Seating chart- do or don't- need advice

JenniferW2015 · July 2013

I am considering doing a seating chart for our wedding next september. Our wedding is going to be roughly around 300 people. What are your thought on this? Would it be too stressful? Mother-in-law thinks it would but I kinda want to so that the people we are closest to don't get stuck in the back corner. Any advice would be appreciated. I understand that some people would be upset with where they are placed but I figured I have been to so many wedding that have done this so why shouldn't I?

kauffmbk · July 2013

That would be quite a challenge! However, with such a large wedding I think it would be appreciated (especially by those you are closest to) that they have a seat or a table reserved. Otherwise, you're going to see a race for the tables once the guests get there. Also, large families or a particular group of friends might have to split up because they couldn't find seats together.

As for your mother-in-law, I would ask who she wants to sit with and then work with your fiance to seat the rest of their family and friends if she doesn't want to or isn't able to help you with the chart.

Maggie0829 · July 2013

I would definitley assign tables but not exact seats at those tables. Now if you were only having 100 or less guests a seating chart isn't completely necessary but for such a large amount of people it really would help things move a long a bit faster.

As for when we did our seating chart it took us all of 15 minutes. We invited people in circles/groups so it was pretty easy to place people with others they like/know. But then again we didn't have a load of family drama like others might.

Also, remember whatever table you stick people at they are not bound to that table for the whole night. They will probably sit at their table for an hour for dinner and then start to get up and mingle and move around. So do not stress too much over who sits where because it really doesn't matter.

monkeysip · July 2013

I ALWAYS think assigning tables (not specific seats) is a good idea. I hate going to a wedding and having that trying-to-find-a-table-in-the-cafeteria feeling.

I know it sucks when you have to make it, but it makes the reception flow easier. Just make sure to seat people with their spouses, and with people they know if at all possible.

If you decide against assigning tables, you must have more than 300 seats available.

manateehugger · July 2013

With 300 people, I think a seating chart would be well appreciated by your guests.

KatWAG · July 2013

I think you should absolutely have a seating charts for that many people. It will help eliminate confusion when its time to sit down for dinner.

If you dont have a seating chart, you need to have extras seats/ tables. If you have 9 people sit down at a table for 10 people, odds are that last seat will remain open.

One reason I hate open seating: it reminds me of a high school cafeteria. You have to go scope out a table early, find people to sit with, save seats, etc. And you risk feeling left out if you go to a wedding where you dont know many people.

Jen4948 · July 2013

For that many people, I think the majority will appreciate it if you assign tables (let them choose seats).

mmmiler346 · July 2013

I think you should. You have started to plan well enough in advance. 300 is a large wedding. People to be around the people they know. I think it also depends on the eating arrangements you have.

melb2013 · July 2013

Assigned tables, not assigned seats are going to be necessary. 300 people trying to find their own seats will be pure chaos.

fuerst37 · July 2013

Assigned tables makes good sense. Yesterday, I went to a party with my coworkers. I had that awful moment where I felt like I didn't know where to sit or who to sit with, even though I'm friends with several of them. By assigning tables, you eliminate that sinking feeling of horror.

It won't take that long. I promise. And don't let it get to you: You're not asking everyone at the table to be besties. You're asking them to chew within three or four feet of each other.

AddieCake · July 2013

I'm a fan of assigned tables.

JenniferW2015 · July 2013

Thank you all so much for the advice. I think it will be a little stressful at first but I believe it will pay off in the end. I do like the idea of assigned tables not seats that seem a lot less stressful.
Again thank you so much!

onelovelywedding · July 2013

You can always just assign seating for those tables that are going to be the closest to you. The remainder of the seating can be considered "open seating".

Jen4948 · July 2013

onelovelywedding said:

You can always just assign seating for those tables that are going to be the closest to you. The remainder of the seating can be considered "open seating".

No, I'd assign all tables, not just those closest to you. Nobody should have to walk around looking for a seat.

onelovelywedding · July 2013

Also,I seems that most people walk around most of the time anyway - and don't stay seated - they mingle and talk with others that they may not have seen in a while. If fact, some even move their seats and sit where they are not assigned. It's a hard decision - and it takes a lot of time to put something together that many people don't even respect (unfortunately)

Jen4948 · July 2013

onelovelywedding said:

Also,I seems that most people walk around most of the time anyway - and don't stay seated - they mingle and talk with others that they may not have seen in a while. If fact, some even move their seats and sit where they are not assigned. It's a hard decision - and it takes a lot of time to put something together that many people don't even respect (unfortunately)

Not when it comes to eating-especially when there's a buffet. No one wants to carry around heavy trays of food and drink while walking around chatting with people.

Jen4948 · July 2013

Oops, duplicate.

doeydo · July 2013

I would not plan which seat each individual sits in but I would group them to tables. That way, it is easier for you and it gives the guests some sort of choice.

onelovelywedding · July 2013

Oh, I certainly understand that... You are right, they don't walk around with heavy plates and chat... I have watched any number of guests pick their chairs up, move to another table so they can continue their conversation, and squeeze in among the others at the table. I have also seen people take their seat from the table and put it along the walls so they can eat and talk with other people and not even bother sitting at a table.... not only that - but they walk right out of the reception area with their plates and drink and find a place to sit outside-- to each his own I say... but it is sad that so many brides go through the trouble of a seating arrangement just to have it ignored in many different ways. I guess you just have to know your guests and family really well to make sure that a seating chart is followed.

AJuliaNJ · July 2013

I prefer assigned tables. This ensures I will be able to sit with friends or similar people.

I've experienced the other 2 options at work functions. Assigned seats is too strict. You should be able to select who sits next to you. No assignments at all always makes me anxious. If I am late, I always end up sitting with a table of randoms while watching my friends have a great time at one table.

Seating chart- do or don't- need advice

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