Place cards vs seating arrangement list??

I don't think open seating is a good idea for most situations because just like you said, what if seats fill up and a couple has to sit at different tables or even just to avoid to the awkward "can I sit here with you?" conversations that always happen at weddings with open seating. But I do agree that all the tiny place cards can be skipped. I am doing a seating chart. I designed it myself, even have the menu on it, and then am having it printed at kinkos in an 18x24 poster. I got a poster frame at walmart to finish it off. I will have it displayed on an easel as they enter the dining room. Here is an example of the seating chart I am doing

http://www.zazzle.com/laura_poster-228302487669375457

and her is what it looks like displayed

http://sizemoreselectives.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/seating-chart-with-couple.jpg

Just to give you an idea, but you can definitely come up with your own way of doing it!

Seating is always an issue with my Brides. My questions to you, as client, would be 1)Are there any relatives/friends that you do not sitting near each other? 2)If so, do you want them separated across the room? 3)If not, do you want the hassle of worrying about a seating chart? 4)Is having a seating chart/arrangements a must for you? I will offer you this advice: Making a seating chart can get stressful. Having a place card at each setting can get a little confusing for guests b/c they will be looking all over for their names. But labeling a table with a number and assigning people to a table number is definitely do-able and probably a good idea. I really like the lady's idea from the previous response! A couple of my clients have done the outside table with place cards on it for each couple to pick-up then my staff directed the couples to the correct table. Another couple designated 10 tables "RESERVED for FAMILY" tables and the other guests just selected a seat from the other tables

I always advised my client to have atleast "table assignments" for guests. Whether or not they decide on escort cards (cards with guest name with assigned table) or seating chart (list) is personal preference. If your venue does not have enough space for an additional table for escort cards outside of the reception room then select the seating chart and place on an easel. Having table assignments where guests are assigned to a table but then have the option of selecting a particular seat at the table is an excellent way to capture those guest who did not RSVP. If you are not concerned about non-RSVPers showing up, then open seating with marked reserved tables for family is an easy choice.

This is what we did. We had someone at a table to greet people when they came in. When they were greeted they received a card, which I made, that had their family names and their table number on it. This way they only have to look for a table number, which is in an order, so it is very easy to find. Our coordinator also helped people find their tables. It worked very well.

Hi-

Seating Charts or Seating Scrolls are an alternative to place cards. They are usually decorated and, as you said, list the guests' names and table numbers. If you decide you would rather have a seating chart created for your wedding instead of making it yourself, please take a minute to visit my website at www.bellejardine.com for a sample of my work. Thank you.

We have some very unique place card trees. This is the latest way to display your seating arrangements as well as make a statement. This is also great because it is also used as a centerpiece in your reception. If you are looking for something very unique and different than we can help you. We are also a fan of the seating scrolls and can assist you with one of those. Let me know if I can help you. We can brain storm other ideas as well that might be very unique.

At my cuz wedding they had place cards and a seating list. Outside the dinning room beside the guest book table they had a big board with the table # and your names. when you walked into the dinning room the table had a table # plus your name at each spot.

I'm having assigned seating for each person for each chair what I'm doing so guest are looking all over for their names is when they arrive there will a host with the list of names and two ushers to walk them to their seats this way they wont just sit where they want eitheir my fiance sister said at her wedding she had assigned seating but no one sat at their assigned seats. Thats why Im having ushers.

Hey I just wanted to let you know that I went over to Staples and it only cost $1.99 to get an 18x24 poster printed up!!! I just take my file over on CD and they print it for $2!! How cheap is that?!?! And the frame was only $10 at walmart. I'll see if I can post a pic of mine on my inspiration boards

Hi there. As a calligrapher, I've done alot of both - more place cards/escort cards than seating lists. Overall, your guests need to find their seats, unless your wedding is not a sit-down dinner, but buffet. I've done seating lists for clients that are later framed and displayed on an easel at the door before entering the reception hall. It works, but then there is a crowd to view it, just like there would be at the table of place cards.

The whole reason I started using WeddingWire was the seating chart application they have. I'm addicted to moving people around every time a new RSVP comes in.

We're not dictating seats, just tables. I think you should do that at a minimum, you don't want some unlucky couple to get stuck at a table totally by themselves. I know my friends have no issues shoving WAY more seats at a table then it can comfortably hold just to squeeze everyone together, which of course would create a table with like 3 chairs at it.

I'm doing placecards, but then again we only have 80 guests so it would only be like 40 placecards.

I guess it depends on the number of people as well. If you have like 200 people, as a guest I'd hate to have to stand at a chart or listing along with 100 others trying to find my name in a 5pt font on it somewhere.

I posted some pics of mine on my inspiration boards for anyone to check out. I did not have a big guest list but I can't imagine looking for your name on a board is much different than everyone standing at a table looking for their name in a sea of small place cards. Just be sure to make the seating chart list alphabetical so people can find their names easily. I used to Microsoft Pbulisher to create it (Thanks Lauren10) and then took the CD to staples to hae it printed. Couldn't have been easier!

I was dead set on creating place cards for my DIY beach wedding, but now I'm leaning toward designing a large seating chart instead- more creative and cheaper. I only expect 60-75 guests, and I'm having an appetizer hour (while professional beach pics are taken) before the buffet dinner, so I can't imagine it being a huge, confusing crowd hovering near the chart, as I've read in many other posts. Besides, wouldn't I have the same "mob" if I put out place cards for the guests to search? What is the difference there anyway?

I'm opted for a guest seating chart/list. It's cheaper to print one large sheet of paper or a poster with a fancy design on it than it is to print individual cards for each family or person. A top money saving starting point for me. It's also a time saver over cutting out, folding, designing, crafting, etc individual cards. My usher will have a copy of the seating arrangement to help ensure everyone finds their correct table. Plus, as stated it's less annoying and stressful for guests to just find their name on a list and then find the table with the matching number than it is to search every card on every table to find their name. Number the tables in order/pattern and it should be easy for anyone to find the right spot. A seating chart makes sure family is closest to the head table and the family DJ is closest to the sound system hook up. Since non responding RSPVs and unwanted guests are a big deal for me, the usher will be "checking guests in." He'll take their family name, check the list of expected guests, and hand them cards that mark their meal choice. This way unplanned for guests are taken care of and no one who hates fish ends up with fish because someone changed their mind last minute on which entree they wanted. It's a lot for the usher to handle so I've asked for usher help from 2 fiends to lighten the load since I'm worried about people getting lost in the parking lot.