Cocktail Style Reception - Everyone seated at a table?

Every guest needs a seat. IMO the reserved seating for just some people is in very bad taste. Shows people they are not as important as other.

I would to a seating chart and tables for everyone, yeah.

No women want to stand in heels for 5 hours. Give everyone a seat or you'll have guests strong arming each other for them!

I had a cocktail style reception and everyone had a seat and table available to them.

Yes, seats for everyone. I HATE when I go to events and there is limited seating. Especially when you're eating. I need a table.

I think it would be ok if there were enough scattered seating options for everyone, but having a few designated seated tables for VIPs really calls attention to the fact that this is not offered for the rest of your guests. They don't all have to be assigned tables, but I'd make sure there's enough seating for everyone!

Your absolute first priority should be your guests' comfort.

I agree (and most will, too) with Sarah- you absolutely need to have seats for everyone. Honestly, if I received an invite that said "limited seating" there's no way I could attend because I can't stand for very long. I think you're going to end up with people watching others like hawks to see when they can steal each other's seats, and a lot of people who stay for less than half an hour.

Also, as a person with back problems, seats with backs would be MUCH better than bar stools.

There will essentially be seating for everyone just not at a table.

@Alyssa, so are they supposed to eat with their plate in their lap???

There is no dinner, just appetizers/finger foods. It's on a Sunday afternoon.

Don't put anything on the invite. "Limited seating available" sounds like a club, not a significant event.

Have MORE than seating for every butt, if it's casual. But don't assign seats; that's not necessary.

That's what I am looking for Celia. The venue will not accommodate enough tables for a formal seated event without being super cramped. Plus my family will despise assigned seating. I'm hoping by providing ample seating with stools and cushioned benches I will be okay. You're right about "limited seating", it sounds bad.

A seat for every butt, and a table place for every plate.

I think if it's an afternoon thing, probably not going to be long, you're ok to not have assigned seating but I do agree there should be ample seating available should everyone want to sit at some point. Even if they don't need/want to sit, i bet people will want a place to set their jacket/purse..

@Alyssa, you should find a new venue if there isn't enough seating for everyone, or be okay with people leaving when they can't stand anymore.

I went to a heavy apps reception and was pissed because I had to balance a plate on my lap and drink in one hand as I tried to eat. Every guest needs a seat and a table

I think the mix of table and seating types is fine, but I think most people would like to sit to eat. Can you have high chairs or bar stools to go with the tall cocktail style tables?

I still don't like the idea of balancing my plate on my knees while I eat, and setting my drink on the floor. Tables and seats for every person.

Have you ever stood for 5 hours in heels and a dress while balancing a plate and a drink?

It's not fun.

Chairs for everyone.

Yes, there will be high chairs/stools at most of the tall tables. There will also be ample seating at all 3 bars as well as cushioned benches with end tables scattered throughout for people to rest if needed. The stage has a ledge in which people can sit or set their drinks on while dancing. The walls also have ledges/shelves that jut out about 6 inches in which to set a drink whilst standing.