Not doing a seating chart?

jenn.daniel

I've never been to a reception that had assigned seats or assigned tables.  It always worked out fine.

Moscow04

Do a seating chart.  Unless your wedding is extremely casual, you must do one.  like everybody is saying it's not that big of a deal and it WILL save you time and frustration in the long run.  

I went to my college roomate's wedding this year and there was not assigned seating.  (Most weddings in rural NC aren't assigned) But by the time I got through the buffet people were already sitting in my spot that I had "staked out" and I ended up eating with my rommate's grandparents's best friends.  It was awful.  I only knew 3 other people that weren't at the head table and they got a table far away from me and I was left to pretend to be interested in their stories about golf and sr. citizens bowling league.  It was a nightmare.  Of course the B&G didn't know they were so preoccupied but a little bit of planning goes a LONG way.  

Also whenever I have attended weddings with assigned seating I just get a better feel.  Everything seems more organized and especially if you're having somewhat of a formal dinner.  It also helps guests to feel a little special knowing that you went through the trouble to think of them individually and give them a special spot just for them.

My final argument for doing a seating chart (I know I've already said this in another post) I've been to weddings where kids go in and grab the seats facing the wedding party followed by the parents who asked them to move and they wouldn't.  It caused a scene and became a major distraction.  So think long and hard before you opt not to do one.  

prclar02

It seems to me that the area where you live determineswhat people think about seating charts(It seems like a lot of people who live in the north are for seating charts - I am from the south).  I was talking about doing one and people looked at me funny, like "why do you have to tell us where to sit?"  Basically, I've decided that if my guests don't feel that they need one, then I don't need to make one.

Plus, all of the receptions I have ever been to without seating charts have never ended in anything that resembles a riot or a tiff

TiffaniLaine

Im not but thats only because I literally have a crazy family thats fude changes weekly with people.  I would have to do it the morning of in order to get it correct so that people weren't with people they hated today.  Its pathetic but they are family that I can't change. 

Ken&Cass

My venue has not stated to me that a seating chart is required, or that I couldn't have additional seats set up. I will be sure to ask the question just to double check.
It will be a seated dinner with six courses.
I too grew up going to weddings where there was never a seating chart.
Thanks for all the ideas!

Blueyed228

If you are having a plated 6 course dinner then I would do the chart.  How is the venue going to know who ordered what?  I would rather have the seating chart and everyone get served in a timely manner than have dinner take too long and people get upset. And people may be moving around alot and not get what they ordered.

PP's may be right about the regional thing.  I have never been to a wedding where there was no seating chart and would be a bit confused if I had to fend for myself.  Especially if I didnt know alot of people.  I want my family at the closest tables and would be afraid random friends of IL's who I dont know would be sitting in those seats.

I would also be upset if FI and I got seperated during dinner.  I would probably leave.  A seating chart does not have to be complicated.  To me it just makes things smooth for the guests.