Seating Chart- What would you do?

I think it depends on whether you're having a seated dinner. We're having a buffet so I just wrote the name of the guest I know. And what do you mean by Alphabetical order? Like you're assigning the tables by alphabetical order or that's how you're organizing the cards?

FH and I asked everyone who was single if they were bringing someone, that way you have their name to write on the chart. I'm doing alphabetical too!

Aren't they usually listed by table?

Anyway, I did "Guest of John Smith" I used escort cards, but it's the same concept.

I would call and ask. We did not do alphabetical, we did by table and organized the tables on the chart by where they actually were and put head table at the top for reference. Easier for guests to find table vs wandering around. And some like to see who they're seated by

What others said-- call and ask.

Also, if your wedding date is correct, your wedding isn't for another 3 months. I would hold off on doing the seating chart until you have all your RSVPs back. No wonder your friends don't know who they'd bring!!

Hopefully your guests will be smart enough to include their guest's name on their RSVP card - wait, what I am talking about? People are barely smart enough to RSVP

If they RSVP for 2 and don't include their guests name then I'd give them a quick call (or your FH, depending on the friend). Also I wouldn't get started on your seating chart yet if your wedding is in January!! Weddings can have anywhere from a 0%-40% decline rate so I wouldn't want you to have to start all over once RSVPs are in!

I started my seating chart about 3 weeks out and changed it about 17 times before the day of. I called and asked for guests names. Well to be honest, I don't call people, I Facebook messaged them. I have like 4 people's phone numbers. Some people I got lazy on and just put, and guest. Good enough, everyone found a seat.

I wrote "John Smith & Guest" on the same card. I actually asked each person who they were bringing so I could write their names because I hate "& Guest". But you don't need a separate card for each person. I would just do them as a couple. Just write the persons name that you know.

Im doing a seating chart alphabetically so guests can find their name easier. Ppl wont be assinged tables based on their last names. Just easier to find their name and table number.

@Lori- Im by no means starting the seating chart! haha Im just buying supplies and my mom keeps saying to use & Guest. So I need to make a decisions so she stops bugging me! lol!

I figured it was proper to ask who they are bringing but my mom begs to differ.

THANKS LADIES!

This is how I did my escort cards:

For a married couple (formal):

Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens

For a married couple (less formal):

John and Jane Stevens

For an unmarried couple, alphabetize the guests according to their last name:

Elizabeth Harris and Thomas Smith

For someone with a guest:

Andrew Chan and Guest

For a family:

The Craft Family

(From http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2014/07/wedding-escort-card-ideas-questions-answers.html)

I did what Elizabeth did but I made mine all formal "Mr & Mrs". And If it were 2 people like "Elizabeth Harris and Thomas Smith" I did it alphabetically by the person who was actually invited to the wedding and knew us. So if the person that was invited was "Thomas Smith" his name went first since the other guest would be looking for his name. That's how I've always seen it done at weddings and it makes sense. To my FHs friends wedding I was always his plus one so I looked for his name because I knew I would be with him.

I had a small wedding so it was pretty easy. If I had a bigger wedding I would have done it by last name so it would be easier to put groups together. As for guests I would have them listed by who they belong to otherwise it might end up with someones guest not seated with them (since you don't know the name to think to put them together).

They should write the names on the RSVP I thought? But if not shoot them a text or call. Also I would do it by table not alphabetical.... well thats my plan anyways.

I would call. I personally didn't do a seating chart. I just find them to be a huge headache and I wanted people to feel free to sit where ever they wanted. We have reserved signs on the family and head tables to help direct people.

It will look something like this with a few variations. Just so everyone has an idea.

We have 170 guests invited. My FSIL didnt have a seating chart and FH and I were playing musical chairs and sometimes didnt have a place to sit. I dont want my guests feeling like that...

So far, I will just call. If they dont respond or dont know who they are taking, I will put

Smith, John & Guest. Last minute stuff will be so hectic. People will read where they are and sit down. The board wont be the center of attention so If they dont respond, I did my due diligence.

That's cute! That's like 100 more guests than ours lol!