No Seating Chart

Caitie90

I've only been to wedding that didn't have a seating chart. It always worked out just fine. One of them I even went to alone while my Fiance was deployed. I felt awkward at first but I just found people that looked my age and sat with them and had a great time. My ceremony and reeption are in one place and I am planning on reserving the closest few tables to the bride and groom for immediate family. What I'm looking for is a creative way to let people know they can pick their own seats. Any ideas will be much appreciated!

+Wedding ceremony and reception being held at a barn venue. Trying to keep it semi-casual.

ElisabethJoanne

At those other weddings without seating charts, how did you know to sit wherever? I've only been to one wedding WITH a seating chart. I knew because there was a prominent "escort card table" near the entrance to the reception space. At all the other weddings, I knew I could sit wherever because there was nothing telling me I couldn't. Also, the tables weren't labeled with numbers or names.

3222w27thst

I think seating charts are more organized and wont have people picking who they do n dont wanna be with. If you know everyone gets along and think it will go smooth instead of people moving chairs n etc. If its a small wedding id say good idea if not then reconsider

mcskatcat

I would go by what's common in your circle.  We had to do one because our venue was a tight squeeze so we couldn't have the extra few tables to accommodate for the fact that a group of five won't necessarily sit with a group of three without (does that make sense?)

If you have a plated dinner, you have to have a seating chart.  If you don't, then you can do without but you do need to have extra seats.  Like I said above, people will sit with who they most won't to sit with, and most tables won't be filled.

emanderson0610

I have seen cute signs that say "As two families are becoming one, we ask that you choose a seat- not a side." This may be more for the ceremony, but I plan on using it for my reception.

http://pinterest.com/pin/188940146837207405/

rlavach

Well I can't really help since I've never been to a reception withOUT a seating chart. The guidance I've seen is that if you don't go that route & have more than 50 guests, you need to have about 25% more tables available. When you assign seats or tables, you can ensure that every seat is used. When it's open seating, you will have some tables more filled than others & will need the extra tables to accomodate that. If that's not an issue, and open seating is what's commonly done in your area, then I don't really think you need a sign. People will understand if that's what they usually do. 

TheFutureShulins

<font face="Times New Roman" size="3" color="#000000"> </font><p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1f1f1f;line-height:115%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:8.5pt;">In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_no-seating-chart?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6fba3a99-feb9-497e-8a4c-d03d23d29d00Post:1cb16020-267f-4a9c-966c-0a306d7db447">Re: No Seating Chart</a>:
[QUOTE]When it's open seating, you will have some tables more filled than others & will need the extra tables to accomodate that.
Posted by rlavach[/QUOTE]

Exactly this. The only reason I am having assigned seating is after attending a wedding that didn't have one. There was literally 1 chair left at every table so the last 8 couples that arrived all sat separately from their dates.

It's fine not to have a seating chart but I also recommend having extra tables available. I didn't want to pay for extra tables, linen, centerpieces, etc. so I've decided to add a seating chart sign (alphabetized with table number) with a more exact table/chair count.</span></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3" color="#000000"> </font>

pltsou

I had my wedding without assigned seating. Had about 120 guests and I set up for 130 seats. You need to tell your vendor ahead of time and they are fine with it. Just setup more seats but only serve food for 120 people. They did not charge me more but you might just need one extra set of center piece. Another option is having a buffet. That way, people will just get food/ plates/ glasses as they need.