Small wedding seating

I think if you only have 50-60 people and you’re already assigning tables to your immediate family members and your wedding party, I’d just assign tables for the whole guest list.

I considered my wedding to be relatively small at no more than 100 and didn't think a seating chart was necessary. I will be doing assigned tables (not seats) thanks to the advice of the ladies on here. It helps cut down on the time that guests spend fumbling around for seating and then you don't run the risk of large groups being split up. I've also heard you need roughly 20% more seating without a seating chart because of the group thing, people will move chairs around to all sit together.

I think assigned tables help everyone. You can do a simple chart by table and just guests alphabetically. There shouldn’t be anyone attend that didn’t RSVP; that’s just rude and if they did they wouldn’t have a seat.

If you’re already assigning tables for immediate family and bridal party, I would just do it for everyone. It never hurts to assign tables. You should also be following up with those who don’t RSVP, so surprises should be at a minimum.

I am in the same boat as you and we are not having a seating chart!

We aren't having a seating chart but we did assign tables. There are people we want to sit together, and people we are trying to keep apart (my family can be pretty clique-y sometimes!)

At the very least, I would consider assigning tables

If you're going to assign tables for some people, you really should assign tables for everyone. It makes things SO much smoother.

We're having 60 guests and doing assigned tables. I didn't want anyone to have that "new kid in the cafeteria" moment of looking for a table of people to sit with.

You should still have assigned tables, not necessarily assigned seats

I would at least assign tables. For me personally, the seating chart sets the tone for the reception. There is nothing worse than forcing guests that don't know any other guests just to sit down at a random table. People also don't sit themselves efficiently, so you have to pay and plan for extra chairs & settings. We didn't have anyone show up that didn't RSVP. We had 1 no show, that's it.

We’re assigning tables for our small wedding of 60. I didn’t want close relatives being stuck in the back if friends take close up tables. I also have relatives I need to separate. Lol

I had a 50 person engagement party. Definitely assign people to tables. It worked perfect!

The “tons” that show up are usually people you give an invitation to that never responded. If you’re only inviting 50-60 people, I bet they’re your closest friends/family and they will all RSVP yes anyway. I’m having 50 people at my wedding. I originally wasn’t going to do a seating chart but then I realized that a lot of people might start sitting at a new table and then there won’t be enough seats for an entire family of five for example, so rather than have a family have to split up I’ve decided to do a seating chart.

I also agree it never hurts to just assign tables anyway