Do we really need a seating chart?

I don't think so. Every wedding I have been to everyone chose their own seats.

I don't think it is necessary but it does bring some order to the event.It is a personal preference.I am doing my seating chart by tables,not by seats.I just didn't want say FH's grandparents to get stuck in the back or something because other guests took the closer seats ya know.

It really depends on what type of reception you are having. I think they are important as far as making sure you have enough seats for everyone and being able to keep track.

What I am doing is having people at Table A. but not in a certain seat. They can sit where they want just at Table A..

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It also kinda helps when you know you can put his family together, make sure couples have seats beside eachother. You don't want random people going up and taking a seat in and then making it odd for a couple to get a seat together.

No... but just make sure you have a couple of extra tables because you know that numbers wont work out if you leave it to people to do on there own there will be an open seat here or there ... so you dont want to have to split up a party... and also i would consider reserving tables for your family so that they arent stuck in the back or somewhere wierd you know

I'm not doing one. Plus I have a buffet setup so it would just be a pain.

I thought about that myself and was told that it could cause a mess because people might fight over seats and not want to be with someone. people could get picky and it could cause an issue for you.

I figured that if they have problems with someone they could sit somewhere else. I dont think it will make a big difference which table people sit at because the reception hall isn't that big so they will still see me. I just am having issues deciding where to sit everyone If it was eaiser would but i am getting really frustrated at it.

We didn't do a seating chart. I think our guests really appreciated it.

Thanks i dont think i will either... one less thing for me to worry about

I'm assigning guests to tables to keep things organized and to make sure my family doesn't get stuck in the back and that my grandmas don't get stuck by the speakers or by my loud and crazy friends! I'm sure they wouldn't but it gives me peace of mind.

I am curious to know what happens to the assigned seating when guests who RSVP'd "yes" don't show up (we had a few of those) and people show up with uninvited plus ones (we had a few of those, too.)

I used to do Events at a Hilton and we would adjust the seating based on the last minute changes. I've never had more than a few people no show or show up last minute so it was never too big of a deal; a little more work for the staff but nothing most Banquet staff's can't handle.

Thanks!

We are not doing one!!! I have been to weddings that had assigned seating and there were tons of people that did not sit where they were supposed too! I think picking there own seats is way easier and a lot less stress!!! For like grandparents and closed family we are reserving tables! And i also am reserving a table for my work!!!

I am doing assigned seating. There is nothing worse to me when people sit at a table, and then they skip a seat because they don't want to sit next to someone they don't know, and then there are random one seats left around. Haha--just one of my pet peeves. =) I definetly don't think a seating chart is necessary, but I will be doing one.

Buffet or not, I would do a seating chart. Let's say Uncle John and Aunt Mary show up a little late...traffic. They walk in and there are not 2 seats together anywhere. There's one in the back, and one with some 20-somethings that are planning to PARTY! What do they do? Pull up 2 chairs to the family table where it is already full and there's not enough room for their place settings? Seating charts are for dinner. After dinner, people are moving around, sitting wherever. I know it's a lot of work, but I don't think a venue will be happy to pull out and set another table, with no centerpiece, if there are 6 empty chairs sprinkled throughout the room. Plus, it looks tacky and makes them look bad and unprepared. Reserving a family table is fine, but what if you have 20 family members and they fill up the table before your parents sit down? Who is going to tell Cousin Ann and her date to get up and move? Too many opportunities for hurt feelings and miscommunication.

It's certainly not NECCESSARY to have a seating chart. If it's frustrating you that much then just skip it. I would however recommend that you reserve two tables upfront for your parents/immediate family.

I recommend doing seating for the immediate family at the tables closest to the head table. For one my brides I am creating place cards with everyone's names on them. We are putting up a sign that says Move your feet to save your seat. This way guests can save their seat and feel free to mingle before dinner.

Unique, just reserve a few tables for immediate family.

Assigned seating just seems easier to me. It's kinda like playing Tetris but in the end everyone is with someone they know and no one is stuck looking for a seat. Also we have different favors for the wee ones.