Escort Cards and Place Cards: What is the difference and are they really necessary?

So many times I have heard questions about escort cards and place cards generally followed by the question, "Is that really important?" In a word yes. First and foremost, an escort card says what table a guest is to sit at. A place card says what seat at the table your guest will sit at, i.e. where their place is. Any party with people sitting at table needs place cards, simple as that. They can be as simple as an index card with the guest's name neatly written on it or as extravagant as as a large crystal paperweight engraved with the guest's name. Why are place cards so important? They make any party no matter how casual seem put together and thought out, which (in my opinion) is always a good thing. My personal favorite way to casually and elegantly incorporate place cards into my table-scape is to put a very small box of chocolates or mints on the plate tagged with each guest's name. It's elegant and your guests get chocolates out of the deal. An escort card on the other hand is only necessary if your party has guests sitting at multiple tables. At that point I feel it it not only proper to designate tables but a courtesy to your guests who especially in large venues may feel a bit intimidated. Escort cards can be the traditional envelope with the guest's name on the outside and the table number on the inside, tented cards, or framed lists with table numbers at the top and listed underneath the guests seated at that table. Really both escort cards and place cards can be as creative as you like as long as the name and the table number are clearly visible. Also consider when a party needs escort cards tables need numbers clearly visible. I enjoy seeing a calligraphy number displayed in a tall stand. Alternatives can be last names, street names, even colors. Again table designations can be as creative as you like as long as they are clear, easy to read, and displayed prominently on the table.
To sum up, yes you need place cards. If your party has more than one table then you need escort cards and table number. Make them clear, easy to read, and as creative as you like.
~Adrianna