printed 80 cards and realize two names are wrong? Don’t panic. Buy a pack of small adhesive labels (1/2 inch square) and stick them over the error. Write the correct name in fine marker. It’s invisible from a few feet away. If the whole batch is smudged, use the cards as table numbers instead. Write the table number on the back and use them as place markers. Flexibility turns mistakes into clever fixes.What’s the best size for wedding escort cards?
The standard size is 3.5 x 2 inches. It’s big enough to read easily, small enough to fit on a table without crowding. Some people use 4 x 2.5 inches for more design space, but anything larger becomes awkward to display.
Can I print escort cards on my home printer?
Yes, if your printer supports cardstock (check the manual for max paper weight). Use 80-110 lb paper, set the printer to "thick paper" or "cardstock" mode, and print one test card first. Inkjet printers work best for color; laser printers give sharper text but can’t handle textured paper well.
Should I write names by hand or print them?
Printing names looks more polished and saves time. Handwriting adds warmth but only if your penmanship is neat. If you’re unsure, print the names and use a light pencil outline to trace over them with ink. That gives you the best of both worlds.
How far in advance should I make escort cards?
Start 3-4 weeks before the wedding. That gives you time to finalize your guest list, print, write, and assemble. If you’re using a professional printer, order at least 2 weeks ahead to account for shipping and reprints.
Are escort cards necessary for small weddings?
Not strictly, but they still help. Even with 20 guests, escort cards reduce confusion, make the event feel more organized, and give guests a keepsake. For intimate weddings, you can use a single table with names arranged on a chalkboard or framed list-but cards still add a thoughtful touch.