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seating chart for a buffet reception?

aro1589aro1589 member
100 Comments Second Anniversary
in October 2012 Weddings
Hi guys!

I had always intended on doing a seating chart (just tables, not specific chairs) for the reception but a lot of people have told me it is not necessary because we're doing a buffet.  I've been to buffet receptions without a seating chart (family ones, so it was fine because I knew plenty of people) and for receptions where I didn't know anyone so I appreciated being told where to go. 

I want people to feel like they have a place instead of scrambling trying to find somewhere to sit.  My sister said she went to buffet weddings and people just completely ignored the seating chart.

What are your thoughts? 
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Re: seating chart for a buffet reception?

  • brainybrunettebrainybrunette member
    Sixth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    Ive been to a buffet reception, it had a seating chart, and everyone followed it. I don't know why people would ignore a seating chart. I like assigned tables (not assigned seats) because that way people aren't confused as to where to sit, you don't have to have extra tables/chairs/centerpieces to account for the fact at people won't fill up the tables if there's no seating chart. I don't see why a buffet would be any different than a sit down dinner in terms of a seating chart.
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  • NRod70NRod70
    500 Comments
    I've been to plenty of buffet style receptions (mine will be as well) and there has always been table assignments.  I plan on doing it as well.

    As a matter of fact the country club where my reception is requests the chart when you do the final payment the week of the event.  So in my opinion a seating chart is the norm.

    That's kind of odd that people ignore the assignments.
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  • snuff9861snuff9861 member
    1000 Comments
    I'm having a buffet and plan on doing escort cards. I think it will make everyone's life easier (except mine lol) when people know exactly where they are sitting. There will be no mad dash for seating and people won't be afraid to get up out their seats.
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  • schnugglebugschnugglebug
    500 Comments
    we are doing table assignement not particular seating...
    we aren't having a buffet style... but I have been to buffet style weddings and again it was table assignemnet not particular seat...

    sounds like the best bet to me...
    Being a shy person I like being told where to sit (or rather at what table)
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  • tamrahelmertamrahelmer
    500 Comments
    edited September 2012
    We are having a buffet and as of right now, we are not planning on a doing a seating chart. The plan is to reserve the two front tables for our close families, and let other guests sit wherever they want. However, if I don't get enough no's and am close to capacity, I will be doing one.

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  • valeri587valeri587
    10 Comments
    I'm having a buffet reception and will have a seating chart. The last wedding I went to did not have a seating chart and it was vert awkward. Even their families looked a little lost. I am trying to avoid that Laughing
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  • RockstarWifey0912RockstarWifey0912
    500 Comments
    I don't know that any buffet wedding I've been to has had a seating chart. I guess I'm still on the fence, lol!

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  • AllieHysh19AllieHysh19 member
    100 Comments
    Haven't decided if I'm doing a seating chart or not... they aren't as common where I'm from, but having close to 450 people, Its definitely something I'm considering.  I don't want a whole bunch of half empty tables and people to not have anywhere to sit - plus, people keep telling me they want "so-and-so" to be able to sit with them... so I figure it might just be easier.  Although, doing a seating chart for 400 may also just be a little bit of mental suicide.
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  • Kristin4911Kristin4911 member
    10 Comments
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_october-2012-weddings_seating-chart-for-a-buffet-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:56b9bcef-1e34-456e-81f5-cfaa107456b2Discussion:d22deae7-b53f-4f3a-b51d-8083ae6b8c37Post:086899bd-13bd-401a-a4ba-8205df9d8882">Re: seating chart for a buffet reception?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Haven't decided if I'm doing a seating chart or not... they aren't as common where I'm from, but having close to 450 people, Its definitely something I'm considering.  I don't want a whole bunch of half empty tables and people to not have anywhere to sit - plus, people keep telling me they want "so-and-so" to be able to sit with them... so I figure it might just be easier.  Although, doing a seating chart for 400 may also just be a little bit of mental suicide.
    Posted by AllieHysh19[/QUOTE]

    Oh Mylanta, that is a ton of people! Good luck with that one dear, hopefully you'll live to tell the tale!
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  • AnkurAnkur
    10 Comments
    400!! That is amazing....hope you keep your sanity making up the seating charts!
    We are having a buffet reception and plan on doing the seating charts....otherwise, people will just be wandering around aimlessly!
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