Practical yet pretty are two of the guiding principles we implore when planning any stunning soiree – so when it comes to escorting your guests to their seats here are some of our favorite ways to do it in style.

Find Your Party Animal: Looking for a fun way to elevate a standard escort card? Incorporate metallic animals into your design like L+ P did at Farmington Country Club to help set the tone for the epic dance floor party that’s about to ensue. {photo by Eric Kelley | animals + cards DIY}

Seating Charts: a modern approach to the escort card is ditching the card part all together and opting for a seating chart like J+M did at Pippin Hill Farm + Vineyards. Not only is this an eco-friendly option that makes for lovely way to tie in other design details (like colors or your custom monogram), but it allows allows guests to see who else is at their table. {photo by Rebecca Yale | acrylic board by Paisley + Jade | lettering by SA Style + Design}

Floral + Hedge Wall: What’s better for the ‘gram than a hedge or floral wall? This trend is obviously popular right now for more than just weddings but it’s easy to see why this provides such a wow factor. Seamlessly blending into your overall design aesthetic, greeting guests with cards affixed to a pretty structure like this will be sure to impress. {photo by Jen Fariello | cards by Rock Paper Scissors Cville}

Classic Cards: They’re classic for a reason – escort cards in their purest form are always a hit. With so many lovely ways to display, like these beautiful rustic boards on a white wash farm table at Castle Hill, the options truly are endless. {photo by Jen Fariello}

{Featured image in this post by Patricia Lyons}