Open Seating for Reception

I did that. I had 170 guests & the only reserved table was for the wedding party & of course the head table. It turned out fine! No issues!

I had initially thought of doing that (we had 85 people), but then decided it was a bad idea. I would need at least one extra table because you will likely be left with tables not full with odd numbers of open seats, and what if a couple or family tried to sit down last, and couldn't find seats together?

I would recommend just doing table assignments. After dinner, people will mingle and move as they wish, but this way you don't have to worry about any chaos, families or couples being separated, half full tables, or having to pay for additional centerpieces, linens, etc.

Please no. As a guest I hate this. It's awkward. It's unorganized. People start taking chairs from other tables to sit with who they want. Unless you have a very small wedding, please don't do this.

I think it's a bad idea. Too chaotic. People could end up moving you chairs and tables around or your VIPs could end up too far away from you because other people got the closest tables first. I believe most people appreciate being given a table assignment.

It is a lot to expect a group of 50 plus adults to neatly and evenly divide themselves up into group so ten or eight. Without a seating chart you will need extra tables and chairs (which means more linens, tableware, centerpieces) to ensure families and couples don't get split up.

As a guest I would not like this at all. Assigned tables is best.

Is there a reason why you don't want that?

I'm assigning tables, not seats, as to avoid families being split-up.

I think if you decide to do this, a sign wouldn't be necessary. When they don't see any seating charts, escort cards, place cards or table numbers they'll probably get the hint Having a sign to say there's no need to look for an assigned seat might just cause an unnecessary bottleneck as people try to stop to read the sign.

I'd have to advise against this though unless you are having a very small guest list. Some sort of seating arrangement is so much nicer for the guests, even if it's just assigning people to tables. It's really the simplest way to go and isn't the headache it may sound like, I promise. It ensures that groups/families can sit together! For example, what if a family of 5 came in a little late for any reason and by the time they walked in there are only 3 chairs open at one table and 1 chair at 2 others...so they all have to split up...it's an awkward situation for them. You can avoid people feeling like they have to rush in and "claim" spots too.

Thx Nakita! Did you all place a sign out informing the guest of open seating? We have about 100 attending.

At the very least you should assign tables.

I wouldn't do it with a lot of people.

I have never been to a wedding with a seating chart. I guess that it's just not common in my area. I've never experienced any of the problems that other users warn about, but I have decided to at least assign tables at my reception. That way, there I'm sure there will be no awkward divisions of groups!

I wouldn't do it personally. I'm having roughly 75 guests and will do assigned tables, not seating. Will make things easier, then if people get up to dance or whatever they will remember their exact seat and what not.

If you don't want to do assign seating, do at least tables. Like suggested

I would, at the very least, assign tables.

Did you really just ask for opinions and then only acknowledged the one that agrees with you?

"There were no issues" = "I noticed no issues."

There are always issues with this. Always. Always. Never seen it go well.

LMAO so you only wanted opinions from someone who agreed with you?

Why do I even bother...

@LaKita - sorry but I call bullshit. Plus you only got married 4 days ago? Give it time lol.

I went to a wedding with significantly less people and was annoyed that FH and I almost couldn't sit together.

Remember, your guests won't say anything bad TO YOUR FACE. But best believe they'll be saying it behind your back.

Do assigned tables OP - your guests will be happy.

We are having 4 tables reserved for family and significant others of the head table. All other tables are going to be seat yourself. This way we don't have to stress about who sits where and it gives our guests the opportunity to sit with who they want.

So you only respond to the one comment that agrees with you and you didn't even spell her name correctly....

@ASDM717 - so in order for you to be less stressed you decide to throw it onto your guests. Niiiiiice.........