Weddingbee Blog
A while back I posted a thread on the boards about whether or not to even have assigned seating. I’m a little concerned about our guests that don’t really know anyone else and might have a hard time finding seats or feeling excluded. BBBUUUUTTTTT I don’t want the reception to feel TOO formal.
The general consensus for the size (roughly 150) and formality (semi-casual) was to have assigned tables and escort cards. This gives the guest just the right amount of direction I think. I really feel like this is going to be a huge project. I need to be very careful about who I seat together. I want the conversations a-flowing right along with the wine!
Since I (probably) came to a decision on this subject, I Googled the crap out of escort cards for inspiration! Chickity check some of my faves:
I LURVE these ones! I like the way the different patterns go together… I could totally replace those with quilt-ier looking fabrics! There’s even a tutorial! (I totally just typed “tortilla” just then… LOL I’m hungry…) Source
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The horseshoe idea and the clothesline would both go great out on the ranch! And the windmills could be a clever nod to the incessant Wyoming wind!! Source
We already decided on the favors (you’ll have to wait to find out), but we could totally do a twist on this using them… Source
J’ADORE the use of these old window shutters! They are totally charming and just rustic enough to go perfectly with our theme! We may have a winner! (That’s a definite maybe. 
) Source
The only stipulation as far as the design is that they either need to be heavy enough not to blow away in the Wyoming breeze (read: gale force winds) or they need to be held down somehow. Even though it is a tented reception, I still think there will probably be a breeze near the entrance, where they’ll be placed. Any of these would probably work for that…
I’m sure I’ll keep looking until it gets too close to procrastinate any longer and I’m forced to make a decision lest it not get done at all. Story of my life.
Do you have to worry about crazy weather and natural elements messing up your decorations?
I love all of these. Escort card projects are always so charming. The window shutter one is fantastic, but my favorite might be the simple clothespin line. Love it.
One tip I’ve heard/read regarding escort cards: given the likelihood that guests will fail to RSVP until the last minute, announce they are bringing uninvited +1s at the last minute, and/or in general turn carefully planned table assignments into a hilarious carnival ride of bridal conniption, it’s a good idea to construct escort cards in a way that is easy to switch around at the last minute. For example, if you tie someone’s name tag to something, tie a separate tag with the table name so that you can switch the tag if you have to.
I want to see what you decide on, and your favors!
These are some truly great inspiration pix - - thank you so much for posting so many different options. We’re marrying on Halloween and I hadn’t even thought of doing Candy bars as both a gift/escort card….GREAT IDEA!!!!!
I love all of these so much!! I really wanted to do some of those! But, alas I’m doing something else.
That first inspiration pic was also my inspiration and I’m doing something very very very close to it! Love it!
I love the fabric, windmill and shutter ones! So cute!
Windmills are so fun - I am using them for the kids table.
I posted an easy tutorial on the boards if you’re interested in making them yourself.
that window shutter is so cool! definitely smart of you to keep in mind the weather, though–can’t wait to see what you come up with!
The Idaho wind is certainly something I’m (trying to be) prepared to deal with as well! I love your inspiration pics for your escort cards, and honestly have a lot of these tucked away into my idea folder, as well. We’re slicing branches into thin round wooden pieces and writing names on one side, table on the back. Its going to be so cute!
fortunately no, but doesn’t that make your search all the more creative?! 
I love them all, but my fave are the shutters.
I love the first one since it showed up in Martha Stewart Weddings a year or so ago. I think it would great with the quilt-y fabrics you are considering!
I really like that first one. And, the shutter is an awesome idea!
Escort cards were the hardest thing for me to decide. I really like your inspiration.
I so over-thought this. I really wanted to assign seating, as well, since we were going for a more formal feel, but I gave up… time constraints! Setting it up would have taken forever!
My mom used to live in WY, and I think she had to replace the fence like five times due to the wind. Maybe you could write peoples names on rocks? Haha…they are heavy.
Those first ones are awesome! I haven’t even begun to think about this yet - better start crackin’!
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Miss Hot Dog, Cheyenne, WY Age and Occupation: 23, Health Information Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Personal Trainer Engagement Date: March 2009 Wedding Date: August 2010 Venue: Family Ranch outside Glenrock, WY About Me: I'm a city girl by birth and rural girl by choice. I'm ready to take on the world with a big heart and a big smile! I love all things crafty and DIY. I live in Cheyenne, WY with Mr. HD and our 2 fur babies, our dachshunds, Ollie and Mia. I love travel, adventure, Finding Nemo, '90s music, animals, and laughing. He is the cheese to my macaroni and together we spend more time watching movies than we probably should! I'm an old soul who is super duper excited to pull off our down home-rustic-chic-country wedding (on the cheap)!
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