Pros and cons of a seating chart

I would do a seating chart because some people may be upset if they can't sit with their families. I've seen that before. I'm certainly having one at my wedding.

For that many people, a chart at least assigning tables is a must. I had just under that many people and I promise you it was so NOT a big deal to do. I dreaded it for a long time and it ended up being super easy, worked out in like an hour. And a suggestion: If you plan to assign tables and do just a chart displayed on an easel for example, with that many people it's best to make sure you organize alphabetically rather than by table number. It'll take people too long to find their names otherwise. Also, have two printed if you can and displayed in different areas of the room so not everyone has to crowd around the same chart to find their spot. One near the entrance and one near the bar during cocktail hour is a good idea.

Holy shit 200 people is huge, and to have no seating chart will be absolute chaos.

That's way to many people not to have a seating chart it will be chaoctic not only for you but for your guest and the caterers ..please do one

With that many people, I'd assign tables.

YOU NEED TO AT LEAST ASSIGN TABLES!

ETA: yes, caps were necessary.

Eek! I was not planning on doing a seating chart but everyone seems to feel so strongly about that! We're having 150 guests and are reserving tables up front for our immediate family and telling them ahead of time that those tables are for them. Otherwise it was going to be a free for all!

Sometimes, if they're strangers, they'll give space between each seat and then couple are forced to sit at different tables. My family doesn't get along with each other so I will have them at different tables. I won't be assigning seats but I'll have tables for family close and friends kind of spread throughout.

Also what if all your friends think they should sit closest to you and your parents are left hanging out in the outer layer unable to see you two?

Sweet tap dancing Jesus @MissM, your wedding sounds like it's going to be a hot ass mess. No seating chart AND no alcohol???

Are you serving food or nah?

If for some reason you don't want the physical seating chart (like you don't want to make one), at the very least you need to have assigned seating with place cards (which would identify their table); and the place cards should be handed to guests before they enter the dining area. I've seen it done this way and it works just as well as a seating chart; but nevertheless having assigned seating is a must - especially for such a large number of people.

We are expecting 200 people for our wedding. Most of our guests are friends so, where they sit is not an issue that being said we will be having a seating chart so my guest will have an even better experience. Example mother and daughter attending I have them each sitting with their friends instead of each other. A guest that knows no one except me, I put them with the friends that I know will make them comfortable. I think a seating chart is a way of letting your guest know that I want you comfortable, and unless you piss me off - I will keep you away from the crazy's in my family (well at least during dinner). I have found no Cons in a seating chart.

We had a 200 guest reception, no seating chart and no chaos. We had tables close to ours reserved for parents, grandparents, siblings and children. The other guests sat themselves wherever they chose and had a great time.

You've all just convinced me how important it is to have a seating chart. You don't want your guests to feel overwhelmed or insecure.

Just because you where to busy taking pictures or enjoying your new husband dosnt mean there was no chaos or uncomfortable guest.

I understand the pros of the seating chart but have a question...is it a smart idea to do when you are doing a buffet style dinner? Also, how do you go about it? Do you just put the people you know will want to sit together at a table together? What if the numbers don't work? Lol sorry but this is weird to me. I don't like being told I have to sit in a certain spot with a stranger (if that's the case). The one wedding I went to years ago didn't have assigned seating and everyone mingled, it was buffet style so people were table hopping so they could sit and talk for a few minutes with OOT relatives. It seemed friendlier and fun that way

I went to a wedding without a seating chart and people were moving chairs and tables to sit together and others were left sitting alone ... very awkward situation

Concerns about a buffet-style dinner and seating charts:

Last wedding I went to had both "assigned" seating and a buffet dinner. Worked perfectly fine - everyone knew and had a seat for dinner, while they were eating, and then could get up and mingle. It's not like grade school - you can still get up and wander to other tables where you know people, it's really not a big deal. It's just a kind gesture to take the stress of "oh my god, where do I sit? How do I make sure everyone I want to sit with sits with me?" off of your guests until dinner is over and everyone is ready to mingle and chat.

You need a seating chart. Seriously, especially with 200 guests.

If not, then you need enough tables and settings for at least 50 more people, so you don't end up with couples/families split up thanks to rude assholes.

Oh, and expect grandma to end up stuck in the back because she wasn't fast enough to sprint to the front tables as soon as she walked in the door.

No seating chart? You just turned your reception into a death match for seating. :/

I dont understand why this Pro hasn't been posted but..

PRO! You get to sit your FH's bitch-ass aunt next to reallllllly annoying hillbilly family members as payback for all the shit and snarky comments she gave you about the wedding venue being 'gross' and the date you chose being 'one of the stupidest dates' you could have chosen...

Sweet, sweet revenge.

Was just at a wedding with about 50 people and no seating chart. It sucked. Random people sitting next to each other with nothing in common, families split up who didn't want to be, people pulling chairs from other tables and overcrowding the table they chose. Mess. Please, please have a seating chart. You only have to assign tables but it is really neccessary.