Best Way to Have Unassigned Seats

Hi, Lily - My wedding was a buffet, and we had assigned tables, without specific seats assigned. So, people had a table, but they could arrange themselves however they liked. When the buffet was being served, tables were called up just a couple at a time, to keep from having the "mad rush" scenario. It sounds like you want to play it a little loose, though. Perhaps you can have the dj/band announce when dinner is going to be served in, like 15 minutes or so? And then ask people to find a spot to eat - whether it be a sit down table or a cocktail table or wherever. Then, once people are seated, perhaps you can call them to the line one "section" at a time?

Although, thats a great idea, I'd becareful of a few things. These were suggestiong given to me at my reception venue, as I had a buffet style table. If you go without the unassigned seats remember that there may be some people that will try to scrunch at another table, and although its not big deal you want to have uniform tables all around. Also, when people see that its a buffet, there may be some that will rush over and take the seats closest to the buffet table, what you want to avoid is someone who's a foodlover hogging the food before everyone else gets there share as well. So with that said definately having the tables called may help.

Yes, that will make for a lovely set-up. Especially if some of the high-top tables were alternating around the dance floor. Even though you have buffet style, still have servers to give those that may tend to be food lovers no room for over indulging. The high-top table will look good with the tied linen (with a sash) that is opposite you main wedding colors or alternate throughout the room. This will give the party feel especially. Having the planner/dj announce when certain sections can line-up will be ideal or even have the tables numbered and just have them announce table numbers so there won't be that long dreaded line at the buffet table. HTH's

I also want my reception to be like a big party to really have FUN!! For our reception we are going to give each table a name...names that mean things to us, like Key West (where I was born), Navy (for my FH) etc. I feel like that will be more fun than having just table numbers. So people will be assigned a table but NOT assigned a table seat. So that gives them more of a choice on where they want to sit at the table they were assigned. Just wanted to share that idea. Also, I used to work at an Arts Center where we often had Wedding Receptions using a mixture of high cocktail tables and sit down tables. The cocktail tables were used on a balcony for a cocktail hour and the sit down tables were for the reception. They could still use the cocktail tables as they were somewhat in the same room (just on a balcony) but we always made sure there was enough sit down seating for everyone as with the meal being served it was easier to eat sitting down. Good luck!

I like the last idea, if you want to make it fun, name the tables, however I would definetely assign seats, that situation can get crazy. Good luck.

Lily-

You can reserve some tables for immediate family (with the family name on), those around your table. If a DJ is there, please ask him/her to announce they can take any oth the tables except those that are reserved.

Hope this helps.

Esme

Lily,

These are all different ideas but be cautious. I am a planner in central Illinois and have had a few weddings that used both table types. I highly suggest you keep the high tables on the outside of the room b/c if they are around the dance floor not all of your guests will be able to watch the 'special dances: 1st dance etc. Secondly, I would reserve tables for parents and possibly a couple for older guests and let those people know ahead of time that they are able to sit at the reserved tables. Beyond that let you guests sit where ever. It is not necessary to even assign a table. ( I didn't at mine and we celebrated from 4 until midnight and then still went out, it was a great time). As far as the mad rush to the buffet. USE your DJ or get a planner or if the caterer has an extra person use them . Either person can announce a few tables at a time or personally go around and excuse the tables. Do not feel bad for this get your moneys worth out of your vendors.

Hi, i am in your shoes, we are not having assigned seats & have talked this through with family. Almost all of my famliy lives in my county where as his family live all over the surronding states. We want to avoid having assigned seats so the family can catch up on things since his family only meets at christmas thanksgiving & funerals. This will be a great time for them to catch up so they can sit with whomever. However we are reserving tables for us, our parents and grandparents, &"special friends" we are going to have our parents and grandparents get the food 1st, then elders, then random tables. My sister had a huge wedding also and her and chad went around to each table &talked to them for a few minutes then dismissed them to eat. She & the guest loved it cause she personally went & talked greeted & thanked all guests and controlled when the ppl went to eat to avoid over crowding. U have many good suggestions and options here, good luck, let me know what you choose!

Hi Lily,

The ideas sounds great. I would suggest you assign 2 head family tables and still number your tables. No one should be rushing the buffet, because despite there being no assigned seating. Each table should be called to the buffet usually 2 tables at a time to avoid a big line. You make sure there is some one there keeping order.

We had long, open tables and a buffet at our wedding. Our table was decorated a bit more and set away from the rest of them, so it was obvious which one was ours.

We did no reserved tables or assigned seating, and no food announcement. Everything worked out just fine. No one rushed to the food. Actually, we didn't even announce the food was out. People just started eating at their leisure once they were done with their drinks.

Truthfully, I always think it's a little tacky to announce when tables are allowed to get food, like your guests can't control themselves. I know it's pretty common-it's just a pet peeve of mine. Like I said, I think the key to success for us was not to announce it (although this totally wasn't intentional-we just didn't think about it). So people didn't have a verbal push to go get food-they just got in line when they saw other people getting it. Also? The actual buffet table was really long, so it could occupy lots of people at once.

A nice way to do this is to have long buffet tables and a sign with a fun line such as "Find a friend and grab a seat!" You may want to consider having a table/tables for your family and/or bridal party. Just make sure to include a note saying reserved for family/reserved for bridal party if you choose to do so. Good luck!