Seating charts

We are doing assigned tables, but not assigned seats. Otherwise, guests will be moving chairs all around to accommodate bigger groups at the same table. I don't want to end up with a table of 12 people bunched up while a table of 4 is practically empty lol

Yes, I feel like a seating chart is a must, at least to assign tables. The rule of thumb that I have read is that if you don't assign tables, you'll need at least 20% more seating, because guests just don't seat themselves efficiently. For a lot of venues, this could actually cost a couple more money. So, for that reason alone, I think it's worth it.

But picture this, 100+ guests mingling around at the end of cocktail hour, all making their way to the reception space. No seating chart. People start grabbing seats, but there is no direction, so they do what they want. People who don't know each other will leave one seat in between them and another group, so then you have one lone chair not being used. Sometimes guests will drag chairs over from other tables to accommodate their desire to sit near people they know. Chaos.

Remember that for most weddings, this assigned table seating is really only for the dinner portion of the event. Most guests will want to mingle, before and after dinner, as well as get up and dance, etc. Nobody has to stay in their seat all night.

So, it's an easy solution to avoid a major hassle.

You don't necessarily need to assign individual seats, but assigning tables is a must! Otherwise, you run the risk of family members getting separated in an open-seating arrangement. Trust me, I've been to weddings without them, and they are an absolute disaster and very chaotic.

For all the reasons above I’m a firm believer in seating charts. Like most people we just did table seating, not assigned seats at that table.

We did a seating chart (table assignments). Not having one was not an option. It keeps reception seating from becoming a complete cluster. Also, without a seating chart, you run the risk of there being 1 seat left at multiple tables and a couple unable to sit together. Coming up with a seating chart is not hard and takes less than 30 minutes. I would highly recommend it!

As a guest, I REALLY appreciate assigned tables. I hate walking up to a table, and ask are these seats taken? It is like being back in junior high. Now, I would never say anything to a bride IRL if she did not assign tables. That would be rude.

I think assigning tables is much more important if children are invited. Larger families are harder to seat without a chart. People without kids may not want to be stuck at a table with kids.

I agree with most of the people commenting! We are assigning tables, but not specific seats at the table. It provides direction and makes it less stressful for guests!

I did a seating chart - but then my venue said they don't have to sit in any specific seat so it was then more of an assigned table. I think its definitely worth it!!! if you don't you could chance having some empty tables or seats and people trying to squeeze in on tables and it might get uncomfortable.

Definitely assign tables! Especially for people like the plus ones for the bridal party, having an assigned table makes a potentially awkward situation not even happen! It makes seating go 10x faster too!

I assigned tables, not seats. I think it's fair to put family and bridal party closest to the front where you will be and other friends towards the back. The only people I heard complain (which btw is stupid, get over yourself) was the best man cuz his one friend and the girlfriend was at the table NEXT to him with people they didn't know. Sorry? The table the best man was at was filled with all people who knew each other including the best man's mom and sisters. Additionally, my husband's coworker's wife said they were "in the corner". I am sorry did you need to be placed up front cuz you're more important than my family and closest friends? Nahh don't care! Assigning tables avoids your VIPs being unhappy and leaves less dysfunction.

We're definitely assigning tables, but not seats. We're doing an indoor/outdoor thing in the middle of February so we're putting the older folks indoors and the younger ones can be more outdoors (we will have heating lamps). Our is a casual affair and we will still assign tables because we don't want awkward spaces either.

We will just have a chalkboard with a table chart. FH didn't understand at first but I brought up all the same points everyone else here brought up and then he was on board. His exact words were "I had no idea..."

TBH, those words have been coming out of his mouth a lot more now that he's helping out with planning.

I'm doing assigned tables and assigned seats. Assigned tables to make sure everyone has a place to sit and to make sure no one ends up sitting with someone they don't like, and assigned seating because we plan on having kids at our reception and they're getting different favors.

I'm always team seating chart. I think it's important since it's more orderly