Seating chart and assigned seating?

I would at least assign tables. We went to my cousins wedding this weekend and they had open seating. It was a disaster and seemed unorganized. I prefer organized seating but that's more my preference.

Definitely have to agree with the advice you were given, having a seating chart makes things much easier for both you and the guests. As far as assigning seats vs assigning tables, that is completely up to you & your fiancé! Personally, I would choose to just assign tables, because it allows people to sit where they want at the table, plus it is a lot less work for you LOL

If you do assigned seating, you’ll need escort cards or some kind of board with table/seat assignments for people to check at the entrance of the reception hall, as well as place cards in the assigned place setting for each persons.


Assigned tables are easier because all you have to do is the first part of what was described above without the second step of having to put name assignments on each seat.

I think assigning tables would be effective and efficient!
Best wishes.

I think table assignments would be better, instead of specific seats at the table. People can decide who they want to sit by at the table they are assigned to.

Any guest count where they will be sitting down to eat lunch or dinner that that is not a cake reception should have a seating arrangement for peace of mind.


Pick groups of 8-10 depending on spacing. Assign them to a table and let them pick the seat.
If guests are picking their meal beforehand, make the seating cards color coded for each person. Pretending your colors are pink red and cream, a pink card would be for chicken, red for steak and cream for vegan. You make a list for the caterer of how many of each per table and what colors symbolize so waiters can do everything quickly with just a glance at the table.

We assigned tables and it worked out very well!

I love assigned tables and that's what we're going to do! Open seating is chaotic!


I've really only heard of assigned seating if it was a plated meal. And even then if your guests have color-coded escort cards, they can bring them to their tables!

View Quoted Comment It should be done for buffets and stations as well. Guests are still sitting to eat regardless of how it's served and will be separated from spouses otherwise if there is open searing.


The only time open seating works is for a mid afternoon cake and coffee reception.

View Quoted Comment I think you misunderstood what I typed. I was saying I only hear of assigned seating for player dinner while there are assigned tables at the weddings I go to that are buffet and stations.

View Quoted Comment I understood that. Many people however do think that buffets, etc should be free for all seating since there are no waiters.

Yes, I agree with many others - assign the tables. You probably don't need to assign the seats within the table.

View Quoted Comment But that wasn't what I was saying. I said in my comment that I love assigned tables and that open seating is chaotic. So I'm not sure why you're replying to me. We agree that everyone needs seating and open seating doesn't work.

Assigned tables is good enough

I think assigned tables will work just fine

Assigned tables for sure. I went to a wedding that didn’t have one last year and it was a sh*tshow. The bride and grooms highschool friends took over the tables by the head table forcing the mother of the groom to sit in the back with random people. No bueno.

We are also having a small wedding (not because of COVID) and will do a seating chart with table numbers, then guests find their seats at the table themselves. I think for a small wedding this is especially appropriate. You know everybody fits and won't be left without a table, but you don't need to micromanage and stress about the details. 😊

We are planning on doing assigned tables and seats because each seat will have a name card with a favor at it for the person and then a coloring/activity book and crayons for the kids. Once at the table the guest are more than welcome to move around and swap seats we just figured that would be the easiest way to get the favor to all of the guest and that the kids have something to do. We will have a board stating where everyone's table is and then once at the table they will see their names on the name cards!

You can do either. However, just assigning a table is sufficient. We did a seating chart instead of assigned seating and it worked out great.

View Quoted Comment

I've NEVER even considered a "color coded to meal" idea!! Thank you!!!! That's so helpful! I will definitely be doing this.