Buffett Dinner- Assigned seating Good Idea or Bad

bchbride062012

My FI and I have have fun family and friends but there are some who don't get along. Is assigned seating worth the trouble of setting up or not?

TiffannieF

Yes, we had a buffet and did assigned tables to avoid any potential drama as well close any potential holes. 

blush64

Assigned seating is worth the trouble.

I wouldn't want certain table bursting with people and then a table of 2-3. (which could happen depending on who shows up) IT's easier for guests to come and find their seat rather than find a seat among what's left. Also, it's work but you can sort out who likes to sit with who so no one is alone or with someone they don't like.

andreamarie77

I would say at least assign tables, but leave the seats at the tables open for people to choose.

My FI and I went back and forth on this idea as well, but since there are a couple of people in his family who don't get along, we decided it was better to assign tables so they're at least not sitting at the same one.

bchbride062012

Thank you everyone!! Ok so we're going to do it. We are expecting 120-130 guests.

kennazebrowsky

With that many people definitely do it. I went to a large wedding without assigned seating and it was a mess. We couldn't sit therefor couldn't eat because who wants to stand and eat all night in heals firing a hot Florida summer outside? No one. A lot of people completely skipped the reception

krizzo17

Yes - because unless everyone comes as a couple, then you'll end up with awkward tables with 1 spot left, and a couple who doesn't want to be split up. This also helps you keep guests who may not get along apart, and you can also ensure that friends or family who socialize with each other don't have to make a mad dash for seats in order to all sit together.

jemmini6

It's always worth it to take the time to assign tables.

I remember one wedding as a child where it was open seating, we got to the reception late because we had a flat tire on the way, and by the time we got there, our family of 5 was sitting at 5 different tables.  It was awful to be 9 years old and sitting at a table with people I'd never met before.  I still remember it as the worst wedding I've ever been to because of that.

littleluckypenny

Definitely worth it!!!!!

FI and I went to a friend's wedding 2 years ago and we didn't know ANYONE there except another mutual friend, who the bride thoughtfully put FI and I next to at assigned seating.  I seriously would have hated FI and I sitting there not knowing anyone else if she hadn't done that.

ChristineNB

I will have friends in attendance that I don't really want socializing with my/his relatives too much, so there definitely will be assigned seating, even with the buffet

katherinelawre

Assigned seating is a great idea, and worth all the aguements and time. My sister did it for her wedding. Everyone was much happier sitting with people they knew.

DramaGeek

I'll be the lone dissenter, but I've also never been to a wedding that had assigned seating.

Gabrielle76

If you assign seating, and it wasn't actually essential, things will still go smoothly.
If you do not assign seating, and it turns out it was important, you will have a mess. 

I would say assign it, because it can't hurt.  It's like Pascal's wager with wedding drama.