What happens if you don't assign seating for the reception?

makemom · April 2013

Is it necessary to have place cards, and assigned seating for a laid-back light supper reception for about 100 people?

Has anyone had experience with what happens if seating is not assigned?

makemom · April 2013

Is it necessary to assign seating for a laid-back light supper reception for 100 people?

Has anyone had experience with what happens if seating is not assigned?

AddieCake · April 2013

Here on TK, we are split on this issue. I am not a fan of not assigning tables. Seat assignments are not necessary, but assigning tables is helpful. People end up wandering around like in a middle school cafeteria looking for seats. Families get separated b/c they can't find seats together, etc. Others here will tell you that's ridiculous and doesn't happen. I think this is one of those know your crowd kind of things.

mlg78 · April 2013

I agree with Addie.

Also, keep in mind that you'll need additional seats if you don't have assigned seating which can lead to additional costs depending on your venue. I'd rather be told which table I'm at because, chances are, the brides and groom have sat me with people I have something in common with whether it's family, coworkers or even a common interest.

winelover123 · April 2013

I prefer having assigned tables for the reasons above. I went to a wedding with open seating - it was fine, but it did feel a bit like a cafeteria trying to find a seat. People had seats saved for others and stuff like that.

jennylee813 · April 2013

It's not at all common up here to have assigned seating, but PPs are right: know your crowd.

People generally look at the number of seats per table and decide who they want to sit with (sometimes it can be old-school cafeteria, but not often - we're a friendly bunch!) For us, it's never been an issue not having it, but again, that's common here.

AdeleDazeem · April 2013

A reception without assigned tables stresses me out. You have to coordinate with your group, drape coats, guard your seats...blech. Give your guests peace of mind and assign them a table.

Maggie0829 · April 2013

I am a fan of assigned tables.

But, if you want to go with the unassigned route then just make sure you have about 10% more tables and chairs then guests. Most times with unassigned table receptions your guests will not fill up tables. If there is a group of 5 people that want to sit together they will not split up to fill in tables that have 2 or 3 seats left.

mdupon70997 · April 2013

We didn't assign anyone to tables or seats. The only thing that was assigned was a table for my husband and myself. There were a few reserved tables for family members. It didn't really seem like anyone had any trouble finding seats either. I felt like assigning tables or seats would just be another added stress and cost that I didn't need.

MayDay513 · April 2013

This is definitely a case of know your crowd. For us, we will need one.

alithebride · April 2013

just assign tables. it's easy.

and what do you mean 'light dinner' ?

QueerFemme · April 2013

We had open seating, but we had PLENTY of seating. We had about 125-130 guests, and we had enough seating for about 160, so there was no risk of guests not being able to find a seat, or sit with their family/friends. If you go with open seating, make sure you have 10-20% extra seats.

makemom · April 2013

@Ali: "light supper" (different to me than "dinner") will be sandwiches, salads, stuff like that; nothing hot

Thanks for all the input. Good to be able to think this through from various angles.

If they decide to go with unassigned seating, I will mention that having a couple of extra tables would be a good idea. With their venue, extra tables and seating is readily available, so not a problem or additional cost.

Jen4948 · April 2013

I'd assign tables for the reasons Addie mentioned above. Having extra tables for unassigned seats adds to the costs; plus, assigning tables helps keep people with bad blood apart.

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