Ok, this is 2 part question. I've been trying to look up advice on this but no real luck. I would've put this on another board like "Etiquette" but the other brides can be pretty nasty with their answers.
1.) So I don't have like a professional wedding planner, it's basically me and my mom. So I've been browsing invites and the topic of rsvp options for the reception popped up. I asked her how guests should rsvp (reply cards, phone, online, etc). She said that she wasn't expecting us to do rsvps. Now I've only been to a couple of weddings and a formal dinner (versuses her many invites to the same). In our circle of family & friends it's not really common to rsvp but I'm just nervous that we'd regret it if we didn't. She's also a major financial contributer so she said that she's prepared to pay for extra food, drinks, tables, etc. So, should I push the topic or leave it alone? Is having a rsvp list necessary? Opinions, ladies, please?
2.) At the reception, we're also planning to have open seating (no reserved tables or seats). Seating charts are another thing that is not common for my group, and to be honest, I don't really want to deal with organizing one. From experience, I've not had much issues with open seating except for that I may not bring something (coat, purse, etc.) or have someone around to save my seat but I'm usually lucky to find another seat. I can't remember where but I stumbled across an idea a bride had where she was having open seating at her reception but was supplying each guest with a card that they could place on their seat while their up dancing, getting food, etc. and others will know that the seat is taken. I was thinking of doing this and putting a saying on the card like "Please, be neat and not take my seat." (Sorry, it's random and corny but it's just a rough thought). I just don't want it to be a waste if people don't use them. As a guest, what would you think of this?
Thanks in advance for any helpful answers or opinions.
