Table assignments

twinkie757

I'm having an argument with my mom about whether or not people should be assigned to a table to sit at during the reception and then let them pick their seat. So, from your experiences what do you think? Do you hate being assigned a table or is this typical wedding stuff that happens? 

ast.meghan

I'd much rather be assigned a table then not. I've been to both and prefer the latter. Being assigned a table, if it isn't full of people you already know, gives you a chance to talk to other guests who (hopefully) have something in common with you.

viola5618

I had a friend explain to me that it was a good idea, and i agree. When you have limited seating it's a just easier to have the assigned seats then the headaches from people having to split up groups or sit with people they have never met, or worse have your great aunt get stuck at the same table as your best friend from college who decides they want to tell stories from rush and greek week and homecoming ect. all of which don't have such a flattering light on you.

mermadison

I like assigned seating especially if I don't know a lot of people. On an unrelated note, bf was in two weddings last summer and sat at the bridal table and I didn't know anyone and was lonely and homicidal by the end of the night.The end.

lzimm13

I would much rather have assigned seating. Searching for a seat takes me back to HS... I didn't like HS.

Button5807

Ditto to the high school thing

Lacey Barnett

From my experience as a guest, I do like free-seating.But maybe that's just because the assigned-seating weddings that I've been to in the past have put me either at the kids table, right next to the DJ's speakers, or a really bad spot where I couldn't see anything.If you do assigned seating, just keep those in mind.

notquiteblushing

I like assigned seating.  People expect it and then don't have to shuffle around looking for a seat.  And the last two weddings I've been to I've met some fun people I wouldn't have ordinarily talked to.

noelle24

Definitely assign tables! Free seating is a nightmare.  Your great aunt Erma could end up sitting next to those wild college friends who are only there for the open bar.  Or, that last couple that walks in could be forced to split up because the only two open chairs left are at two different tables.You don't have to assign actual seats if you don't want to, but I think you should at least put them at specific tables.Another thing to think about is the meal.  If you are serving a plated meal, how will the servers know who ordered what on your RSVP. I guarantee many of your guests will have forgotten what they ordered.  If you assign tables, you can color coordinate their seating card with their menu choice. 

noelle24

oh, and I also second mermaidson.  Please don't split up your bridal party from their dates!  Sure, they'll survive dinner without their guest, but that doesn't mean they won't be unhappy about it!

oceana919

I've been to weddings with assigned seating by seat, assigned seating by table, and open seating. To be honest, my favorite was assigned seating by table. It gave me at least a little direction as to where to sit, but it gave me the freedom to sit next to who I wanted to at the table. The open seating was a bit chaotic, but what I did like about it was that the wedding party got to sit with who they wanted to...I was able to sit at a table with my boyfriend and family, versus front and center with the rest of the wedding party. It made for a very nice touch.

twinkie757

Thanks ladies!Noelle -How did the color-coding thing work for plated meals? We are planning on assigning tables, but I don't want the meal choices to cause a headache for the caterer or the guests.

littlemoments324

I really have only had one bad experience so far with assigned seating.  I was at a wedding where I was at a table where I knew no one...but I was sat next to the table where I knew everyone...So it is good and bad...My mom and I have the same argument about this...I just think assigned seating is fine...brides family on one side groom's on the other side of the room...if ppl want to mingle they will...nothing forced!

rickylee244

Another great thing that I have seen (and plan on doing) is that while there was assigned seating by table, the wedding party was actually seated with the group that they belonged with.  And were scattered throughout the reception.  Therefore they got to sit with thier date and thier friends.  I loved it.

noelle24

What I've seen people do is color code the name cards, either with the color of the card itself, or a colored dot on the inside of the card.  That way, the servers will automatically know that blue = chicken and silver = beef.