Seating arrangements?

We are assigning tables. The point is to make sure that everyone has a seat without having to split up their party or move chairs from table to table, to make sure that close family and friends get to sit nearest to you, and to save money. If you choose not to do a seating chart, you will need to provide 25% more tables, chairs, centerpieces, etc. as guests don't seat themselves efficiently.

View Quoted Comment Oh, that is a good idea to having one! I never exactly understood why, I went to my cousins wedding 3 years ago and reading your message makes me remember how bad it was with seating and chairs. Thank you!

I personally hate weddings that don't assign at least tables, if not seats. One, you really can't plan for chairs/tables. Two, if you have plated dinner or special meals or kids meals, it's impossible for the waiters to find these people. Three, it's SUPER awkward for out of town guests that don't know anyone to just sit down with people they don't know and it's hard for large groups to split up into tables. For me, the seating chart sets the tone for how fun your reception will be.

I've never been to a wedding that didn't have a seating chart or escort cards. I imagine it'd feel like a high school cafeteria. No bueno.

We're assigning tables to preserve everyone's sanity. I ordered templates from Etsy shop MintyPaperieShop . On the other side of the welcome sign will be the seating chart. While the venue is flipping the room during cocktail hour, they just need to move the easel and flip the sign around. TaDa!

I suppose I made up my mind and going to have assigned tables! All of my family will be coming from out of town. I dont want to make anyone uncomfortable!

I did the seating chart so people wouldn’t be separated from those they know. It also allowed me to put people at certain tables where I wanted them. I ordered a template from Etsy and printed my own. It was super easy.

Definitely do the seating chart. It’ll just help things go smoothly during your dinner. I did mine using a huge picture frame, wrapping paper & printing paper.

I was dead set that we weren't gonna do a seating chart/table assignments, but the more forums on here that I read, the more I was swayed to do them. If you don't assign tables, you need to have extra tables, linens, centerpieces, etc, because people won't seat themselves as efficiently as you would place them with assignments. It's also more likely for larger families or group to get divided without assignments. The down side is that it's a pain to try to organize table assignments and figure out who would be best where, and it's another time-consuming task to put on your guest list.

I would HIGHLY recommend a seating chart, it just helps make for a smooth stress free night imo.

Hey Mallory, congratulations on your engagement! Welcome to WeddingWire. I am personally not doing a seating chart because my wedding is going to be more casual and relaxed. The only assigned seating will be the Head Table, where my husband and our wedding party will sit. Of course, we will have a couple of reserved tables for our immediate family and grandparents, but overall we plan on doing a sit yourself type of wedding.

If you are having a nicer wedding, especially if you have a plated meal, it is typical to do a seating chart. This helps the servers to know where meals go, and it helps to make sure that your friends get to sit next to each other and their SO's.

I had one for table assignments. You don't need to do actual place cards for assigning seats cause that'll take forever and assigning seats just becomes too much but I think having table assignment is at least more orderly.

I am using picture frames for the table numbers and seating charts. So easy and affordable