I love that weddings are so wonderfully diverse these days. Here are four things that really caught my eye recently.
60 bridal hair styles on Snippet & Ink.
Soda bottle escorts cards? Not so practical, but incredibly cute.
Tag Archives: escort cards
Cute as a Wedding Button
When my hubby and I got married, we knew it would be a melding of many worlds. We wanted people to know how they were connected to us, as we would have friends and family from all over the U.S. and the world. I loved the idea of personalized buttons to share their relationship with the rest of the party– but this fell by the wayside with other priorities to attend. No matter— these folks have done it up right {and probably better} using the pins as escort cards, seating cards and favors. Totally adorable! {via Oh So Beautiful Paper}
Photos by Elizabeth Messina, Calligraphy by Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls and Design by PS Paper via Snippet & Ink
Button by One Plus One Design
Photo by Charlene Schreuder, Design by Grapevine Design via b.loved wedding (left), Photo by Grazier Photographyvia Destination Weddings & Honeymoons (right)
Photo by Nancy Ray Photography, Escort Cards by Janine Rae Design via Style Me Pretty
Photo by Matt Murray, Design by Kathryn Murray Calligraphy
Photo by Mavric Photography via Rock My Wedding
Photo by Victoria Phipps Photography via Rock My Wedding
Photo by Meredith Perdue via Style Me Pretty (left), Photo by Alex Creswell via Green Wedding Shoes (right)
Photo by Samm Blake via Polka Dot Bride
Wedding Words
I love these ideas to help you say just what you want on your big day. 
A quilt embroidered with the vows of the ceremony.
Gold table numbers.
Ask-A-Planner
This week’s question comes from Mary in Los Angeles, CA via Facebook.
Dear Sara,
We are planning a Black Tie Gala Dinner as a fundraiser for my program. Here’s a question: Are name badges usually made for the guests? If not, what name tags can be made for “Gala” guests? We aren’t sure we want to use a badge that clips to your tuxedo or cocktail dress. Any advice?
Mary
USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, Los Angeles, CA
Dear Mary,
This is a great question, as it’s something every non-profit struggles to answer. It has literally come up at nearly non-profit event I have planned. We want guests to connect and build community at our events, but what guest wants to figure out where to clip or stick a name tag to a strapless dress?
I would offer printed escort cards with their names and table numbers that they pick up at cocktail hour. Not only will it help them remember where they are sitting {bonus points if the back of the card has a map of the table layout!} they can also show that card to someone if the person can’t hear or wants their last name, or spelling, etc.
My husband and I went to a gala for the ballet in the spring this year {one the best events I’ve been to ever!}. They used this method and it worked well. During cocktail hour we talked to another couple and when it was time to head in for dinner, we shared our escort cards. It helped cement their name {like a name tag would}, especially as it noise level rose in the marble atrium. It’s classy to have nice paper products {that’s why we have them at weddings} and useful for the guests to have their table number handy in a large room.
Hope that helps!
xoxo
Sara
Triangles Triangles Everywhere!
Are you all noticing this triangle trend? It’s everywhere, from structured chevron to free flow shapes to tribal looks. This look is definitely ”in.” {via Oh So Beautiful Paper}
Photos by Avery House, Escort Cards and Place Cards by Pitbulls and Posies via 100 Layer Cake
Photo by Lee Bird Photography, Favor Tag by Ham & Pea Design & Paperie via Style Me Pretty
Photo by Jenny Jimenez, Table Number by Matthew Parker Events via Ruffled (left), Photo by Katie Osgood Photography, Place Cards by Lara Kahn via Style Me Pretty (right)
Photo by KIM+PHIL Photography, Escort Cards by Paper Bloom via Brooklyn Bride
Guest Book via Martha Stewart Weddings
Photo by Zoom Photography, Place Card by Press Engaged
Photo by Paige Newton Photography, Cards by The Creative Parasol
Printable Table Numbers via Martha Stewart Weddings (left), Photo by Susan Jackson, Seating Chart by Cheree Berry Paper via Martha Stewart Weddings (right)
Ask-A-Planner
Our next question in this weekly series!
Today’s question is from Julie in Baltimore, MD.
Hi Sara,
I met with my wedding planner and my caterer today at my venue, and the caterer suggested that I display my escort cards when guests arrive and the planner recommended that we wait until cocktail hour to display them. How do I deal with these conflicting views?
Julie
Hi Julie,
It is hard to know what to do with conflicting information– and there is a lot out there!
I’ve always seen escort cards displayed at cocktail hour– it could be confusing to guests before the ceremony (they might think they need to sit in a certain place for the ceremony) and it gives them something to do during cocktail hour, during that hour+ break between the ceremony and dinner. It also gets them excited about dinner and meeting their table mates and they can search each other out during cocktails. It would be a shame to miss out on that build up if guests have already put their escort card away in their purse for the ceremony.
It’s interesting to me that the caterer made this recommendation. Is she concerned it will hold up guests coming into the dining room, and delay dinner? Is she used to have a pre- ceremony reception for guests? Maybe talking with her (and your planner) about her reasoning will help you understand both points of view.
Regardless of which direction you decide to go in (and it is your decision!), I’m sure it will be fine. Both your planner and caterer are professionals (or should be!), so there won’t be any drama.
Shower Season
With the warmer weather upon us, it is sprinkling outdoors and in! Friends are having babies left and right, and announcing babies on the way. I bet more than a few of you are planning showers, so I have gathered some cute baby shower ideas to share with you!
Invites
I found these cute invites on etsy, but there are tons out there. These can work the “shower” theme–
Or these invites would be cute for a clothing theme.
Decor
I love the clothesline as decor– too cute, and can be added to the guests of honor’s gift!
If you don’t want to do a literal clothesline, cut pieces of paper with warm sentiments make for a nice wish book.
And this hanging message is so sweet.
I love these natural centerpieces, with potted plants and fruits.
I also love the use of letter blocks, whether the name of the baby or not.
Seating cards are also a fun way to decorate. If using the clothesline, the pins are cute napkin holders.
Or these little fabric sachets with safety pins.
Or, if you choose a tea party style shower, tea bags can tell people where to sit.
Activities
Not everyone wants to plays games, but you also don’t want your guests to get bored.
Asking everyone to bring photos of themselves is always fun. Have people guess which baby picture matches which guests. Or, try this game with celebrity baby photos.
Or have some scrap fabric around to encourage guests to personalize clothes for the baby on the way.
Favors
A friend of mine loves these cookies in cellophane wrappers– they are beautiful and thoghtful. Also, sachets could fit the bill.
Also, even though the lollipops are rings, you could steal the idea to make pacifiers.
I hope this has given you some inspiration for your next shower! Please send me pictures from your best shower ideas!
