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I'm not married yet, but we're planning to just assign tables. I've been to many weddings in the past and it has always worked out very well using this technique.
If we were having a sit-down dinner, we would totally assign tables and probably seats. BUT, we're doing a more interactive station type buffet with limited table seating and a couple of lounge areas. It just fits our venue better, even though I love the idea of a big sitdown dinner. :(
We did a sit-down dinner with assigned tables, but not assigned seats. I just didn't feel the need for this level of specificity!
Not married yet either (but will be in 16 days!) but we only did assigned tables. It is a little relaxed this way but with some structure.
I'm planning on assigning tables but not seats. That's how it's been at the weddings I've been to and it seems to work out fine.
Ours is more like KateMW's reception: hors d'oeuvres stations and more of a cocktail party atmosphere, but if I were having a sit-down dinner, I would definitely assign tables. I have worked at weddings without this and it gets to be a bit chaotic as people stake out their tables. You end up with some people moving chairs to squeeze into a table with their friends and some tables that are half empty.
Assigned tables all the eway. Otherwise everyone is scrambling for their seats and families get split up or people end up sitting with family they shouldn't (divorced family memebers with their ex husband's immediate family? let's not go there) and some people just don't know how close to the front they shoudl or shouldn't be sitting.
It turns into everyone being all "i want to sit with so-and so...let's edge towarsd the door" and then a scramble for chairs.
We had a sit-down dinner for about 60 people. Only immediate family and some special guests were assigned tables; everyone else just picked where they wanted to sit. The only thing I regret is that two very good friends of the family ended up sitting in the back at a table all by themselves. :( They only sat there alone for dinner and then my dad and some other friends moved over to sit with them, but I did feel kinda bad.
I chose the assigned seating option on the poll bc I thought that's what assigning tables meant, didn't realize there was a seperate option...So we will be having assigned tables but let the guests choose where they want to sit at each table...I've never been to a wedding or event where each seat was designated for a certain guest!
I'm probably going to just do tables. Although I'd love to be a little OCD and do seats. :)
I'm totally in favor of assigned tables (not seats) because I think it's just one thing you can do ahead of time that makes it easier for everyone. Yes, it's a headache for you, but I think it actually makes other guests feel comfortable, especially when it's a larger wedding (anything over 80 people). Sometimes it's weird for people to just join a table of strangers they don't know. But you, knowing most of your guests, can seat them next to people you think they'll hit it off with, or at least, be able to make conversation with.
I *think* we're having assigned seating. Our venue will allow guests to enter directly into the room and so it'll become a first come first serve deal for the best view. We have certain older guests who are hampered physically and we would like to ensure they have a proper view.
Also, I know this is pretty uncommon but we have seen couples bargaining to have two seats together. Haha, maybe it's a regional thing, but people love leaving one empty seat between themselves and the next guest. Just want to avoid any awkwardness.
Mhirni and ejs4y8 - That is exactly what I am afraid of!
The assigned tables sounds good...
I still have NO idea about this. I keep going back and forth in my head about it. Part of me really wants it, but part of me doesn't think it'll matter since we are having a pretty small wedding (like 50 guests).
At first we weren't going to assign, but after thinking about it, it seems that assigning tables is the way to go. I think it makes the guest most comfortable when you place them at a table, so they feel like they have somewhere to go, and they don't have to go around scoping out a spot like at the school cafeteria. This way, also, there is no ridiculous seat saving, so poor Aunt Franny doesn't go to sit somewhere & someone says "Oh, I'm saving this seat for so & so".
I think at least assigned tables is important if you have a large wedding because it reduces chaos! It's also nice if you don't know many people when the couple thinks ahead for you and seats you with people with whom you might have something to talk about. Personally I don't mind when my seat is also assigned; it feels more formal to me (we are assigning seats).
Assigning tables, not seats.
I've always preferred at least being assigned a table. It can be kind of awkward to figure out where to sit if there's NO seating at all and you're the Best Man's girlfriend... been there done that :)
i would definatlly assigned tables cause it will be like jr high all over trying to find a place to sit very ackward but i don't think yr gonna need assign seats.
We're not planning on having assigned seats or tables. To be honest, I'm not really that concerned about it. I know I want to reserve a table for us, the wedding party, and am considering having a table reserved for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom (both sets of parents are divorced). But the venue is going to be set up with a buffett and open to the outdoors with the photobooth in front and games in back; so I'm not sure how many people are going to actually be sitting down especially not all at the same time. Thankfully, we still have seven months and plenty of ideas (thanks to Weddingbee!) to set something up!
we're assigning tables. there are some natural groupings but others may need a little help finding a "home"
I think not having assigned seating is like a game of music chairs - there will always be an odd guest out or a couple/family that gets separated. Or, even worse, a guest who is lower on the line will run up and sit at one of the front tables, where parents normal sit.
We are having a buffet and we are not assigning seats or tables. But we will be reserving some tables for family.
@KateMW
What are you doing to give people a heads-up? We're doing a very similarly styled reception. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, some tables and lounge seating, no assigned places. I'm hoping for lots of movement and socializing, but I'm a little worried about how to communicate what is going on to guests. We said "heavy hors d'oeuvres" on the website, but I'm not sure everyone read it, and weddings here usually feature a buffet followed by lots of sitting.
Any suggestions?
I'd recommend only assigning tables for your quests. It is not necessary to assign seats, seeing the majority of your guests are adults and they can figure out where they are most comfortable. It'll make it a lot easier on you as well with planning purposes. It too me way too long to assign tables for 120 guests... it ain't easy!! Good luck. :)
We're not assigning seats for the guests because I hate assigned seats at weddings but I wish we were..because I would love to do yet another DIY!
We are having assigned tables even though our reception is a brunch with stations and we hope guests will mingle and enjoy the different activities we are having. I have been to plenty open seating receptions - they are common in the South, I think - and there is always a scramble to "save" a seat. Fortunately, I have never been a guest at one of these weddings where I didn't know anyone, but that would be even more uncomfortable. Not to mention, assigned tables helps you make sure every chair is used. We are renting, so we can rent the exact number of seats as there are butts! With open seating, as others have said, some tables go half empty.
I really think it is a courtesy to your guests to make sure they have a place to sit, even if it isn't a sit-and-eat meal. I'm looking forward to doing this for our guests - I think they will appreciate it!
we definetely are doing the wroks, I made a seating chart plus I have cards sepcifically at the table
my mom doesnt like her sister, she made her cry and was horrible to her when their mom passed away long story, and my other aunt doesnt like the same sister, she was mean to her.. so definitely I have to keep people away from each other and I want all my friends to sit with their close friends
luckily I only have 57 guests so it wasnt too hard
plus I want all my cousins to sit together and all my family to sit together
We had assigned tables, but not seats themselves. I' don't think I've ever been to a wedding with open seating, so I didn't consider that. I figured this way, everyone had a place to sit and things were organized, but it wasn't TOO complicated, figuruing out who had to sit next to whom.
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I am still debating whether we should assign seats or just tables or let people have at it. It seems to me like not assigning seats leaves too much disorganization. I'd love to hear your experiences!