Table Number Alternative for a Big Wedding?

Even in smaller weddings you would still need a map of some sort so guests know where to find their table. Having actual numbers help because like you said guests know to look in numerical order but without a number they would have no clue. An alternative is to have both a number and the street name on your card at each table.

I don't think thats too big for this idea but I do think thats too big for any kind of cute sign. We have 20 tables and because of this we opted for escort cards, because we just couldn't fit all names and everything onto one sign.

I love the idea of how meaningful that is if you can get 30 street names!

That's a super cute idea but if you have 30 tables then it might get too complicated to just do the street names.

You can just name the tables "table 1 wilson st" for example. They can still numbered while incorporating your personal touch.

Unless there is a "map" of the table locations, I think anything other than sequential numbers can just create a lot of chaotic wandering around -- especially with 30 tables. Maybe numbers and street names? (But use the numbers for actually labeling the tables.) In my mind, this is a time where functional efficiency should count a lot more than cute thematic elements....

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Everyone is suggesting numbers and street names! No clue why I didn't think of that! And yes I totally agree that functionality should be at the forefront for this. However, our dinner area will be open during cocktail hour so people can be "finding" their table for over an hour before it's time to sit for dinner. But I honestly think numbers and street names may be the way to go if we want to do this! Thank you!

We’re doing street names as well! We’re putting the names on their escort cards (which will be alphabetized) and they can take them to their tables. I found a few etsy vendors who make printable street names signs. However, we will also only have about 13 or 14 tables. 30 may be more to find, so as PP you may want to map that out somehow or include a number w/ them.

Its a really cute idea but, I get lost in mall parking lots. I would need a map. Then consider how this may slow guests down and throw your schedule of events off.

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Even if guests have an hour, I don't think many are going to want to spend their time trying to find their table by a name. With 30 tables, I'm guessing you're expecting between 240-300 guests -- that's a lot of people wandering. I think the street names are a really cute idea, but I would definitely use sequential numbering as the main way to point people in the right direction.... (An alternate would be to organize the tables in alpha order by street name, but that will take people longer to figure out. Most people's "go to" is sequential numbering -- they'll expect and immediately understand that.)

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Thank you! I agree that the street names should be secondary to people finding their tables quickly and efficiently. I definitely don't want it to be a *thing* for people to take tons of time to find their tables. Maybe I could do numerical table numbers, but have the street names on the table anyway. Kind of separate from the search part of it. I just tried searching on Pinterest, but has anyone seen a seating chart where they used the actual layout of the room to point people in the right direction? So it would have the different tables laid out like it is in the room, and have people's names listed inside of them? Is that a dumb idea? haha

This is the closest I could find like that.

I sort of feel like that would be a bit chaotic without numbers.. it would take a lot of roaming around the room to find your table... maybe use a number still so things are orderly with a name underneath it?

Especially with a large wedding, I hate when we have to try and find ourselves on a seating chart -- everyone is crowded around and even if it's in alpha order, then I have to remember what table number/name we're supposed to go to...and where it was on the map. (Plus, it kind of reminds me of high school experiences with "posted name lists".... Not a good memory. ) I agree with earias about doing alphabetized escort cards with the guest name and table #/name on them. Guests will still need to go pick them up, but hopefully finding their alphabetized name is pretty quick and easy.

I would do both! Use table numbers to make it easy but then give street names also at the actual table, this way it’ll be easy for guests and still puts something different and unique into it

I agree with PP about numbers and street names and it sounds like you're on board for that. I would highly recommend escort cards over a seating map/chart for a group this big! If you have the room open during cocktail hour, I would have them set up on a table near the entrance before cocktail hour and people can grab them throughout the hour. That way they don't have to remember a number and the area won't get overcrowded.

Honestly I’ve planned 100’s of weddings and table names confuse quests. I cannot tell you how many people wander around and mutter to themselves about it. Is it cute? Yes but just put a layout of the tables by the seating chart so guests have an idea where to go. Hope this helps.

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It does! Do you think the main (and larger on the table sign) focus being numbers but with the street name being apart of it is ok in your opinion?

This may take some work, but you could design a map of your town and make it fit the venue space for a directional focus and see if it works out. I hope this makes sense!

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Yes!! I'm a freelance designer on the side and have designed all of the printed materials thus far. I think I could do something like that and i it would really tie into our "theme" well! Thank you so much for the recommendation!

You could do street names. It's cute. Just place the streets in alphabetical order around the room. Easy for guests to find.

We are naming our tables after flowers instead of numbers and until this I never thought of having some sort of map to guide people where to go...lol and I don't plan on adding one either, people will figure it out.

Your idea is only too big if you don't have enough names, have you started compiling a list?