Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception?

Chipmunk415

My fiancee and I are considering a cocktail style reception with heavy hor 'devours and a carving station and pasta station (it all comes in a decently priced package). A lot of our family is older and will need to be able to sit when they want to, but I'm wondering if for this kind of reception whether I really need to make a seating plan or just trust my guests to find a seat where they feel like sitting? The venue would still have a classy, semi-formal feel to it, but with this kind of dining, is a seating chart with assignments and table numbers really necessary? Appreciate any thoughts on the matter!

Chipmunk415

Good question Stage. We haven't had a wedding in the family in about 10 years, and now my brother is getting married in May, with me next March. FI's family hasn't had a wedding in several years either, and FI has no idea what they did (was in military overseas, did not attend). Brother and his wife to be are also having a cocktail/ heavy heavy hor devour reception (she's an event planner in Chicago, they are having a TON of food and a TON of variety). I honestly don't know what they are doing for seating and whatnot. I know this is very early to be asking these kinds of detail questions, but it just struck me this morning when I was throwing some ideas around my head and I thought I should get opinions.

I may just wait on this issue until after my brother's wedding. His will be much bigger than mine, but at least I'll get an idea of the possible mess created by a lack of assigned seating if that's the route they take.

s-aries8990

I think that open seating with a variety of seating options is ideal. Can you do some traditional tables with some high-top tables and a few couches with coffe tables? This will make the open seating a little less scary (I think) and will be more condusive to a cocktail-type soiree feel. KWIM? Just as long as there is enough seating for everyone, it doesn't really matter what form the seating is - be it traditional chairs, bar stools (with backs) or couches/chairs.

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_assigned-seating-at-a-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:6bd88fe0-6c50-434e-bce3-316b26f425e8Post:002f37b1-3bd9-4837-8653-b6706f48b958">Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think that open seating with a variety of seating options is ideal. Can you do some traditional tables with some high-top tables and a few couches with coffe tables? This will make the open seating a little less scary (I think) and will be more condusive to a cocktail-type soiree feel. KWIM? Just as long as there is enough seating for everyone, it doesn't really matter what form the seating is - be it traditional chairs, bar stools (with backs) or couches/chairs.
Posted by sydaries[/QUOTE]

I agree with all of this.

I am usually one who prefers assigned tables (not seats...that is just too particular) but I think with cocktail type receptions open seating is best.  As well as offering differing types of tables and seating options.  Just make sure to have enough seats for every butt, in fact have about 10% more seats then number of guests so that people can get up and move around without fear of losing their seat.

alithebride

i think, even at a cocktail style, i still like to have a 'home base' for my sweater or wrap, bag, camera, whatever that i might have with me because i dont want to carry them around all night or wory about leaving them in an open seating.

MairePoppy

Put me in the nervous breakdown group. I don't remember the last time I went to a wedding that didn't have assigned seating.

Your Great Aunt Bertha wants to sit with her daughter, or her sister,  not with your college friends, near the bar. None of your guests want to wander from table to table asking if seats are saved. Table assignments are a courtesy that you can extend to your guests at no cost to you, other than the time you spend making the list and escort cards or chart.

alithebride

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_assigned-seating-at-a-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:6bd88fe0-6c50-434e-bce3-316b26f425e8Post:7987ccc8-f357-41c2-a304-57adafdf0d2d">Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception? : But you're okay with leaving them in a seat because it's at the table with your name on the big chart at the entrance?  I guess I'm just confused as to why you would be nervous about leaving your stuff in a seat if it were one you chose, but not if it were one the bride chose for you.  
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

open seating=people moving around a lot to different seats and putting their stuff down at each place.  i would be worried about leaving my stuff because id forget which seat is mine or if someone else picks it up accidentally thinking it's theirs. it's happened.

NOLAbridealmost

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_assigned-seating-at-a-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:6bd88fe0-6c50-434e-bce3-316b26f425e8Post:ee5b2a3c-42e4-4dda-9c99-765437a924df">Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception? : No, open seating generally = people finding a seat that was not previously assigned to them, putting their stuff down, and making that their "home base".  Or it involves people moving around a lot and keeping their stuff with them.  At least inmy experience.  If I am carrying my stuff with me from chair to chair, then I'm carrying it with me, not leaving it all, so there's no problem with forgetting where I last left it.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]



This exactly. i2i today, Stage.

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_assigned-seating-at-a-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:6bd88fe0-6c50-434e-bce3-316b26f425e8Post:43ca56b6-9b1f-493c-95ab-2ad07ab5a938">Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception? : open seating=people moving around a lot to different seats and putting their stuff down at each place.  i would be worried about leaving my stuff because id forget which seat is mine or if someone else picks it up accidentally thinking it's theirs. it's happened.
Posted by alithebride[/QUOTE]

Even with assigned tables, like most weddings I have been to, people grab a seat at their assigned table as their "home base" but after dinner or lunch or whatever is over everyone moves around to different tables to see and talk with other people and then leave their items at their "home base".

Even if there weren't assigned tables and it was open seating people would still most likely grab a spot and use it as their "home base" becasue many people don't feel like lugging their coat, shawl, purse, etc around all night.

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_assigned-seating-at-a-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:6bd88fe0-6c50-434e-bce3-316b26f425e8Post:ee5b2a3c-42e4-4dda-9c99-765437a924df">Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Assigned Seating at a Cocktail Reception? : No, open seating generally = people finding a seat that was not previously assigned to them, putting their stuff down, and making that their "home base".  Or it involves people moving around a lot and keeping their stuff with them.  At least inmy experience.  If I am carrying my stuff with me from chair to chair, then I'm carrying it with me, not leaving it all, so there's no problem with forgetting where I last left it.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

Yeah but I don't want to have to carry my stuff around with me.