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Do I need a seating chart?

chamberssuchamberssu
First Comment
in Wedding Etiquette Forum
I'm having a small, informal afternoon wedding. After the garden ceremony, we're heading to the nearby country club for a champagne bar and lunch buffet. Very casual, about 60 people expected.

I hadn't been planning on creating a seating chart, but now I'm not so sure. I don't want to be rude, and if it's easier on the guests to HAVE an assigned seat than not then I would be happy to provide a seating arrangement.

What is proper etiquette here? Is it polite to have a seating chart, or should I just let the guests sit wherever pleases them? We do have a few out-of-towners who might not know many other people there, but I thought that they'd just find the people they did know on their own?
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Re: Do I need a seating chart?

  • Bkseller13Bkseller13 member
    1000 Comments Fourth Anniversary
    You might compromise and give table assignments.  Otherwise, you need probably 2-3 extra tables because people will probably not fill up the tables.  You'll have empty seats at many of the tables.
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  • andrea2473andrea2473 member
    500 Comments
    edited June 2012
    I very much prefer weddings/events with seating charts.   I have a little bit of social anxiety and I feel really uncomfortable when I'm not sure where I'm supposed to be.  

    ETA:  I agree that assigned tables are just fine.   That's actually what we did. 
    image
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  • specialk84specialk84
    2500 Comments
    Another vote for assigned tables.
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  • aragx6aragx6 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    I would assign tables; I think it's a courtesy to your guests and it won't really take all that much time.
    Lizzie
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  • chamberssuchamberssu
    First Comment
    Thank you everyone! I didn't even think of just assigning tables and feel a little silly now. That is great advice!
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  • Strv2perfectionStrv2perfection
    100 Comments
    I thought assigned tables or seats were for when you have a plated meal?
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  • auriannaaurianna member
    Ninth Anniversary 1000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_do-i-need-a-seating-chart?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:24f9d263-6d0c-472f-8b90-04f5966d8babPost:0cb99515-3c36-4c47-a86c-f1c068486fdc">Re: Do I need a seating chart?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I thought assigned tables or seats were for when you have a plated meal?
    Posted by Strv2perfection[/QUOTE]

    Not necessarily. It's a way to make sure that groups of people you know will want to sit together, get to sit together. It's a way to place guests who might only know a few people with groups that they share a common interest with. It's a way to use a small space since you won't need extra tables that might not fit in your room. And it keeps your guests from needing to worry if they're sitting in the right or wrong place.

    I also have a lot of anxiety when having to find a seat, especially when I know few people. Once hubby and I sat at an empty table, and another couple came, leaving 6 seats. This group of 8 came to our table right before dinner started and were all "I guess we'll have to sit at different tables...." all passive aggressive like they wanted us to move, but at that point I didn't even see many places for 2 anymore.

    As far as weddings where I've only known 1-2 other people, I've been to 5: two with open seating, three where the bride & groom did a thoughtful seating chart. The three with the chart we had a very enjoyable time conversing with the people we were seated with, as we had a lot in common. The other two were very awkward and we left as soon as the cake was cut and we said hi to the couple.
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