Seating Chart for large wedding - help!

hendersonsarah

Hi Ladies,

My wedding is coming up quickly (mid-October) and our guest list is just under 400. We have all of our rsvps and have done the seating arrangments so we know which table everyone will sit at.

My problem right now is how to present the seating arrangement to our guests. I want to make it easy for them and not overwhelm them with the fact that we have 38 tables.

I also want to make it easy for people to find their names....and not stare at the seating chart for 20 minutes trying to find their name....HELP

naomikb

Put everyone's name on a tented placecard with their table number and then put all the place cards alphabetically by last name on a table.  A big, long table so that people aren't all scrunched up around the table.  You can even have multiple tables (A-G, H-P, Q-Z) to break it up.

Have the tables and cards available during cocktail hour so people have lots of time to walk by, pick up their card, and figure out where they are going.

Jewel224

The latest trend to present seating arrangements - either handwrite or have it printed on poster sized paper and place it on a cheap frame.  You can have it broken down by last names as Naomi suggested.

As well, make use of your bridal party...are you doing a receiving line?  If so, after the receiving line, have your bridesmaids there where they can take their name and tell them their table number.  They can also be broken down so that bridesmaid one takes care of A-G, etc.  Or you can do both - have a seating chart with the names and also have your bridesmaids to assist your guests.

naomikb

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_canada-toronto_seating-chart-for-large-wedding-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:613Discussion:7a9f4a13-9856-43ed-8516-97270d2f44d6Post:f62bc43c-11bf-4e34-bb36-d3f1b5a5e276">Re: Seating Chart for large wedding - help!</a>:
[QUOTE]The latest trend to present seating arrangements - either handwrite or have it printed on poster sized paper and place it on a cheap frame.  You can have it broken down by last names as Naomi suggested<strong>. As well, make use of your bridal party...are you doing a receiving line?  If so, after the receiving line, have your bridesmaids there where they can take their name and tell them their table number.</strong>  They can also be broken down so that bridesmaid one takes care of A-G, etc.  Or you can do both - have a seating chart with the names and also have your bridesmaids to assist your guests.
Posted by Jewel224[/QUOTE]
This is a good idea too.  I went to one large wedding and the groomsmen were at the end of the receiving line, they looked up the table number and then escorted the ladies on their arms to their tables.  It was pretty adorable.

mattycam

We did a seating chart and it was a big help. I also like Jewel's idea as well. With 400 guests, try to avoid a long line.

hendersonsarah

Thank you ladies! We will post it on a board and the venue has an easel we can use. I think doing it alphabetically will be best and it's a great idea to use our wedding party too!! Thanks for your help