Assigned Seats or No?

My venue/wedding is casual and I am still having assigned tables due to limited seating.

You can’t really finish or do much planning until you have a venue and a date...

but yes do assigned seats, or assigned tables at the very least

I say assigned tables and don't sweat until you decide

I did assigned tables !

Im like you and think assigned tables are super important for guest comfort. I actually think in the situation you’re describing, assigning seating is even more important to ensure the VIP guests get VIP seats.

I would question what “not as close to the dance floor” means exactly — is everyone in the same area? Not being able to have all the guests in the same space is more of a concern

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I just went with assigned tables. From there, people have the freedom to choose their own chairs. It made everything a lot smoother.

Ya know, I was going to do assigned seating, but ultimately decided against it because it was causing me stress...and I didn't want to stress. Absolutely no one at my wedding had any issues finding a seat for themselves. I had 3 tables reserved for immediate family. Everything worked out just fine. I think if assigned seating is that important to you, then you should just do it....but I also think that people are perfectly capable finding seats for themselves. Either way, do what is best for "your vision."

I would do all or nothing on the assigned tables.

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If we go with the farm as the venue, the flat area where tables could be set up is large, but not large enough for, say, 15-20 tables. It is also broken up by a pavilion, which is where the food would be. That is what also concerns me as well. My future SIL had her wedding there and there was 350+ people, so the seating wasn't assigned and being spread out was OK. We have a guest list of about 120, so, while everyone will be in the same area, some tables will need to be farther away then I would like because of uneven ground. I hope that explanation makes sense...

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How did you let your immediate family know about the reserved tables? Just word of mouth or did you have name cards?

I honestly would go with assigned seating. This way you have family and close friends closest to you and there won't be any confusion with any of the guests. Go with the venue that you and your FH love and work around that with the seating chart.

I’m doing assigned tables not assigned seats. The place cards will designate what the individual food selection is.

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Word of mouth. I told the parents and grandparents they were the VIPs for those tables, and any other immediate family that wanted to join them can (siblings, etc.). All of our siblings, parents, and grandparents were involved with the wedding / rehearsal dinner. So, I just said something like "I reserved these 3 tables for parents, grandparents, and any immediate family that wants to sit there." And I had reserved signs on the tables.

This was also very difficult for us to decide, but we just want to avoid any chaos and chose to go with assigned seating. That's the reason we are mainly using this site: WeddingWire, to help with the seating chart. Even if our guests end up moving seats during the reception, we will at least have the peace of mind that we did our part to help with keeping things as organized and comfortable for everyone.

Ours is very small and casual and I thought about doing reserved tables for my family and my FH's family, but I have decided to do assigned tables.

You can still do assigned seats or tables with a more casual wedding! I agree that it helps a lot with making sure guests are comfortable and that they have a great time.

We are doing 2 reserved tables for my family and grooms family then having everyone else sit wherever they want. I’ve been to multiple wedding set up like this and there were no problems! Also way less stressful for me because I don’t have to come up with a seating arrangement.

It's going to be rough when it's time to begin putting together the seating chart, but we'd rather have one than not. It would just be better.