Post # 1

Member
5 posts
Newbee
Hi!!
So my Fiance and I are getting married May 30th and are still trying to figure out if we want to have a seating chart or not. My Fiance wants to because his parents are divorced and he thinks it will be easier for them, but we are having a pretty large wedding and I am kind of thinking it is going to be more work than it is worth…
What are you girls thinking?? Any ideas on how to make the seating chart a little easier?
Thanks!
Post # 3

Member
337 posts
Helper bee
I have started to do our seating chart a bit so far… I think it’s kinda fun like a jigsaw puzzle.
I have been to a few weddings, and the ones without a seating chart were awful. People don’t know everyone, so if you don’t know a few other people you’ll get stuck eating by yourself. Seating charts allow people to meet others with similar interests, keep feuding parents away from each other, and generally make everyone feel equally comfortable or uncomfortable. Yeah, I’ve had to sit with people I didn’t know but I had a blast with them in the end cause the bride and groom thought we’d get along!
I say go for it. There are plenty of software programs out there that will help out too.
Post # 4

Member
6009 posts
Bee Keeper
We are only doing a partial seating chart, i.e. for family only. We’re not having a bridal party, so no worries there, and most of our guests either know everyone or most everyone else. We didn’t feel like a seating chart was really necessary in our situation, except for our families because we want them to sit in a specific part of the room. We’ll still have escort cards, though, so that people can mark their seats and so servers know what dinner people RSVP’ed for.
There are lots of reasons to not have a seating chart, but I think it is only really warranted if you are having a very formal, sit down dinner. If you decide to forego a seating chart, I’ve heard some tips to make things go easier:
1. Always have an extra table or two. That way, no one will ever have to split up from their spouse/family/friends because there aren’t enough seats together at one table.
2. Allow enough time between the beginning of the reception and the dinner so that guests can find a seat before dinner (although I think a lot of people have a cocktail or appetizer hour nowadays, so I’m not sure how relevant this is).
3. I think escort cards are nice because it allows people to save their seat the whole night without having to coats on the back of chairs, purses on the chairs, etc…
Post # 5

Member
5 posts
Newbee
Thanks! These tips actually help a lot! Even though some of the information is the same that my Fiance has told me, it helps when it comes from an outside sourse 🙂 After reading these, I think I will put in the extra time to just go for it! You only have to do it once, right?!?!