Open seating or assigned seating?

Randee I'm sorry but your comment makes little sense. Assigning tables has nothing to do with guests not acting like adults. It's about ensuring they are comfortable and able to sit with their families and dates, and other people they know and will enjoy sitting with. Open seating does NOT guarantee that will happen. Assigning tables is called being a good host.

My first wedding we did table assignments but a lot of people ended up switching to where they really wanted to be anyway. So this time I think I will do open seating.

Hi Brandi,

For the comfort and convenience of all guests, we always recommend assigned table seating ... Granted, it's a little more work for you, but your guests will appreciate it.

Ours is assigned. I personally like it better and also having 450+ guest list so it's a must we have assigned.

Table assignments at least. I've been to a few weddings without assigned seating lately and as a guest, quite frankly it sucks. We're doing table assignments. Since we have so many guests, who don't know each other, I would prefer they are all together.

"my first wedding we did table assignments but a lot of people ended up switching to where they really wanted to be anyway. So this time I think I will do open seating."

This is only because you completely failed to consider who would like to sit with who. It's really not that hard to figure out which family members want to be with each other and which friends want to sit together.

After reading this post, I've decided to do table assignments (but not seat assignments). Seems much more convenient for the guests and won't take much extra effort on my part to make them comfortable.

Im doing assign seating. Some people may rvsp and some will not. I want to make sure the people that took the time out to rvsp get a plate. As well people like to just show up for the ones that are not invited or be a guest when on the invitation it says 1 person.

I am just commenting from my experiences. Never had issues without assigned seats. As for the adult part I was refering to that if someone would sit down that you don't like suck it up, it's not the end of the world. I am a shy person but I have never had issues trying to find a seat. Maybe it's also since I am from MN and almost everyone is nice about making people fit at the tables and there was always extra space.

We are doing table assignments. I really wanted to only reserve for the wedding party and immediate family, but there are too many horror stories.

I did go to one wedding where it sort of worked. They did a cocktail style party, people sat where they wanted or stood by one of the taller cocktail tables. It worked for my group - but we ended up with 10 seats at a table that was originally intended for 5...with an empty table next to us. Mostly because the random twosome that did not know anyone would be sitting alone and we would invite them over, and so on. There was also not a designated meal time since it was cocktail party style. People came and went as they pleased and apps were passed, and eventually available on the hot buffet. So, if this sounds like your wedding - it could work! Just remember those lonesome friends who might not pair up with someone.

I've been to weddings with both, and I was fine with either. I see the logic of assigned tables, but sometimes it's hard to work out. For example at my venue, I know how many I can seat, but I don't have an exact table count. I really wanted to have centerpieces for dinner, but I don't think I will have the chance. It will work out, but it's hard to plan that part.