Sometimes, you just absolutely have to take the guesswork out of the equation.  When it comes to place cards, escort cards, seating charts and table names and numbers, the question is always 'when, where and how do I use them?'. Place cards are a great way to make sure that your rowdy republican uncle isn't seated next to your tree hugging aunt or to keep certain family members separated from one another, or simply to create conversation between guests who would not normally get the opportunity to speak with one another.  A place card has the name of the guest on it and is placed where the guest is supposed to sit.  It is always a good idea to have a seating chart near the entrance of your venue so your guests can check to see what table they are seated at.  A Seating Chart would simply have the table number or name of each table and a list of the guests names under the appropriate table.  When they arrive at their table, they simply find their place card. A place card would indicate that you have a specific seat at a specific table.  A place card is usually used for a sit down reception where there is butler service.  An escort card is usually displayed at the entrance of your venue.  It will have the name of the guest along with an indicator of which table they are assigned to, but not a specific seat at that table.  The guest would take their escort card and place it at a seat, at their assigned table.  Escort cards are generally used for a buffet reception.  Escort cards and place cards are another great place to tie-in the theme of your wedding.