Using table names instead of table numbers?

suteki325

Hello all,

My wedding is coming up fast (May 16th - eek) and my latest project is working on a seating chart. Originally I had planned to do table names, instead of using numbers, to better go with my particular theme. However, I attended a wedding last night and it made me realize that without table numbers going in ascending/descending order based on placement, it might be hard for guests to find their tables. I don't want to make my guests wander around the reception space searching for their table. For anyone who has used tables names in the past, do you feel like it was hard for guests to find their table? Any ideas on how to make this idea more guest-friendly?

Thanks!

JoanE2012

scribe95 said:

That's exactly the experience I had at the one wedding I went to with table names - wandering around until I find it. I prefer numbers. They are simple. Or you could combine the two.

I agree, I much prefer table numbers.  If you really want to do table names, also include numbers and put the tables in sequential order so guests aren't wandering around forever trying to find their table.

Jen4948

I'd just do table numbers.  The "name theme" might have meaning for you, but without numbers, it can be hard for guests to find their tables, and they might be wondering if the names have hidden meanings that are not in their favor.

AddieCake

If you do names, you should also do numbers.

louxnoelle

Agree with PP's, add in numbers along with the names; I don't know that I've ever seen just table names on their own. At the very least, maybe alphabetize them so there's some rhyme or reason?

suteki325

Thanks ladies!! I think I'm going to go with the table name + number combination, to keep it simple for my guests.

BrinkyDink16

We're doing table names.  Each table is a different horror movie so on the back of the place card it will say "Nightmare on Elm Stree" (for example).  Along with the centerpieces of movie props each table will have a mini-poster from the movie so all guests will have to do if they can't figure it out by centerpiece will be look for the movie poster with the corresponding name.  I think if you clearly mark the names on the table it shouldn't be a problem.

Maggie0829

I used names instead of numbers.  The way we made it easy for people to find their tables is that we created a poster size seating chart that had the the same layout as the actual room.

Knottie51972556

I like the idea of combining both the names and the numbers for each table! This way you can add in your own touch to go with your theme, but you don't have to worry about your guests struggling to find their tables.

JoanE2012

BrinkyDink16 said:

We're doing table names.  Each table is a different horror movie so on the back of the place card it will say "Nightmare on Elm Stree" (for example).  Along with the centerpieces of movie props each table will have a mini-poster from the movie so all guests will have to do if they can't figure it out by centerpiece will be look for the movie poster with the corresponding name.  I think if you clearly mark the names on the table it shouldn't be a problem.

The issue is that all of your guests will have to wander around to potentially many tables trying to find their table.  That's why numbers are suggested so the tables can be put in sequential order and guests can quickly find their table.  I don't want to wander around with my purse, drink, sweater, place card etc bumping in to everyone else doing the same thing.  I'd at least add numbers.  Or at the very least, like Maggie mentioned, a large chart of the room showing the table setup and names.

hellohkb

Maggie0829 said:

I used names instead of numbers.  The way we made it easy for people to find their tables is that we created a poster size seating chart that had the the same layout as the actual room.

I was going to suggest this. It's a pretty good idea. How did you make it? (Photoshop, VistaPrint, etc?) @Maggie0829

Also, I've been to weddings that had numbers but weren't even in order. It was so confusing. I was at table 12 and tables 2 and 15 were next to me. Wtf?

Jen4948

hellohkb said:

Maggie0829 said:

I used names instead of numbers.  The way we made it easy for people to find their tables is that we created a poster size seating chart that had the the same layout as the actual room.

I was going to suggest this. It's a pretty good idea. How did you make it? (Photoshop, VistaPrint, etc?) @Maggie0829

Also, I've been to weddings that had numbers but weren't even in order. It was so confusing. I was at table 12 and tables 2 and 15 were next to me. Wtf?

I think the best idea is just to have consecutively numbered tables without names. Then you don't need to make a chart and your guests don't have to wander around the reception room comparing the tables to a chart.

Maggie0829

hellohkb said:

Maggie0829 said:

I used names instead of numbers.  The way we made it easy for people to find their tables is that we created a poster size seating chart that had the the same layout as the actual room.

I was going to suggest this. It's a pretty good idea. How did you make it? (Photoshop, VistaPrint, etc?) @Maggie0829

Also, I've been to weddings that had numbers but weren't even in order. It was so confusing. I was at table 12 and tables 2 and 15 were next to me. Wtf?

My go to software when I made things for my wedding was Microsoft Publisher.  Then you can get a poster of it made at Kinkos.  But then again I am sure there are a lot more options available now then there was 4+ years ago.

ETA:  I only had 13 tables.  But I do think when you start to get up to 20+ tables then numbers which are high and can be seen from afar is probably a better way to go.

BrinkyDink16

JoanE2012 said:

BrinkyDink16 said:

We're doing table names.  Each table is a different horror movie so on the back of the place card it will say "Nightmare on Elm Stree" (for example).  Along with the centerpieces of movie props each table will have a mini-poster from the movie so all guests will have to do if they can't figure it out by centerpiece will be look for the movie poster with the corresponding name.  I think if you clearly mark the names on the table it shouldn't be a problem.

The issue is that all of your guests will have to wander around to potentially many tables trying to find their table.  That's why numbers are suggested so the tables can be put in sequential order and guests can quickly find their table.  I don't want to wander around with my purse, drink, sweater, place card etc bumping in to everyone else doing the same thing.  I'd at least add numbers.  Or at the very least, like Maggie mentioned, a large chart of the room showing the table setup and names.

Oh I love the idea of everyone getting to see all the different tables!  They're all going to be so unique that, if I were a guest, I'd make a point to walk around and see as many as I could.  We already have friends arguing with each other over what table they want to sit at!

Jen4948

BrinkyDink16 said:

JoanE2012 said:

BrinkyDink16 said:

We're doing table names.  Each table is a different horror movie so on the back of the place card it will say "Nightmare on Elm Stree" (for example).  Along with the centerpieces of movie props each table will have a mini-poster from the movie so all guests will have to do if they can't figure it out by centerpiece will be look for the movie poster with the corresponding name.  I think if you clearly mark the names on the table it shouldn't be a problem.

The issue is that all of your guests will have to wander around to potentially many tables trying to find their table.  That's why numbers are suggested so the tables can be put in sequential order and guests can quickly find their table.  I don't want to wander around with my purse, drink, sweater, place card etc bumping in to everyone else doing the same thing.  I'd at least add numbers.  Or at the very least, like Maggie mentioned, a large chart of the room showing the table setup and names.

Oh I love the idea of everyone getting to see all the different tables!  They're all going to be so unique that, if I were a guest, I'd make a point to walk around and see as many as I could.  We already have friends arguing with each other over what table they want to sit at!

Your guests are not going to want to wander from table to table trying to figure out where to sit. Expecting them to do that is very inconsiderate of their need to just sit down.

[Deleted User]

Jen4948 said:

BrinkyDink16 said:

JoanE2012 said:

BrinkyDink16 said:

We're doing table names.  Each table is a different horror movie so on the back of the place card it will say "Nightmare on Elm Stree" (for example).  Along with the centerpieces of movie props each table will have a mini-poster from the movie so all guests will have to do if they can't figure it out by centerpiece will be look for the movie poster with the corresponding name.  I think if you clearly mark the names on the table it shouldn't be a problem.

The issue is that all of your guests will have to wander around to potentially many tables trying to find their table.  That's why numbers are suggested so the tables can be put in sequential order and guests can quickly find their table.  I don't want to wander around with my purse, drink, sweater, place card etc bumping in to everyone else doing the same thing.  I'd at least add numbers.  Or at the very least, like Maggie mentioned, a large chart of the room showing the table setup and names.

Oh I love the idea of everyone getting to see all the different tables!  They're all going to be so unique that, if I were a guest, I'd make a point to walk around and see as many as I could.  We already have friends arguing with each other over what table they want to sit at!

Your guests are not going to want to wander from table to table trying to figure out where to sit. Expecting them to do that is very inconsiderate of their need to just sit down.

I mean, if your tables are so cool that I want to see them all, I'll totally go do that... AFTER I put down my purse, camera, sweater, and escort card down at my seat.  But I won't be enjoying looking at your cleverness while trying to juggle four things in my arms.

Jen4948

sandstorm320 said:

I don't even know if we will have a seating chart at our wedding. Apparently it's traditional to have the bridal party seat the guests (according to FFIL) so that is what we are doing. I personally wouldn't care one bit about having to look at the different tables in order to find the one I was supposed to sit at. Plus this works even better if the centerpieces are unique. Think of it like a quest to find the correct seat. There should be an achievement you get to unlock if you can name all the tables.

Your FFIL actually expects your bridal party to escort every single one of your guests to their seats?  This is not only not traditional, but it will take all of your reception!  When the hell are your guests who are still waiting to be "escorted" to their seats supposed to actually get to eat, dance, etc., especially the very last ones to be escorted to their seats, hours after the reception starts? 

Are the guests just supposed to stand up the whole time while waiting to be escorted to their seats?  Has your FFIL, or you, given a thought to the fact that nobody wants to stand up for hours, let alone waiting to be seated, especially people who need to eat or have physical issues that preclude standing for prolonged periods, or even just wearing high heels, and that your bridal party isn't going to want to escort the guests to their seats?  They're not going to give a fuck about the centerpieces, unique or not. 

justsie

sandstorm320 said:

I don't even know if we will have a seating chart at our wedding. Apparently it's traditional to have the bridal party seat the guests (according to FFIL) so that is what we are doing. I personally wouldn't care one bit about having to look at the different tables in order to find the one I was supposed to sit at. Plus this works even better if the centerpieces are unique. Think of it like a quest to find the correct seat. There should be an achievement you get to unlock if you can name all the tables.

....What? Your wedding is not World of Warcraft, I don't want to do a quest to figure out where to sit. 

It's great that YOU would have fun doing that, but the second you invite other guests to your wedding it becomes about being a good host. Making me wander around juggling all my things because you think I'll appreciate decorations is not being a good host. 

Jen4948

sandstorm320 said:

Jen4948 said:

sandstorm320 said:

I don't even know if we will have a seating chart at our wedding. Apparently it's traditional to have the bridal party seat the guests (according to FFIL) so that is what we are doing. I personally wouldn't care one bit about having to look at the different tables in order to find the one I was supposed to sit at. Plus this works even better if the centerpieces are unique. Think of it like a quest to find the correct seat. There should be an achievement you get to unlock if you can name all the tables.

Your FFIL actually expects your bridal party to escort every single one of your guests to their seats?  This is not only not traditional, but it will take all of your reception!  When the hell are your guests who are still waiting to be "escorted" to their seats supposed to actually get to eat, dance, etc., especially the very last ones to be escorted to their seats, hours after the reception starts? 

Are the guests just supposed to stand up the whole time while waiting to be escorted to their seats?  Has your FFIL, or you, given a thought to the fact that nobody wants to stand up for hours, let alone waiting to be seated, especially people who need to eat or have physical issues that preclude standing for prolonged periods, or even just wearing high heels, and that your bridal party isn't going to want to escort the guests to their seats?  They're not going to give a fuck about the centerpieces, unique or not. 

I would love to agree with you, but some of the guests can't read English and at blended weddings it's the thing to do. Also it won't take all reception unless we never want to start the ceremony.

It is not "the thing to do" at blended weddings. The "thing to do" at any wedding reception is to let all guests find their own seats.  And this still keeps guests waiting a long time to be seated, when they should be able to sit themselves down immediately.  How hard is it to just put their names on a card with the number of their table?  They don't need to be able to read English for that.

[Deleted User]

Jen4948 said:

sandstorm320 said:

Jen4948 said:

sandstorm320 said:

I don't even know if we will have a seating chart at our wedding. Apparently it's traditional to have the bridal party seat the guests (according to FFIL) so that is what we are doing. I personally wouldn't care one bit about having to look at the different tables in order to find the one I was supposed to sit at. Plus this works even better if the centerpieces are unique. Think of it like a quest to find the correct seat. There should be an achievement you get to unlock if you can name all the tables.

Your FFIL actually expects your bridal party to escort every single one of your guests to their seats?  This is not only not traditional, but it will take all of your reception!  When the hell are your guests who are still waiting to be "escorted" to their seats supposed to actually get to eat, dance, etc., especially the very last ones to be escorted to their seats, hours after the reception starts? 

Are the guests just supposed to stand up the whole time while waiting to be escorted to their seats?  Has your FFIL, or you, given a thought to the fact that nobody wants to stand up for hours, let alone waiting to be seated, especially people who need to eat or have physical issues that preclude standing for prolonged periods, or even just wearing high heels, and that your bridal party isn't going to want to escort the guests to their seats?  They're not going to give a fuck about the centerpieces, unique or not. 

I would love to agree with you, but some of the guests can't read English and at blended weddings it's the thing to do. Also it won't take all reception unless we never want to start the ceremony.

It is not "the thing to do" at blended weddings. The "thing to do" at any wedding reception is to let all guests find their own seats.  And this still keeps guests waiting a long time to be seated, when they should be able to sit themselves down immediately.  How hard is it to just put their names on a card with the number of their table?  They don't need to be able to read English for that.

True.  Can they not read their name?  And a number? And go to a table where that number is on a big sign in the center?  And sit down?  If their language uses a different alphabet have a different section on the escort card table with just names in that language.

Jen4948

sandstorm320 said:

Being really honest here, it's not up for debate. This is what we are doing, you won't be coming to my wedding and so you won't have to worry about it at all. We have 9 people in the wedding party and a small enough number of guests so it will not be an issue. 

Look, we're not going to validate or endorse your rudeness or sugarcoat it for you. If you don't want negative feedback from strangers about your plans or ideas, don't bring them up on a public Internet board. All your saying "it's not up for debate" or "you won't be coming" accomplishes is to alienate further not only us but your true victims-the guests you are forcing this on. And just because the number of them is small and none of them complain doesn't mean it's not an issue, because their silence does not equal their agreement. Rudeness to a small number of people is just as inappropriate as rudeness to large numbers of people. Nobody's favorably impressed by rudeness.

esstee33

sandstorm320 said:

Being really honest here, it's not up for debate. This is what we are doing, you won't be coming to my wedding and so you won't have to worry about it at all. We have 9 people in the wedding party and a small enough number of guests so it will not be an issue. 

Man you're awful. 

ETA: the fact that people on the boards are not coming to your wedding (as far as you know, since this is a relatively anonymous forum and people here actually COULD be your guests) doesn't give you license to act like an asshole to your actual guests. 

Or, you know, you could actually take the advice given to you and NOT be a jerk to your nearest and dearest. 

BrinkyDink16

@sandstorm320 I'm not sure what you mean by blended wedding but I think it sounds like kind of a cool tradition.  What culture is it from?  Depending on the ratio of bridal party members vs. guests I think it could get tricky but your numbers seem like they'll work out just fine.

BrinkyDink16

@sandstorm320 Oh, okay!  We're kind of doing something similar at our ceremony.  We're going to have a "please wait to be seated" sign and our ushers are actually going to "usher" people to seats because the set up is a little weird.  The mason lodge has this built in seating which is awesome, it's from a movie theater that was torn down something like 60 years ago, but that seating faces inwards not towards the front.  Then we have seating that does face towards the front as well.  We really want people to fill in from the front like you would seat people at a show so having the ushers actually escort people to seats will prevent weird gaps that you get if you let people do it themselves.

Jen4948

sandstorm320 said:

@BrinkyDink16 FH is Chinese and his parents are adamant that this is done at Chinese weddings. The ratio is smallish so we are thinking that it won't take more than 15mins to seat everyone if they all showed up at once but likely they won't so it won't be a big deal. Doors open at 5 and everyone knows the ceremony doesn't start until 5:30.

And how about your guests and wedding party members who are NOT Chinese? Don't their needs NOT to be kept standing around waiting for half an hour with nothing to eat while dressed up, especially if they have to sit down and eat for medical reasons, deserve any consideration? It is atrocious that you would ignore their needs for some "cultural tradition."