Seating Chart...

REB1003

What do you guys think the Pros and Cons of a seating chart are? Or why are you having or not having one?

kbates85

I'm not having a seating chart but I am going to have a few reserved tables for family and the bridal party. We'll have a "Smith" table and a "Jones" table for mine and his family. We will have a table for the bridal party and of course our table. Everyone else can site where they want.

My feelings are that it's just one more thing for me to have to do. It's kind of a huge undertaking if you think about it. Hope this helps! ~Kim

kcon1225

I just had tables for the families and that was it.

loop0406

I'm not having one, just reserving parents tables close to our sweetheart table. Reason being ?  I want guests to be comfortable, sit with who they choose.

lcissell3110

I'm also reserving 2 tables for family and everyone else can sit where they want. people will be up and moving around anyways, and its one less thing for me to worry about

Meagan78

We're doing a seating chart blown up on an easle at front and in the programs.  The benefit is so people can find others.  We've been to several large weddings where, between the lighting and the crowds, you can't figure out where people you want to see are sitting.  So we definitely see the benefit of a chart.  I've also heard that open seating is disconcerting for guests.  I think assigned (to a table, not specific seats) is a better way to go.

akg0053

I disagree with the previous poster that said not assigning seats so guests could feel comfortable and sit where they want.

We are assigning tables. The reason is because I have been to too many weddings where my fiance and I have been that awkward couple sitting in a random table with Uncle Joe and Aunt Erma. Even when there have been weddings where we have known people, other random people end up sitting at their table before we get a chance, once again relegating us to some other table with family. The whole thing is just an awkward mess that I would like to avoid just by assigning tables, even if it's just for dinner. Our guests will know they are free to mingle afterward.

TXsun

I"m also a fan of assigned seating. At least tell them a table to sit at, the specific seat isnt neccessary.  We had our escort cards hanging, people looked through and found their names that had the table # on it.

mtsookasem

I am not doing assigned seating either - I will have reserved tables for family, but that is it.

I think it is just an extra hassle to make a seating chart. Then you also have to have people to help everyone get seated correctly. My wedding is expected to be about 150 people, so it won't be so large that guests won't be able to find one another.

sarahinlove24

I think a seating chart is definitely he smart way to go!! If you don't do it then there is certainty that people will be left out.  An easy way to do it is get a diagram of the tables from the venue, then place immediate family on the tables nearest you & the groom (with spouses) then family, wedding party, and so on. This way you can place people at tables with at least people that they already know...Otherwise its a free-for-all.  Once people sit down, they feel awkward moving.

Do the name cards with the table number on the back. When people enter the reception, they find thier name and know where to go (gives them a feeling of belonging somewhere) which is helpful.  The venue will remove the numers when they are about to announce you in. My cousin's wedding was uncharted, and people were leaving b/c the tables with people they knew were taken. It's more considerate of your guests to give them a seat or table.

cvgomez23

I'm assigning tables not actually seating.

[Deleted User]

same as PP, I will not tell people where to sit, b/c I'm sure they won't listen and I would just end up wasting my time trying to make a chart for nothing. But I will reserve tables for our parents.