Open Seating Question: What Percentage of Seats vs Guests?

I don't know percentage wise, but I would definitely have more seats than guests. 65-85%? That means that 15-35% of the guests will be wandering around with no where to sit.

I'd go with 105% ... I'd rather people have ample space then risk someone holding their plate to eat!

I agree, at least have equal number..just from a guests perspective it's really hard to eat standing while holding a plate and drink..Knowing me, I'd probably end up wearing my food lol.

edited to add: open seating can be awkward enough to begin with, not having anywhere to sit and feeling awkward may sour guests experience..Like people could steal seats, or sit down and not realize so and so is invited, then wish they could get up and sit with them..also they may feel obligated to give up their seat for elderly guests too.

Our venue seats 150 people, we made sure to keep our guest list under 120.

The theory with the lower percentage seating is that since we're doing food stations, there won't be a designated eating time. People will be dancing, hanging out at the bar, checking out the photobooth, etc. But you all make good points. If there's ever a lull in the music, we may have a bit of an awkward "musical chairs" moment.

Wait, I'm confused..are you asking about space availability vs. how many to invite..or guest number vs. having less chairs?

@AbZ guest number vs. having less chairs.

I guess the seating depends on what type of atmosphere you are having.

If it is a sit down meal with no assigned seats, you need 105% chairs. You need more seats because when you don't assign seats, people need a few over flow tables for when there is a party of 4 looking for a place to sit and all that is left is groups of 2 at the tables.

(another good reason for assigned seats - it saves you on money having an exact chair/table/centerpiece/linen/napkins count)

If it is a wedding in the colder months, people will want an assigned seat to put their coat on. Also, the women like to put their purse down, and the men sometimes like to take their suit coat off. If you have less chairs than people, what will happen to your guests' things.

It is also a pain thinking you need to rush to find a spot and save seats for family and friends. This is another reason I'm a fan of assigned tables.

BUT your venue would know best. They have weddings EVERY weekend at their location, so if they say you need less chairs, then maybe take their advice? How about your grand entrance? Or your first dance? Isn't there some time in the night where people will be at their tables? I think it is weird to have less seats than guests for those reasons too.

I would go with 105% but I think I would only actually have 85% around tables as long as theirs chairs for people to pull up to what ever table they choose if needed

Hope I don't pee in your cornflakes but us "mature" people really don't want to wander around w/ our plate, drink, purse, shawl looking for a place to sit w/ my friends and family - I hated that in High School

If you are going to do this overseat by 105% and ensure you have really quick and efficient bus boys along with extra linens. Who wants to sit at a dirty table in a revolving sitting