Place card settings Should or Shouldn't Do?

atlcst2 · May 2010

I was not planning on having placecard settings at my reception. However I was going to have the tables numbered so that when it's time to eat (buffet style) it will be some organization. I also have the family and special friends table "hi lighted" for those guest. Everyone else I was going to let sit wherever they wanted. Is that ok or should I have place card settings. It seems that's all I see now. What did you do? Please help.

Mrs.B6302007 · May 2010

It's always a good idea to at least have table assignments. It's much easier for your guests to be directed to a table than to wander around looking for places to sit together. If you do open seating, you will need several extra tables for overflow because you will have tables not filled because more guests want to sit together than space allows. Also, if you do open seating, be careful about reserved tables. I would stick to immediate family getting reserved tables near the front but if you start doing the "special friends" reserved tables, you're getting into iffy territory. If you're going to do that much, you might as well just do table assignments for all.

Mrs.B6302007 · May 2010

FWIW, we had about an 85 person guest list and did table assignments even with 11 tables (2 reserved for families).

[Deleted User] · May 2010

It is probably best you have some sort of organization even though it is a buffet style reception. I would recommend either doing a large table chart so guests can look at it when they walk in the door (with the table # they will sit at listed on it) or do escort cards.

MairePoppy · May 2010

It's rude to have reserved seating for a select group of people, while your other (less important : ( ) guests must fend for themselves.
When I go to a wedding, I don't want to wander around the reception room looking for a table with enough empty spaces to accommodate my party. I prefer escort cards with table assignments. This is one (free!) way of showing consideration to your guests.

Midgetth · May 2010

I would have a seating chart. get escort cards. I agree with MairePoppy I don't want to be wandering aorund looking for an open space and it is rude to only have reserved seating for your VIP's. Seat people who are related or age group or their interests & who you think would get along.

trix1223 · May 2010

Doing table assignments is actually a courtesy to your guests. It ensures that people who don't get along won't end up stuck with each other because they're the only open seats left.

It ensures that couples or families won't be split up because there are not enough seats left at any given table when they arrive.

It ensures that Great Aunt Hilda won't be seated with your FIs college frat brothers, or that Grandpa Al won't end up sitting right next to the dj's speakers.

It ensures that your college roommate, who doesn't know anyone but you at the wedding, won't wander the room hoping that she can sit somewhere. (Remember the cafeteria in Jr. High?)

It ensures that you won't have 11 people jammed into a table that seats 8 comfortably because people decided to pull up chairs so they could all sit together.

It also saves you $$, because when you don't have assigned tables, you need to have extras because you WILL end with tables of 4 where you intended to have 8.

I've only been to one wedding without table assignments, and it was a holy mess as people wandered around trying to figure out where they were supposed to sit.

Do table assignments

jenn.daniel · May 2010

I've never seen table assgnments at receptions. I'll admit that it was a little crazy at the one with about 250 guests, but it all worked out.

Place card settings Should or Shouldn't Do?

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