I thought I would include some more pictures of my above and beyond incredibly wonderful baby shower last month.  I just couldn’t resist bragging a little about how wonderful it was to spend the day with my amazing family and friends!!

A frequent question that comes up often is …
what is the difference between an escort card and a place card? … and do I really need menus?

Escort Card:  These lovely cards are used to tell guests which table they are assigned to for the main reception.  Typically they are displayed in an area just outside or close to where the guests will be entering in and done in alphabetical order.  They should be alphabetically arranged in an area and could carry a cohesive theme with the rest of the decor.  For example, a beautiful floral centerpiece may sit in the center of the table and tent folded cards in color or theme matching cardstock will align around the arrangement.  The card usually states the guests name and “Table number ____ has been reserved in your honor.”  Then the guests pick up this card and carry it with them to their assigned seats.

Get as creative as you wish when displaying the escort cards.  You can use fascinating ribbons and fabrics, mini picture frames, river rocks with calligraphy, miniature flower pots and more.  Think outside of the box on how to “wow” your guests by incorporating your personality.

Place Card: These beauties are actually displayed at the seat to where the guest is assigned and typically done when you have given your guest a meal option on your invitation reply card.  You also would have a seating chart available for your guests to note which table they are assigned to.  The place card is a bit more time consuming; however, it’s very important for the catering staff to know which entree is being served to which guests.  It also can indicate if there is a food allergy or specific need for the guest such as a vegetarian meal.

Another opportunity for you to showcase your personality and flair.  Have fun matching your place cards to your decor and theme.  You can still use beautiful folded table tent style cards that match your stationery, but you can also get creative.  Color code them with big rhinestones for the staff to clearly see and don’t forget you may be in a darker room.  Or you can find fun shapes of animals to indicate chicken, beef, fish or veggie options.

Menus: Menu cards are a fantastic way to personalize your celebration dinner and add to the decor elements.  Your guest feel as though they are sitting down at a private dinner in honor of the guests.  Even if the meal is pre-chosen for your guests, its a nice way to inform them of what is best yet to come. Better yet, if you are using food stations, it allows your guest to pre-plan ahead for what they will choose  when they go to serve themselves.

Photography by: April Green Photography (rock place card), BQ Photography (blue escort cards), Ivy Studios (pink escort card and menus), Weddings by Us (Tuscan place card)

When it comes to planning the details for your grand celebration, you should always consider the scheme of things and truly think about the big picture.  Linens can truly bring a room to life.  A lot of facilities already provide basic linens in typically white, ivory, black and some times brown. 


Here are some terms that will help you when looking into which linen option is right for you:


Classic Standard - This line offers the largest selection of colors and sizes and is the most economically priced it is the perfect solution for cost conscious budgets or, as coordinating linen to an overlay. If you are looking to add dramatic color and flair to your special event this is the way to go! 

Lamours -  Lamour is a smooth matte- satin fabric that lends a luxurious and polished appearance to you table. When you are the event planner, remember Lamour is the special event linen with a myriad of colors to reflect the feelings you are trying to reveal. From wedding linen to any party linen you can imagine, Lamours will present the sentiment you want the guests to experience.

Bichons and Bengalines - With the crinkled silk feel of Bichons and the luxuriously ribbed texture of Bengalines, these tablecloths, napkins and chair ties offer unusually rich color palettes to your table fashions and effortlessly become the party linens to have and showcase your special events!

Damasks and Brocades – Elegantly textured Damask and Brocades are sure to set your special event apart from the others, as you showcase that a tablecloth is not just a tablecloth, it’s a statement!

Pintuck – A very rich and elegant linen with a diamond shape grid pattern and gorgeous sheen.  Dresses up any table to an elegant, yet modern level.

Glitz and Glamour - With its wide array of fabrics that glisten and sparkle, this line will add sizzle to table linen and excitement to any event décor. Add that perfect party linen that will set your special event apart by adding that exceptional twinkle.

And one of the most important questions I get:


Lap Length Linen – If you are sitting at a table, this linen drapes over the top and comes down to just sit above your lap.  This is a great linen to use as an overlay over top of a floor length linen.  I don’t recommend using it alone as you will see the table legs.


Floor Length Linen – If you are sitting at a table, this linen drapes over the top and comes all the way down to meet the floor.  


Linen descriptions and pictures provided by www.BBJLinen.com