Pros and cons of a seating chart

There are no cons.

None.

Yes you do! Otherwise you are going to have a table of 5 and one with 12 because everyone's trying to squeeze in and sit with people they know for example. It's worth the extra work to put one together.

200 people? Yes, do a seating chart. At least assign them to a particular table.

Pros: Your guests aren't forced to wander around your reception looking for a seat with strangers.

Make a seating chart. There are no cons.

If you're cool with your own parents potentially sitting at different tables, go for it.

Pro:

1. People will know where to sit.

2. You can ensure your hipster friend doens't sit next to your racist uncle (or wahtever dynamic)

3. You will ensure that peopel you want closer, ie parents, are closer to you.

4. You will not have people stealing chairs and settings from other table to fit into the one they want to sit at (happens most often).

5. You will not have people feeling like the first day of 9th grade in the cafeteria, not knowing where to sit.

6. Larger groups, ie families with kids, will not be split up because there's only 1 seat at table 5 and 3 seats at table 12.

There are 0 cons. For 200 people you should absolutely have a seating chart.

Wait, what?

With that many people, I don't understand how this would work. It's impossible that everyone knows everyone at your reception.

This would be mass chaos and awkwardness without assigned tables. Yikes.

..... yes you absolutely need a seating chart ,200 people is alot! 10 people at a table is 20 tables. That 20 tables people have to walk around and find people to sit with and find enough chairs for families. It is rude to make your guest do that. Be a good host and help your guests.

the only con is the headache you are taking on instead of giving it to your 200 guests!

Yes! or else you run into issues with guests trying to seat themselves without gaps or groups having to split up

Pros of a seating chart:

- No chaos or panic of guests trying to find a seat with their significant other or friends or family

- Your family and VIPs won't be stuck at the furthest table in the back

- Your friends can sit with their friends, family with family, and vice versa

- Your tables will be full because you won't have to worry about empty seats or half-full tables. And more tables = more money (more linens, more chairs, more place settings, more centerpieces)

- If you're doing plated service your venue / caterer will know which meal selections to bring to which table!

When they're isn't a seating chart, couples tend to leave a seat between them and another couple which makes it hard for all couples to find seats, plus no one wants that awkward seat after the fact

This is what I wrote for another post

Pro: everyone knows where to sit, no one will people walking around trying to find someone to sit with, people who might only know a few people will not be sitting with strangers, you have you the ability to make sure guest who do not get along are a comfortable distance from each other, families will be able to sit together, guest wont feel like the can add chairs and table placements to a table.

Con: none except maybe the headache you take on instead of putting it on your guests.

Not only for the reasons above but, its also a good idea so that the caterers know what meal goes where. For example: say someone has a food allergy, wants vegetarian options, gluten free, etc... By doing a seating chart you're ensuring everyone gets the meal they are supposed to get.

The last two weddings I went to did not have seating charts. Honestly, it felt like the bride and groom didn't want to make the effort in organizing their guests. Instead, it was chaotic as people were angling for the best seats and also trying to sit by the people they know the best.

Please please please have a seating chart.

Yes you need one.. that's a lot of people.

There are no cons to making a seating chart, other than the bride and groom have to put in a little effort. With 200 people, each split up into family groups that will want to stay together, no seating chart would be very problematic. The people who get there first will fill tables, leaving one or a few extra seats at each table. It could work if you have a lot of extra seats/chairs (which will cost you more). Without extra seats, it's likely that families who are looking for seats after the initial rush will have to split up and sit with people they don't know. Making a seating chart ensures all your guests will be with people they know.

There are no cons. Only pros.

Have a seating chart and at least assign tables. It's a logistical nightmare for your guests if you don't.

200 people? You definitely need to do a seating chart.