Buffet Seating Plan?

I agree with other PPs, at least do assigned tables. Otherwise it'll be a mess and people with end up moving chairs around so they can sit with who they want.

I had assigned tables and a buffet... It turned out okay although some of the older guests didn't follow it which was the only mishap in the wedding.. But it was nice to be in control and making sure people had a seat next to people they knew.

I would definitely still do assigned tables

I would. How it's served makes little difference. Honestly, I am so glad we ultimately decided to because it really optimized the experience for everyone from family and friends to people who knew no one else.

Do assigned tables at the least. That will make sure seats are full and extra tables aren't needed because there is an awkward number of seats at some tables. Also they can call up certain tables to

Help with lines at the buffet

I think assigned tables are a good option! Although it's more work for you, I always think assigned tables make guests infinitely more comfortable instead of wandering around looking for somewhere/someone to sit/with. It's definitely dependent on the size of your guest list though.

We did buffet stations and no seating plans or assigned tables and amazingly... Everyone found somewhere to sit and had a great time with the people they chose to sit with! It's not a "must".

I'm doing a buffet too and have about 60 guests. At first I wasn't going to do assigned tables especially because my venue has a downstairs and a mezzanine where guests will sit for dinner, I thought assigned tables wouldn't work or be too hard...BUT every thread on it at WW convinced me otherwise so now I'm definitely doing tables (not seats) no matter what a pain it's going to be to make the chart. So glad WW helped me see the light that non assigned tables=confused guests scrabbling for a seat--and I want happy guests.

So, after that wordy spew, YES! DO IT!

Sarah's got it - just assign tables to the guests, but not the individual seats.

I actually asked this question a few weeks ago and decided to assign tables. Then I went to a wedding where there were no assigned tables and it was kind of awkward when we came back to our table from getting food and people were sitting in our seats.

I've been going to weddings for 40+ years & IMHO I've only been to one that had a seating plan. Well, it actually had table numbers with guests assigned to the tables. It was mass confusion when people started to arrive. We had to walk all over the reception venue to find our table. Later, I spoke with the Groom's Mother who told me there was supposed to be someone at the door directing you to which table you were supposed to be seated at. That was not the case. I will say, however, when it came to going to the buffet it made it so much more organized than just herding cattle.

I'm of the minority. I've never been to a wedding with assigned tables or assigned seats other than for the wedding party and immediate family members. Maybe it's where I grew up? (MN) The closest thing I've seen is place cards with everyone's names on them that you take to the table of your choosing to reserve your chair when you're at the buffet. That being said, I'm not sure what I'll be doing for my reception yet, so I'm looking for all the opinions on here as well!

I would do assigned tables not seating. I would hate for a couple to be seated seperatly if two seats were not available together

I would assign tables and let people sit where they will at that table. MY FSIL did not assign tables and my FH (shy guy) took the table in the back and hid. Our table did end up filling up some but I think it's easier for people to have a table to be directed toward. I remember him looking around trying to make a decision on where to sit.

DO A SEATING CHART. Also, don't worry. It's not actually a huge difficulty. FH and I carved out a couple hours one night and basically got it done. We had some minor changes after, but it really wasn't too big of a hassle.

At least assign tables. It's really miserable as a guest when it's a free for all. I always describe it as feeling like it's the first day of high school all over again and trying to figure out where to sit in the cafeteria. It may not matter for close family but those who don't know everyone get put in a tough spot. Plus you need around 20% more tables (and thus more linens, centerpieces, etc) because tables won't get filled and you don't want couples/families to have to split up because there are enough seats at any one table for them to sit together.

I've never had an enjoyable meal at an open seating wedding. I always end up sitting next to the wrong person and just hoping they'll start the music so I can have an excuse to move. (And that's coming from someone very outgoing. I feel even worse for my super introverted husband!)

Yes, absolutely assign tables! We only had 6 tables, 8 guests each, and we assigned tables. We knew which families combined made a table of 8, who should sit with who, etc. As a guest, wandering around looking for a seat is awkward and not fun.

I've been to lots of weddings with buffets and we still had assigned tables. I've never been to a wedding with assigned SEATS, even with plated meals and even a black-tie wedding. Typically the meal choice is indicated on the back of the escort card, and there's zero need for assigned SEATS. However, IMO there should always be assigned tables at weddings, otherwise it's a total cluster f*ck.

I am doing assigned tables they can sit where they please at that table.

I view seating charts as a regional thing. I'm from the south, and people down here don't do them. I've only been to one wedding that had assigned tables and it was in the midwest. I get that the majority of the US has at least assigned tables, but if I tried that for my reception people would think I'm crazy!