how do I get FI to agree to assinged seating??

Nshivers

He is SO against this!  It frustrates me because there will be guests at our wedding that don't know each other and many that do.  I just don't want there to be an awkward situation for any of our guests.  Plus family that aren't as 'close' (ones that won't be sitting at the designated family tables) I want them to be near the family tables..

I've expressed all oft this to him.  He doesn't think we should limit our guests to where they sit.  Should I give in?  Not sure what to do??

Nshivers

PLEASE share the website you researched!  We have 180 confirmed guests, and I just don't see this going over well with free for all seating. 

ECOlson

Do assigned tables, but not exact seats.  Also, let your fiance know that generally you need extra tables if you're not assigning seating, because most people aren't comfortable sitting at a table full of strangers unless everyone in attendance is really close and comfortable with each other.  So, unless you have some extra space in your reception location, that might not be feasible.  Plus, they'll only be sitting in their assigned seat during dinner.  Once everyone gets up to dance they can go wherever they want.  To add with my own experiences: at every wedding I've been to that has had open seating, trying to find enough seats at the same table for the people I want to sit with has been a logistical nightmare unless it was a SUPER relaxed or small wedding.  It's so much easier to pick up a little card and know exactly where I'm supposed to sit.  

Nshivers

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_how-do-i-get-fi-to-agree-to-assinged-seating?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:32d01e0e-c218-423b-969f-2bbcbb9e964fPost:72ae16a5-e413-40ba-ac9f-bb2be04ac782">Re: how do I get FI to agree to assinged seating??</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay, now that I read your post, reasons to back you up: 1) Because not everyone is seated and the same exact second, I'm sure he could understand how certain people would like to sit together. If they are at different areas in the line to enter, they may not have this opportunity as tables may fill up and people feel weird about saving seats.  2) Yes you may have 150 chairs for your 150 guests, however if you do not create a seating chart, you force your guests to keep moving- what I mean is this, almost all the tables are filled but there is ONE seat available at EVERY table!!! Now there are 25 tables and 25 people that need to be seated. Okay one is single, but the others are all couples!! 12 couples then have to either be split up or ask other people to keep moving around. What A Mess you have!!! 3) Assigned seating (at least to the table not the exact chair) is very important to help avoid a lot of potential drama between those people that may not get along very well. What if very out spoken Aunt Gail who despises FI's Brother Bruce, is subjected to him having to sit right next to her because he showed up last and Aunt Gail being who she is, of course the only seat available is the one practically in her lap! No bueno! 4) it cuts down on the confusion and makes for a much easier and faster seating. 5) It eliminates for awkward moments.  Oh I could go on- but he should be more agreeable when he realizes the advantages to the assigned seating. :) Bet of luck!  Ih yeah and No I don't think you should back down on this one. 
Posted by jaschelle[/QUOTE]

Thanks!  Thanks for the website too!!

Nshivers

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_how-do-i-get-fi-to-agree-to-assinged-seating?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:32d01e0e-c218-423b-969f-2bbcbb9e964fPost:6f7d747b-df82-4055-ad96-09f65838f7cf">Re: how do I get FI to agree to assinged seating??</a>:
[QUOTE]Do assigned tables, but not exact seats.  Also, let your fiance know that generally you need extra tables if you're not assigning seating, because most people aren't comfortable sitting at a table full of strangers unless everyone in attendance is really close and comfortable with each other.  So, unless you have some extra space in your reception location, that might not be feasible.  Plus, they'll only be sitting in their assigned seat during dinner.  Once everyone gets up to dance they can go wherever they want.  To add with my own experiences: at every wedding I've been to that has had open seating, trying to find enough seats at the same table for the people I want to sit with has been a logistical nightmare unless it was a SUPER relaxed or small wedding.  It's so much easier to pick up a little card and know exactly where I'm supposed to sit.  
Posted by ECOlson[/QUOTE]

Thanks!