NOT Doing A Seating Chart

I have a guest list of 100, I am doing reserved table for immediate family but no seating chart. I feel it will work out fine. I have also been to weddings where no chart was used and it worked out fine.

We didn't do a seating chart HOWEVER our guest count was 53, we had seating for 72, and my side of the guest list fit at two tables (one table of family and one table of friends). If we had less seating or more guests, we would definitely have a seating chart. Went to a wedding where there was no seating chart. DH and I ended up sharing a chair so that we could eat together. It was fun for a laugh but has been mentioned many times since as one of the worst experiences. Your reception is for your guests so don't do as you please. Keep their comfort in mind.

I'm not bothering with a seating chart because that's not the style of wedding I'm having. Where people are sitting will depend largely on the weather the day of my wedding and I don't have time to make up a seating chart that morning.

"I'm not bothering". That sums it up.

I didn't but had about 65 as my count that came. Literally everyone either knew each other or was a friend of friend or family so there was no awkward sitting. However I'd think a seating chart would be helpful for like over 80.

I understand not wanting to do the seating arrangement because UGH but as someone who has been to large and small weddings without it it's very awkward and nerve racking for guests

There is no actual need for a seating chart for 60 people when you have 100 places to sit, inside and out, over three floors of a house and 8 tables outside.

A seating "plan" dependent on weather? I really don't understand why people are so against seating charts. You don't have to dictate the exact seat, but at least give guests a chair for their butt to go to. Plus, it's only for dinner! People have plenty of time to mingle before hand AND once dinner is over they have the whole reception to mingle. Make that small part of the reception easier for your guests!

It's another by product of, "It's my day and I call the shots". Reinforced by, "You go girl!"

Madison, all but your fastest guests will choose their seats based on what's left.

That's not a great message to send to your guests.

I agree @Celia! As usual you are spot on with your observations and advice.

Sounds like you're trying to take the easy way out. You need a seating chart!

I've never been to a wedding with 250 people, but I was at one with no seating chart that I would guess was 80-100? But she had double the amount of tables/chairs as people, so it wasn't an issue from what I saw. Of course, she had a cash bar too, so I wouldn't exactly base my wedding off of hers.

I can tel you that all the extra tables and chairs made the room look super empty. But perhaps you just get what you get with that arrangement.

There are just some things I don't want to happen.. so seating chart there is... no political, no crazy talk, and none of that "she did this and that" to his family. Nope! Aniexty is through the roof just thinking about DT or HRC getting brought up with just my side arguing.. bwhahaha

Doing VIP seating for some of your guests is a shitty move. Anytime you give one set of guests preferential treatment its rude.

I'm having a small wedding about 75 with no seating chart. A lot of the invites are very friendly and will have no problem making small talk, finding seats and fitting in. I say judge your crowd.

So Melissa, the OP with 250 guests is going to be able to say that everyone will be happy with this plan?

Whoa! This is a very touchy subject. Honestly it's you and your FH big day. Do you you feel is right ? my brothers wedding did not have a seating chart with that many people and it went just fine.

What. Is. The. Rain. Plan?

I'm not doing a seating chart and I've never been to a wedding that's had one and that's saying something because I've been to a lot of weddings (8 last summer and 4 this summer plus countless others in previous years). It's very uncommon to have seating charts where I'm from (small town as well). It doesn't seem like that's the popular opinion on WW but do what you are comfortable with and what works for you and your guests. If it is uncommon in your area and your guests will find it weird, don't do it. Just make sure to have reserved tables for family/wedding party.

By the way, I was in a wedding last summer that had 500 guests. Yes 500. And 430 attended the reception and there was no seating chart and it was not an issue at all.

If as Vicky B. pointed out, the barn seats 200 people inside, you should be fine. It is unlikely that all 250 guests you invite will RSVP they're attending. I'm a wedding planner, and I've never done a wedding where EVERY guest invited actually goes. However, if they don't all fit inside, I would HIGHLY recommend a seating chart. Having just assigned tables for close family may be offensive to your other guests. And for that large of a group, it increases the chances of total chaos. Good luck!