Table card question

If your cards (in alphabetical order) are visible near the front, you shouldn't have any problem with someone trying to seat themselves.

This is a great question as this is the same thing I am struggling with. We have decided to put the name cards in alphabetical order instead of getting a large seating chart. I hope I am making the right decision.

I personally would arrange the cards alphabetically on a table(s) at the reception entrance, like you mentioned. At all of the weddings I've been to people are able to seat themselves in an orderly fashion at their assigned tables (couples next to couples, friends near friends)

Do you really feel like you need to assign them seats, as opposed to just assigning them tables? That's so much extra work for you! Plus, I think with tables of 8-10 seats people can pick their seat without it being awkward, as long as they are at a table with other people they know. My guess is people would just move around if they don't like the seats you've chosen for them at their table anyway. I do really like the idea of displaying them in alphabetical order at the entrance to the reception! This will make it much easier and faster for guests to find their name and table

Let your guests choose their own seats at the assigned tables. People know not to leave 1-person gaps, and if a few people have to move over one slot it's not a big deal anyway.

I prefer alphabetized escort cards near the entrance.

If you are really concerned about awkward seating at tables, then assign seats. Just have a chart at the front that tell the guest which table they are sitting at and they can head to the table and see that their placecard is already on the table and their seat is chosen for them.

Otherwise, just have the cards in alphabetical order on a table, guests can grab it and pick a seat at the assigned table. Adults will figure out how to sit at the table.

@A.L. maybe i'm over thinking it, but this is what I'm concerned about. Couples seating themselves with a gap and then the last couple that arrives is in an awkward position and everyone has to move down a seat.

I guess it's not the end of the world if people have to move seats, just trying to make it easy for everyone. I thought about placing cards at both locations but just wondering if I'm thinking too deeply into this and if it's a waste of cards. My cards will be placed in wine corks.

You can organize them alphabetically or by table. So all of table 3 cards are together, all of table 4 and so on.

@Fall Bride, not concerned about people sitting at other tables. Concerned with people leaving gaps at the table they are assigned. Probably over thinking it.

I wouldn't worry about what seats people take at a table....most of the time people wont leave a one seat gap because most people attend a wedding with someone else.

Just put the cards in alphabetical order towards the front and you will be fine!

MrsVoegs17, you don't need to assign seats. People will move over so that couples can sit together.

Okay thanks! Question answered. My brain is over active with wedding thoughts today.

You have a few options:

1. You can have a seating chart in the entrance that directs your guests to their assigned table.

2. You can have escort cards (recommended to be in alphabetical order) with their table number listed on them, set up on an entrance table that directs your guests to their assigned table.

3. Or you can have a seating chart in the entrance that directs your guests to their assigned table and then have name cards set up on each table that directs your guests to their assigned seat.

I personally used a seating chart and name tags. At the very minimum you should at least assign tables.

ETA: photos

We did a seating chart at the entrance and then cards at each chair at the table. Guests were able to find their seats without a problem.

If you want to assign seats then go for it! I did and it was really easy once you've already done the work of assigning tables!

For me - place cards and escort cards felt a little card heavy So we did a seating chart to display the table assignments, then personalized the menu cards with each guest's name so it did double-duty as a place card.

Thanks for posting this. I wasn't looking forward to doing the seating chart. Having the cards in alphabetical order makes much more sense!