Seating chart dilemma

Going to wedding that has open seating can be a nightmare.

I have seen families broken up, Tables over stuffed while people are left at half empty tables. Your venue wants your wedding to be smooth and enjoyed by everyone. I think they are doing you a favor.

I think the underlying idea about the seating chart reducing stress is that there are enough spots for everyone (when there are no seating charts often there are empty chairs in random places), everybody has a place and knows where to go (less time awkwardly standing around), and people can sit in a place that makes sense for them -- not having their family split up, or having grandma in the back with the college friends, etc.

I agree that with 83 people it's going to be less chaotic regardless, but it is more organized for larger weddings in particular for the reasons mentioned above, which may be why they require it. Did they include that on the contract? If not they might want to put that information somewhere when people rent the venue so that future couples know it's an expectation going in

If I were you I'd double check to see if it's required. If it is than I guess you do have to do it. But there are natural places you'll know people will want to sit, so some of it will be second nature.

We were thinking about doing open seating too but then after seeing a lot of comments and concerns being raised, we opted to do a seating chart so one side doesn't look so empty or people steady trying to find a seat. The whole high school thing. Even my coordinator said it would be more beneficial but I also feel like it depends on your crowd of people and how many there will be.

You would know them better than anyone else. I wouldn't want any table to be over filled cause people want to sit next to someone else at a table that's already full. The place would look uneven and weird. I really don't want to go through the struggle of doing the seating chart but I rather do that than something go wrong or look chaotic.

If I went to a wedding, and some people got reserved tables and I did not I would be furious. Couples and families get separated. People go for a chair, and get told, sorry we are saving. People do NOT sit where they want, they sit where they get a chair. Open seating is the mark of lazy brides. I would go to the ladies room and rip up the check in my card, and write a smaller one reflecting my second class treatment.

The coordinator may be concerned that people don't like open seating, and while they wont say anything to the bride, they will give the venue a rotten review on Yelp. The coordinator may also know from experience, she will have to be the one to tell your maiden aunt or your mom's friend who thought she was like family, NO you are not immediate family, go find a seat, we did not reserve one for you.

Maryann, you said this - "Pretty much we wanted to reserve one table for my parents, his mother and a couple of other close family" So no, in your own words, you are not reserving just for parents. People may know each other, but there is NO guarantee they will get to sit with each other. What if someone goes to the ladies room, comes in and the only seats left are with people she does not know? Please do not get insulted by the cost reply and assign tables. If everyone knows each other, how hard is it?

I agree with this. I honestly don't understand the resistance to at least assigning tables. It makes things so much more organized for everyone involved and is not hard to do. No one wants to worry about where they will sit or if there are enough seats at the table for their group.

She should not be requiring that since it isn't plated. You just need to make sure you have your RSVPs up to date and make sure you follow up with people who haven't. She is probably concerned that you are going to have unexpected guests since it is common for people not to RSVP properly these days. I would give her some assurances that you will follow up with those you invited. I recently went to a wedding where there were not placards and it worked out just fine.

Seating charts. I wish wedding wire would allow you to save multiple layouts.

I'm a bit of a loud mouth, but I'd totally be voicing my feelings. You're paying for this and the two of you have a vision of what your day will be. If you don't want a seating chart, stand by that.