PSA: Open seating SUCKS!

I have about 80 people. Do you think assigned tables would be enough? My cousin did assigned tables with about 200, and that seemed to work well.

@Jouselle- I did assigned tables, and they were able to choose their seats. I had about 85 people, and it worked out great.

Jouselle-assigned tables is really what most of these girls are talking about. With assigned tables, you will be good!

I have thought about having assigned seating, and my wedding is around 50. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks for the feedback!

I've never been to a wedding with assigned tables. Gah, now I don't know what to do! We're having around 300 people.

To clarify, I was planning on having Reserves Tables for the families.

That sucks that you had this experience. I think a lot of it depends on wedding size. I had a wedding of 145 people with no assigned seating but everyone was able to find a seat with people they knew and liked without any problems. I would have to agree that with a wedding of 250 people you should def. do a seating assignment!

Oooo Sunny 300 people- I am with the ladies I would recommend assigned tables for sure!! With 300 people it might take you an hour or so, but let's be honest I am sure in your head you already know people who would like to sit with so just make it easy for them.

Oh and I went to a wedding once where they did a seating chart and SPECIFICALLY put people together who didn't know each other and had talking cards on the table - the idea being all the people in thier lives would get to know each other better. I thought I was a little hokey but also kinda cute.

We are assigning tables and FH wants to assign seats also, I think assigning tables avoids a lot of problems it assures that SO's will get to sit at the same table, families will be together, friends will know other friends at the table.

I've got about 100 but I'm going to assign seating. I don't want people getting split up. I wouldn't want to go to a wedding where I had to find my own seat, but I'm just uncomfortable in those types of situations. I never ate with people at high school because of how awkward the seating was...

One more thought, as much as possible put people who know each other together, the "getting to know each other idea table arrangement", not such a good idea. I went to a wedding where I knew at least 20-30 people, but the host decided that it was better to put the "singles" who did not know each other all together, not so much fun.

@ Sunny, I would make up a word table with the guests names and a blank column for the table numbers. Make sure to get the number of guests per table (8 or 10 usually) and the number of tables. I would start assigning tentative table numbers E.G. this couple know that couple we will put them together; that table can be all co-workers; this table can be for the families with children; the head table; the family members table etc. Luckily you have loads of time and will not have to finalize the tables for months.

Thnks for the Info .I had decided on assigning table and seats..I just hope everyone does as told lol

I totally agree. I've been to weddings with open seating and it was a nightmare. At one wedding my daughter had to sit on my lap because I wasn't going to sit at one table and have my 6 year old sit at another.

The other thing I'm against is splitting up the wedding party from their dates. I understand sometimes it's tough - for me we have a wedding party of 12 so with dates that makes 24 (look at me - I dun math!) so we're still trying to figure out seating and still have the couples together.

I wasnt planning on doing assigned tables, but now I am thinking differently! I Just dont want to upset anyone if they do not get to sit with the people they want to sit with. I am thinking of "Reserving" a certain amount of tables for Family & Really close friends or Bridesmaids/Groomsmen's dates, but leaving the other tables open for anyone who wants to sit in them!

I am doing assigned tables with only 80 or so invited. FH's extended family is large and I want them to sit together comfortably. We also have some guests we don't want near us all night. Both are "required" invites. One is my aunt and the other is my sister. I want to invite my uncle and of course avoid the family drama of not inviting my sister.It gets wierd now because I got tables that are smaller than the normal 5-6 ft rounds.

This is one of the times I wish there were a "like" button

OMG I cant even imagine. Hectic. EEEEEK.