No seating chart... Designated tables for family?

I would simply place a sign on the table that states "reserved" on it and tell family members you intend to have sit at that table to look for the table that says "reserved"

Some people might find this offensive. I say either do a chart or don't but you can't go halfway on this one.

We obviously want our parents and grandparents up by us, not shoved in the back. I don't understand why that would be offensive.. Could you explain why so I could understand better : )

While I really think you should reconsider not having a chart (it can be *very* stressful for people to try and find a seat with people they know), if you are not, then you definitely *do* need to reserve tables for family. Signs and letting the family know ahead of time would work best. Be careful with things like "Reserved for the Bride's Family" though, b/c that can be interpreted many ways (i.e., you'll have your third cousin once removed sitting there).

And also be careful, b/c you never know who Nana (or whoever) is going to invite to join her at her table. Another reason why it is just safer to have seating charts.

I definately recommend a seating chart but of course you do whats best, you know best!!!

I would just put a reserved sign and let those people know thats their table. Its not offensive at all... I was going to do that, reserve like 6 tables but then we scrapped that because it got too messy and did the seating chart, worked like a charm! No awkward trying to find where to sit messes...

If I'm a guest and I'm not part of the reserved seating it might seem like I'm "good enough" to come but not important enough to get reserved seating. Also, you may have someone you want in the reserved section who wants to sit with someone not in the reserved area. It's just easier if you opt for reserved or not. If you want something laid back pick tables but not specific seats for people. Or just let people do what they want and sit wherever they want and hope the grandparents get good seats.

I would just use reserved signs and tell the people ahead of time.

Be careful though, I would use a seating chart if anyone on your guest list only really knows you and the groom, or your immediate family as it can be really stressful to try to find seats. H and I have had some bad experiences trying to find seats without a seating chart (ever had an entire table stand up and move because they wanted to sit with their friends and you took the last seats? you had no way of knowing...)

We decided no seating chart because a wedding consultant made us realize we didn't need one lol. It can always change though. My family is TINY. His is way bigger which could cause some issues. Most of my family is actually in the wedding party so the table would be for his parents, my parents & 2 grandmothers. Since it is a picnic tables everyone will be by each other. Good point on grandma inviting people over though ha!

Okay, I'm going to say no to a simple "reserved" sign, only because a few weeks ago, my cousin did that at her wedding and everyone was SO confused! There were numbered tables and "reserved" tables, with no head table. Nobody understood who the reserved tables were for. Wedding party? Parents? Immediate family?

So people just sat down wherever. It wasn't until after dinner that she explained the reserved tables were for all family and the numbered tables were for friends.

Some family sat at the numbered tables.

Don't just put reserved.

We have a pavilion with seating for 200. We are only inviting half of that at max. The only situation that would be awkward for anyone is his mothers co workers she is invited. In that case they know nobody but her. The rest of the people literally know everyone because all of our friends and families get together for major holidays Ect. Hard to believe just about everyone gets along with everyone!! Lol

Crystal I see your point but I don't feel any of our friends would take offense to this, If anything if someone has a seat up front and saw our family in back they would try to switch with them.

Would doing a seating chart and it being informal make sense? I guess it would help the flow of the food line and not cause confusion

Seating Charts aren't just reserved for more formal events. It minimises stress and means easier flow of people so everyone is seated and sorted as quick as possible.

I'd strongly advise to have a seating chart (assigned tables since it's picnic tables) even if just so you can be rest assured you and FH won't be dealing with seating folk stress on your big day.

I would assume most guests would leave the front tables open for the couples family. I know I would if I were there. I see no issue with the idea of reserving tables, if you're worried of offending simply add to the sign. "Reserved for the family of (bride/groom)" If I was a guest and saw that I would understand. Pretty much what Hillary said, have some sort of explanation.

Yeah a reserved sign with an explanation would be better then just reserved.

We have time to decide, I just see so many different opinions here it kinda has me nervous to not do a seating chart. Blah!

I went to ones friends wedding once, it was a backyard bbq sort of informal. Everyone kind of knew each other, and there were some tables, but no formalities, so it wasn't necessary to be seated at any point if people didn't want to. There was no seating chart, and no issues, so it isn't always a problem. However, being the person who doesn't know a lot of people at an event without a seating chart is stressful. Since you said everyone but one person (who only knows fmil?) knows each other, you have to decide. It could be fine. Usually at picnic, bbqs, there is no seating chart and it isn't an issue. You have to decide with your group.

I'm modeling mine after my friend's wedding. There were no seating assignments for anyone except the wedding party and the family. Those tables had a frame in the middle with all of the names on it so they could at least arrange themselves how they wanted. It worked out really, really well.

While I agree with others that a full seating chart is the best way to go, I have seen it where there are only tables for the family reserved. If you do make a reserved sign, I would note "Reserved for family of the bride/groom" If the sign just says "reserved" there may be confusion and the table left empty.

Tatiana- yes it's the exact same way. No

Bridal dance, no unity candles, cake cutting or anything. It's just everyone getting together to celebrate. We will have some games to play, we are going to do some sort if mad lib game also at the table.

I truly didn't see issues with this but now I'm worried a little lol