seating chart

MissMolly

I pulled up Adobe Illustrator and was about to dive into making a seating chart, but Googled to get some ideas. Most of what I saw were organized according to table, but I saw a couple that were organized according to the couple's surname. FH thinks the latter would be better; I think the former, as it's cleaner. One thing I should note is that our table aren't numbered; they're named according to constellations.

Thanks!

doiexist1987

I would recommend working with numbers at this point.  It is so much easier to write or type 1 than it is to type in Carmelopardalis.  It may be easier on wait staff too during the reception if you are having wait staff.  Save the cutesy constellation names for your guests who may appreciate it.  The numbers you use for doing the seating chart can easily translate to constellation names once the chart is completed.

Jen4948

I'm not a fan of "names" for tables-guests may not understand or appreciate them, and depending on what they are, they can be too cutesy.

I second the PP.  Stick with numbers.

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_seating-chart-25?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:e972379e-3ed4-431d-8e07-8cc20cd9c76bPost:dff7ccb9-55d5-4376-aa41-03e2631cf094">seating chart</a>:
[QUOTE]I pulled up Adobe Illustrator and was about to dive into making a seating chart, but Googled to get some ideas. Most of what I saw were organized according to table, but I saw a couple that were organized according to the couple's surname. FH thinks the latter would be better; I think the former, as it's cleaner. One thing I should note is that our table aren't numbered; they're named according to constellations. Thanks!
Posted by Alesha1978[/QUOTE]

<div>If you're doing one of those big seating charts (as opposed to escort cards), it should be ordered by the guest's last name so they can easily find their name.  I also prefer table numbers that are ordered sequentially.  It's a pain walking around a reception room full of tables looking for a table name.</div>

MissMolly

This is true, and we didn't really think of this when planning that portion of things. The reason behind doing this is that our day is more or less star-themed, as FH is an astrophysicist. The table cards are already designed, printed and put together too!

Thanks for your thoughts, ladies... We may be back at the drawing board here.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_seating-chart-25?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:e972379e-3ed4-431d-8e07-8cc20cd9c76bPost:95e3ba7c-2573-416b-b88f-70f54eec4325">Re: seating chart</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to seating chart : If you're doing one of those big seating charts (as opposed to escort cards), it should be ordered by the guest's last name so they can easily find their name.  I also prefer table numbers that are ordered sequentially.  It's a pain walking around a reception room full of tables looking for a table name.
Posted by JoanE2012[/QUOTE]

MissMolly

We aren't using anything as obscure as Carmelopardalis. The longest names we have are Ursa Major and Ursa Minor...the more known ones.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_seating-chart-25?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:e972379e-3ed4-431d-8e07-8cc20cd9c76bPost:dccc206e-cefa-4c01-9375-19b3cc7ca55c">Re: seating chart</a>:
[QUOTE]I would recommend working with numbers at this point.  It is so much easier to write or type 1 than it is to type in Carmelopardalis.  It may be easier on wait staff too during the reception if you are having wait staff.  Save the cutesy constellation names for your guests who may appreciate it.  The numbers you use for doing the seating chart can easily translate to constellation names once the chart is completed.
Posted by doiexist1987[/QUOTE]

Chrissiffine Wesley

Okay Ive been a member for a while (couldnt set a date) but do you have to assign seating? Cant people seat where they want. I just feel like I have so much other stuff to worry about??? Help!!

Jen4948

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_seating-chart-25?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:e972379e-3ed4-431d-8e07-8cc20cd9c76bPost:c8435375-b45e-4218-9c03-79c243a2552c">Re: seating chart</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay Ive been a member for a while (couldnt set a date) but do you have to assign seating? Cant people seat where they want. I just feel like I have so much other stuff to worry about??? Help!!
Posted by chrwsl6[/QUOTE]

Yes, you should assign tables.  Don't make your guests walk around in dress outfits and high heels looking for open seats like in a high school cafeteria-especially if you're doing a buffet.

When it comes to planning for your guests' needs and comfort, complaining about how you "have so much other stuff to worry about" comes off like you don't give a crap about them.  That makes you sound very unwelcoming and ungracious.  Surely that isn't how you want to be perceived?

MissMolly

I think it's a good idea to assign tables to guests at the very least. I've read that escort cards (ie, specific seat for a specific person) aren't really necessary though. This is what we're doing: assigning tables, and then people can choose a seat at their designated table. That way, work folks are sitting with other work folks, friends with friends, Dad's family can sit together, Mom's family can sit together, etc.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_seating-chart-25?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:e972379e-3ed4-431d-8e07-8cc20cd9c76bPost:c8435375-b45e-4218-9c03-79c243a2552c">Re: seating chart</a>:
[QUOTE]Okay Ive been a member for a while (couldnt set a date) but do you have to assign seating? Cant people seat where they want. I just feel like I have so much other stuff to worry about??? Help!!
Posted by chrwsl6[/QUOTE]