Seating chart or let people sit wherever?

Please assign tables. Ive been to two weddings that didn't (both smaller than yours) and both times it created a lot of confusion. People stood around awkwardly like the cafeteria on the first day of school. People are free to move around and mingle after dinner, but, trust me, the majority of people (as you can see feom this post) would prefer to have assigned tables.

Assign tables

Assign tables! FH and I went to a large reception that didn't have table assignments and it was crazy chaotic. 12 people tables weren't being utilized well because nobody wanted to sit by strangers. I'd say 40% of the guests were just standing in groups, making it hard to move around. We ended up leaving right after giving hugs to the bride and groom.

It's honestly up to you, but a seating chart may not hurt. I've been to larger weddings that didn't have a seating chart, and it's crazy how upset guests can get. Some may try to save an entire table when they don't even need all the seats. Some guests may want to be together but are unable to do so if they arrive to the reception later than others. I think it would save a bunch of headaches.

With that many people you need assigned tables

DEF ASSIGN TABLES. Yes that requires shouting. 3 very recent stories: 1) My parents and FH and I sat at a table with a sweet older couple. They ended up leaving before dinner b/c they found seats at another table with people they know. So, myself, my parents, and FH were sitting alone literally in the smack middle of the reception. Embarrassing. 2) My friend reserved VIP tables. None of us (wedding party) knew whether that meant us or her family. NO ONE ended up sitting there and people were dragging chairs to other tables from those tables. 3) VIP reserved and she had people sitting there who apparently weren't VIPs because the bridal party had to sit at other tables because no one knew whether or not they were a VIP (not a big deal, just not organized). Please do one!

I think it really depends on how well you know your group. We aren't doing a seating chart because our families get along really well. We have approximately 100 guests and we can easily assume who will sit by who without a chart. Also, people will be dancing or mingling for most of the night.

Definitely assign tables. The weddings I've been to without that just feel so unorganized. It took people WAY too long to sit down because no one knew where to sit and who to sit with. Make it easier and decide for them. People may end up moving around some but this will help a lot.

Either have a seating chart or 20-30% more chairs than you have guests. I know you probably think not having assigned seats will feel laid back, but how it will really feel is chaotic. My bff and MOH had a no-seating-chart wedding, and people were taking chairs from other tables, forcing 8 people at tables meant for 6, etc. Many people weren't comfortable. I think this is a little thing that goes a long way.

Have done it both ways and hands down the seating chart (just assign tables not seats) was hands down better for both me and our guests.

We did not do a seating chart and it turned out just fine. We reserved three tables for BP and their SOs and two tables for our parents, grandparents, and siblings. No one was confused or thought they should be sitting at a reserved table. No one was forced to sit alone. It took less than 5 minutes for everyone to find a seat. We had 144 RSVPed guests, seats for 150, and about 135 guests actually came.

I HATE seating charts as a guest. I rarely ever get assigned a seat that I like. I'd much rather be able to pick my own seat.

Definitely make a seating chart. You want your guests to feel at ease not like they're in a HS cafeteria trying to find somewhere to sit

I would definitely plan on assigned tables- or you will need several extra tables if you allow people to seat themselves.

Assign tables. We went to a 200 person wedding where we only knew a few people. It was like The Hunger Games trying to find six seats together. I would never put that in my guests.

I would assign tables so dinner will go smoothly. People don't stay at their tables all night anyway so they can mingle with others after dinner!

The struggle is real girl - you're pretty far out, but with that many invites I would DEFINITELY have a chart. As far as people showing up who didn't RSVP, do your due diligence and a couple weeks before your wedding follow up with your "no"s "maybe"s and unanswered RSVPs just to make sure things haven't changed. Then finalize your table plan.

Also, I recommend sticking to your guns when you are talking about plus ones. Because people will show up with them if you don't clarify, guaranteed.

We're only having at most 75. We're definitely doing table assignments.

Mrs. B, your guests may have been way too polite to say anything, but that does not mean they were not stressed over it.

Jessica, if you know who wants to sit together, then why not assign seats.

Don't be the lazy bride who does not care about guests comfort.

Assigned tables for sure... especially with people who may show who didnt RSVP. It will create caos and certain people who should be together may not.

Do a seating chart with assigned tables. People will be confused