At the Reception

Many times, it is the little things that make a reception special. While the meal, the dancing, and the company are the most obvious contributors to a successful reception, menu cards, place cards, table cards, and escort cards can also add elegance to your affair.

Escort cards are small cards that tell a gentleman which lady he is expected to escort into the reception, The gentleman's name is written on the envelope and the lady's name is written on the enclosed card.

Table cards and envelopes are efficient tools for directing your guests to their appointed seats. Placed in the entryway to the reception hall, the envelopes have your guests' names written on them. Inside the envelope, the card has the appropriate table number written on it. When it is time to be seated, your guests open the envelope with their names on it and head to the table indicated on the card.

When they arrive at their tables, your guests will notice place cards at each place setting. The place cards have just your guests' title and last name written on them. However, in situations where there is more than one "Mrs. Smith" seated at a table, first names are added.

Place cards are small white or ecru cards that may be trimmed in gold, silver or in a decorative pattern. A small monogram—either the hosts' or the couples'—may be engraved at the top of the place cards.

Your guests may also find menu cards at their place settings. As the name suggests, menu cards list the menu items being served. The menu is listed in the center of the card. If wine is being served, the wines are listed alongside their appropriate courses. As with place cards, a monogram may be engraved at the top of the cards. Menu cards are usually shared by two people but there is no reason not to have one for each guest.

Menu cards are white or ecru cards that are usually trimmed in gold or silver that must match the place cards. For small receptions, they may be handwritten. For larger receptions, they should be engraved.