Pros and cons of a seating chart

I agree with pretty much everyone here. there are so many pros, and honestly no cons!

everytime someone posts about not having a seating chart i think of the first day of school in middle school when people are looking around trying to find a place to sit with people they like. its awful. (and I witness it every year as a middle school teacher)

There are no cons. At least assign people to tables. After the meal they can wander and see each other if they aren't sitting near who they want. Seating charts take time and diplomatic skills but completely worth it in the end.

The cons are that you don't know who wants to sit by who.

However, not having one can cause having an empty table because people took the chairs to sit by someone else. Don't let the decor be a waste. I would recommend the seating chart.

Definitely do a seating chart, it will be insane otherwise.

The only con is that it is a pain in the ass. But only for you and DH. If you don't have one, it's a pain for all your guests.

My coworker always tells the story of how she and her SO were late to a reception due to an accident on the road. When they got there, the only open seats were one to a table. She and her SO had to sit at different tables at a wedding where they didn't really know anyone else. She said they were both so uncomfortable the whole time.

Don't make your guests be uncomfortable.

We are doing one just so we can make sure family and friends are matched up. Also people we think would get along well with others we can match at the same table.

You have them because that way everyone is seated and has a seat. Otherwise you get up and someone wants to sit there takes your seat and now you have to stand or sit somewhere you don't want to.

Zero cons. please do a seating chart, it's little time investment for something that's crucial to how much your guests will enjoy your wedding. Your guests need to have connections at your event that aren't you and FH, and it saves soooo much hassle. Much less chance for drama, too. Totally worth it.

We decided literally the night before the wedding to have one. WW was a life saver with their seating chart section. I literally had it done in 20 mins. It was great to have so people knew were to sit and there wasn't confusion or people getting left by themselves.

Since you are familiar with a big family like I am, the only con is if people find out they will say don't sit me next to Uncle Charlie or make sure I get to sit with Our cousin Jessie. One cousin of mine asked that she not be at the same table as her Mom. Alrighty then! I am still happy we did it, a lot of people where happy with it.

Have a seating chart.

I went to a wedding where FH was in the wedding party and was required to sit at their head table. They had no other seating chart except two reserved tables for the bride and groom's families. I knew no one else except FH. (I certainly didn't want to sit by the two guests wearing confederate flag tshirts with guns on their hips and monster energy drinks in hand.) If it was not for the groom's aunt being so kind to take me to the family table, I would have most likely sat in the corner, not had a good time at all, and would have told FH I was leaving early.

So once again, if you'd like your guests to have an enjoyable time, have a seating chart.

Yes, definitely worth the effort! We aren't assigning actual seats, just tables. I've been to multiple weddings with nothing assigned it's awkward and overwhelming.

I did a seating chart for 20 people lol

Yes have one! I've been to weddings where there isn't one and it's confusing. I've witnessed groups of 3 being split up, I have ended up being the only guest with FH at a table! It's all so awkward without a seating chart. They aren't as difficult to make as it seems!

With that many people I don't understand why you would opt out of a seating chart. It's much easier to have one.. for everyone.

Yes, you need a seating chart! Why is that even a question?? With almost 200 guests, it will be extremely chaotic if you don't at least assign tables

I have never been to a wedding with a seating chart. My area tends to be more casual. I have never experienced the problems that others have suggested might happen. However, we're going to be assigning tables because WW convinced me!

I was also debating a seating chart the last two weddings I went to didnt have them but I am glad I read this I will definitely make one now. Does anyone recommend having a few extra unassigned seats just in case?

YES! You need a seating chart. My fiance and I were at a wedding recently with no seating chart and we sat at a table completely alone, and he was even a groomsman. It really made dinner kind of awful because we just ate together with the 2 of us... There were no other tables with 2 seats open and I didn't know anyone there so we really wanted to be together at the same table.

I agree with everyone as I have experienced each of the situations: empty seats at a table, family and friends being split up, the stress of trying to reserve a table for everyone you want to sit with, the chaos of guests desperately trying to find a seat...

I've even been to a wedding this year where there wasn't enough tables for everyone. About 100 guests had to eat standing up. Most of us drove 3+ hours to come to this wedding. NO NO NO.