8 Unique Place "Card" Ideas That Don't Waste Paper

From marble to shells, discover stylish and eco-friendly ways to show guests to their seats.

From tiles, to marble pieces, to shells, couples are getting creative when it comes to their escort "cards."

wedding-place-card-with-white-calligraphy-on-green-leaves
Photo: Roey Yohai Photography

While we've covered interesting ways to show wedding guests to their seats, there are a variety of other methods in regards to seating assignments that don't require the use of paper goods. From tiles, to marble pieces, to shells, couples are getting creative when it comes to their escort "cards." If you're hiring a calligrapher, check with them first to see if they're excited to take on a non-paper project, or if they prefer to stick to more classic methods. 

Using a material other than paper – or minimizing your paper use – allows your theme to be taken one step further. Names can be calligraphed on shells for a nautical-themed wedding or couples desiring a modern wedding theme may find leaves, marble, acrylic, or wooden pieces perfect for showing guests to their tables in a fun, unique way. Using a small amount of paper to embellish items – such as a horse show ribbon for equestrian couples or luggage tags for a destination wedding – is another option if your calligrapher opts for a traditional material.

Take a look at the unique seating "cards" below to inspire the seating assignments at your own nuptials! 

gold calligraphy on oyster shells unique place card escort card ideas

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography; Linens by Nüage Designs; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative

candle escort cards place card ideas non paper wedding escort card ideas

Photo by Collins Metu Photography

Calligraphy on compasses for nautical-theme wedding

Photo courtesy of Laura Hooper Calligraphy

escort cards on luggage tags wedding ideas

Photo by Vue Photography

mirror wedding escort cards on crystal strands no paper escort card ideas

Photo by John Solano Photography; Floral Design by White Lilac Inc.; Planning & Design by Bob Gail Special Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

escort cards on tiles unique wedding ideas

Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Planning & Design by Posh Parties; Venue: The Breakers

For more wedding ideas pertaining to invitations, escort cards and seating charts, menus, or wedding signs, visit our photo galleries to discover hundreds of inspiring images from real weddings.