Assigned Seating - Help!

KBlovesBG

I am having a small destination wedding, around 35 guests, we are not having a reception, just a sit down buffet style dinner after the ceremony. The venue has suggested that we'll have 2 long rows of tables with a top table for the groom and I and our parents surrounding us on both sides. My question is....do I need to have assigned seating for all guests? Or should I just have place cards designating the spots for the groom and I and our parents next to us? If I was to have all assigned seating, since there really are no table numbers can I just put place cards at the place setting for each guest? Or can I have the place cards arranged at a table when you enter the space so each guest is able to place it on a spot of their liking? Not sure what to do. Thanks for the suggestions in advance!

leferraro17

I think it would be nice to put name cards in front of each place setting. Although, since the wedding is on the smaller side, you could definitely let the guests pick for themselves and just put ones saved for you and your groom and the parents on the table like you suggested.

Maggie0829

I would just let the guests pick where they would like to sit once the enter the dining area.  Place cards/escort cards are not necessary

southernbelle0915

The buffet dinner that you are providing IS your reception. It's your way of thanking your guests for attending your ceremony (and traveling to your DW). 

With such a small group, I don't think you need place cards for each guest. Just make sure your seats and your parents' seats are reserved where you want them to be and let the others find a spot. 

ap31414

I recently attended my friend's destination wedding where she too had 35 guests and 2 long tables. She put place cards at each setting which I really appreciated as I knew the bride and just 2 or 3 other guests. After the wedding I commented how I enjoyed talking to the people I was seated by (who I had previously not known) and she said she purposely arranged it that way because she had a feeling we'd all hit it off. 

So if your guests all know each other and everyone feels comfortable with everyone else, go without assigned seating but if you have a few people who may feel a little bit like outsiders, I'm sure they'd appreciate not having to do the 'new kid in the lunchroom' thing and stress about where to sit. 

MandyMost

First, this dinner IS your reception. "Reception" just means how you receive your guests and thank them for attending the ceremony. That's it. It has nothing to do with dancing or cocktail hours, etc.

Your options are no assigned seating or place cards. Place cards are when you put a card at the seat with a person's name. Escort cards are when people get the card on a side table that directs them to a certain table--with only 2 tables you don't need that! 

Unless everyone knows each other and gets along well, I'd opt for the assigned seating. It will only take you a few minutes to do. This way you will avoid any hesitation from people as they get in the room and decide where to sit (would it be rude to sit too close to the bride if you're not her closest friend/family? would it be rude to sit in the middle of the table?) Also, you avoid any awkward situations (What if there ends up being one seat left at each table, or far apart, and a couple left standing? What if a cousin on your side ends up at a table full of your in-laws, even though they'd much rather sit with their other cousins?). With assigned seats none of your guests have any stress, and you know everyone will have a seat with people they know.

Our rehearsal dinner will be a max. total of 34 people, and 2 long tables. We're planning assigned seats just for these reasons.