Menus, escort cards, place cards...

cmkuno

...do I need all 3?

Regarding menus, we're having a buffet, so it's not like they get a choice.  But I see a lot of people doing them, and they look like a nice touch.  Kind of lets people know what's coming, I guess.  Would it be acceptable to put one or two menus tent-card style on each table rather than one at each place setting?  Or does that just make the table look cluttered?

I think we will for sure do escort cards so people can find their table easily.  But I'm undecided about place cards.  For the most part, it doesn't make a difference to me where people sit around the table.  But do you think guests appreciate knowing where their seat is, or would they rather chose who they sit next to? 

jeanna85

Escort cards are definitely necessary, but I don't like the idea of assigned seats within the tables. Most people can figure it out themselves. I don't think it's necessary to do a menu card at each setting. You can do the two tent style cards on each table or put up a big sign of the menu near where people line up.

squirrly

Escort cards are for guests to select their own seat at an assigned table and place cards are for assigning a specific seat at the table.  I don't believe I've seen anyone do both.  I am personally doing escort cards, because 1) I love the DIY project that goes with it, 2) I think our guests can select their seats on their own, and 3) I'm pretty sure just figuring out tables will be stressful enough - I don't need to worry about specific seats at that point.

I also think it's pretty awkward when every guest is smushed together to read the sign that tells them what table, and then wandering around said table trying to find their seat.  Escort cards eliminate a lot of that, I find.

squirrly

Oh - menus - your idea is fine.  You can put as many or few as you want.