No place cards but arranged seating?

annieoldfield

I have this idea i really want to do and im just wondering if its acceptable.

Im having 30 guests, 24 will be sat on two long tables. 12 each table, so 6 down each side. then 6 on the head table. 

I really want to make chalkboard placemats with the guests name written on it in chalk. 

Do you think the guests would mind finding their place that way? Its almost the same as just trying to find their name on a small card on a table. Plus if we had place cards, they would only say either table one or two, right?! 

JaxInBlue

I think that with 30 people it may still slow seating if people aren't able to narrow down where to look a little.  You don't necessarily need place cards - you could put a table map up near the entrance to your reception room or use an escort board that lists names and the table to which the guest is assigned.

I would think carefully about using chalk.  If a server prefilling water glasses before your event spills even a little water or if water glasses sweat too much, your chalk writing might start to smear or run.  I'd think about writing on chalkboard with a permanent ink, or using black paper and white/yellow/pastel ink to get a similar but more permanent effect.

AdeleDazeem

Do you have your heart set on a chalkboard?

My sisther and brother in law had a large, lovely board with everyone's name alphabetized by last name.  Next to our name was the table assignment.  No escort cards but the board was lovely.

It was classier than this, but same idea:

annieoldfield

Yeah im pretty set on it i already bought all the materials to make them! 

I think both your ideas of a seating chart is great. I might get a big chalk board to hang and draw the two long tables and write the names indicating where theyre sat!

(its a pavillion so ill just hang it onto one of the poles.)

jessicabessica

I really like the idea of having a larger chalkboard to tell people which table to go to (I don't think you can just list the three tables and don't need to diagram each table, given how few people you have), and then the placemats to designate seats at the table.  

It sounds like you're already set on the chalkboard idea, but I'm also worried about the logistics.  Can you use paint, so you don't have to worry about it getting rubbed or washed away?  Using real chalk could also be dusty, which is kind of gross if that is the placemat.

lgoin1

I think it's a great idea, because the slow down may cause your guests to get to know each other, socialize for a little bit etc.

michellemayawheeler

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_no-place-cards-but-arranged-seating?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:9b5ef93e-81f9-4ddb-826d-31c913b44321Post:464a55cf-f48e-4e13-8f38-d65e277db9cb">No place cards but arranged seating?</a>:
[QUOTE]I have this idea i really want to do and im just wondering if its acceptable. Im having 30 guests, 24 will be sat on two long tables. 12 each table, so 6 down each side. then 6 on the head table.  I really want to make chalkboard placemats with the guests name written on it in chalk.  Do you think the guests would mind finding their place that way? Its almost the same as just trying to find their name on a small card on a table. Plus if we had place cards, they would only say either table one or two, right?! 
Posted by annieoldfield[/QUOTE]
i am easy like sunday morning...it depends on who is invited, old school emily post rule. if you have an easy group....you can relax on the rules....if not, more strcture