Table Names vs. Numbers

coop-a-loop · February 2010

*New to the boards, so sorry if this has already been discussed (though I did go back about 20 pages and didn't see it...)

We've decided to name our tables rather than numbering them, however my mother is under the impression that no one will be able to find their table if it isn't numbered. She would like me to add numbers to the name cards we will be using, which is easy enough, I suppose, but I think it will look stupid on the escort cards....i.e.:
7. Gorilla
Gorilla (7)

I've toyed with the idea of just naming the tables and creating a 'map' to help guests find their way, but I also don't want to overcomplicate things.
Has anyone had a problem with guests finding un-numbered tables? Or are you facing this dilemma in your own planning? What are your opinions on how to resolve the conflict? Thanks!

COnoviaSarah · February 2010

I think it depends on how many tables you'll have. We're only having 10 tables so I can't imagine it will be hard to find anything. That's what I hope, at least! If you're having a larger number of tables, I don't think it would be a big deal to include a number with the name.

Arther007 · February 2010

I agree with the pp. I love the idea of naming the tables, but if there are too many it can get confusing. The map sounds like a good idea, but
I am imaging a few of my relatives and them trying to figure out the map. Which just so you know involves a lot of confusion and shouted questions.

aerinpegadrak · February 2010

I think the map would be a good solution, and not very complicated. Alternately, if the tables are very clearly indicated, it really shouldn't be a problem; if a guest can walk in, see that they're at table Gorilla, and be able to spot which one is Gorilla from the other side of the room, you're fine.

coop-a-loop · February 2010

trix, i suppose that makes sense. no matter how clearly each table is labeled (with picture and name...it's not like they'll have to try and decipher between a tufted capuchin and a white-faced capuchin on their own...), trying to find a certain table without any rhyme or reason to the placement of each monkey will prove difficult. Though I don't really see monkeys as being more problematic than city names or football teams...

as far as using names instead of numbers, it's not really a big deal. it's just another level of personalizing our wedding to us. i don't think one way is better than another, just a matter of personal preference.

trix1223 · February 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_table-names-vs-numbers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:b0a62c09-5160-4c6c-a1e5-78f924d0bce2Post:8a2040c8-7bc1-4891-8cbf-7a51643f281f">Re: Table Names vs. Numbers</a>:
[QUOTE]trix, i suppose that makes sense. no matter how clearly each table is labeled (with picture and name...it's not like they'll have to try and decipher between<strong> a tufted capuchin and a white-faced capuchin </strong>on their own...), trying to find a certain table without any rhyme or reason to the placement of each monkey will prove difficult. Though I don't really see monkeys as being more problematic than city names or football teams... as far as using names instead of numbers, it's not really a big deal. it's just another level of personalizing our wedding to us. i don't think one way is better than another, just a matter of personal preference.
Posted by coop-a-loop[/QUOTE]

Well for me it's right there in the bolded print. Are you at white faced capuchin or tufted capuchin? That's a little too close to decipher. At least if it's football teams, it's easier to tell the Colts table from the Giants table.

coop-a-loop · February 2010

i don't really think there's any deciphering involved if it clearly says in big, bold letters "white-faced capuchin" on the table, but i see your point. come to think of it, adding numbers will probably make it easier for whomever is doing the set-up of the room as well. that person won't have the seating chart and won't know that family is sitting at the squirrel monkey table and may place the squirrel monkey name card at the very back table...now that would be a disaster. ok...numbers it is. :-)

aerinpegadrak · February 2010

You can still have a different monkey on each table number, just have the focus on the number rather than the monkey. So guests would get to table 7 and see a picture of a gorilla along with the number 7. With a large number of tables, not having some sort of immediately discernable order to them just creates more problems than it solves.

trix1223 · February 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_table-names-vs-numbers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:b0a62c09-5160-4c6c-a1e5-78f924d0bce2Post:420ce511-229b-4875-bdcd-a900befdf465">Re: Table Names vs. Numbers</a>:
[QUOTE]You can still have a different monkey on each table number, just have the focus on the number rather than the monkey. So guests would get to table 7 and see a picture of a gorilla along with the number 7. With a large number of tables, not having some sort of immediately discernable order to them just creates more problems than it solves.
Posted by aerinpegadrak[/QUOTE]

^^ This. Go ahead and have your names if you must, but for the sake of your guests, also put numbers on them.

pirategal03 · February 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_table-names-vs-numbers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:b0a62c09-5160-4c6c-a1e5-78f924d0bce2Post:85b8d203-dd02-4a3d-9cbc-ce84aba4edce">Re: Table Names vs. Numbers</a>:
[QUOTE]i don't really think there's any deciphering involved if it clearly says in big, bold letters "white-faced capuchin" on the table, but i see your point. come to think of it, adding numbers will probably make it easier for whomever is doing the set-up of the room as well. that person won't have the seating chart and won't know that family is sitting at the squirrel monkey table and may place the squirrel monkey name card at the very back table...now that would be a disaster. ok...numbers it is. :-)
Posted by coop-a-loop[/QUOTE]

I don't think it's trouble deciphering, I think it's trouble remembering. I remember things by association, so if I'm walking into a reception I'd check my table number or name make some sort of small association (Paris - my mom and I spent a Thanksgiving there once, San Francisco - they had a freak cold spell in August when I was there, Saint's - that was my ex-bf's favorite football team) then go walking through and mingling while finding the table. If I'm stopping to have 5 conversations on my way across the room, these associations keep me from going back and checking the chart again. Unless your guest list is full of primate scientists, the associations may be difficult for your guests to make for your monkey-named tables.

Table Names vs. Numbers

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