Asssigned seating - yea or nay?

[pharmgirl]

We're planning a smallish (<100) wedding. I didn't use assigned seating for my last wedding and so far as I know, there weren't any problems. I sort of have issues with telling people over the age of 18 where they can sit :lol: But, this time I have some clever ideas for table names and placecards and I do see assigned seating at some weddings.

Do you prefer assigned seating when you are a guest?

[JerAndKathy]

As a guest, I could care less.

But, we did assigned seating for our reception and we tried to mix-n-match tables based on families and get the two sides mingling. :)

Now, the down-side to this is that our 'no shows' left a couple of tables with six (out of 8) seats empty. So you sort of run the risk of alienating people if they're left at a table by themselves.

[carolinalady67]

As a guest, I could care less.

But, we did assigned seating for our reception and we tried to mix-n-match tables based on families and get the two sides mingling. :)

Now, the down-side to this is that our 'no shows' left a couple of tables with six (out of 8) seats empty. So you sort of run the risk of alienating people if they're left at a table by themselves.

Totally agree and we had the same problem with no shows. Maybe you could put someone in charge of moving people if the rest of their table is a now show?

[~*Kate*~]

You could still use your table names even if you don't assign seats, right?

FWIW, I voted nay. :)

[angie]

As a guest, I prefer assigned seating/ tables. If there isn't assigned seating and I walk into a room too late or if I don't know enough people there, I get stuck at a table that I'd rather not be at. When there's assigned seating/tables, the hostess usually tries to sit you at a table with friends or like minded people. It's much more organized.

[Kiera]

We're doing assigned seating just to make it easier. I'm not telling people where they have to sit at the table, I'm just telling them what table they're sitting at.

My reasoning is to avoid the chaos of people trying to sit together and what not.

My advice is just to do whatever is easiest for you! Usually at more formal weddings there's assigned seating, but when it comes down to it figuring out tables and such can be a huge pain!

[km]

We're planning a smallish (<100) wedding. I didn't use assigned seating for my last wedding and so far as I know, there weren't any problems. I sort of have issues with telling people over the age of 18 where they can sit :lol: But, this time I have some clever ideas for table names and placecards and I do see assigned seating at some weddings.

Do you prefer assigned seating when you are a guest?

:computer:

I would do tables, not seating.

[pharmgirl]

I should clarify, just tables, not seating :lol: Sorry!

[pharmgirl]

Now, the down-side to this is that our 'no shows' left a couple of tables with six (out of 8) seats empty. So you sort of run the risk of alienating people if they're left at a table by themselves.

That totally happened to FH and me at a wedding and all the other tables were full and we didn't know a soul except the B&G. We felt like lepers :lol: We lived though.

[hellobethie]

I am doing assigned tables, but not seating.
I was at my FSIL's wedding not long after FH and I started dating and he was the MC and off doing that stuff and EVERY other person I knew at the wedding was in the bridal party and there were no assigned tables. It was a VERY uncomfortable 15 minutes for me until one of FH's cousins rescued me. It would've been nice to at least have known what table I was at. So, despite the fact that FH's family thinks I'm nuts, I am not creating that feeling for anyone. (the all did shut up when I told them why, I will give them that) I am also optimistic that there won't be many last minute no shows as we pay in advance.

[Winter_Bride]

I should clarify, just tables, not seating :lol: Sorry!Ok, so I totally answered the poll with "other" before I read this! :doh:

I've been to a few weddings that didn't have assigned tables, and I didn't really appriciate it as a guest. One was a larger wedding (150 people?) and so it was a scramble to find seating. Another wedding the bride's relatives (not immediate family) were delayed with some picture-taking, and the only table available for them was in the back (the bride and groom reserved a few tables for immediate family, but otherwise it was first-come, first-serve). I've never been in Beth's situation, but could totally appriciate how difficult that would be.

Our wedding was 100 people, and we did arranged seating. We did have a few no-shows, but not enough to alienate anyone :shrug2: Or at least not that I could remember!

[Squishypig]

I think that with less than 100 people, it's not necessary. Also taking into account your guests, do they all get along? Or does your aunt have a 50 year old feud going on with her sister and the families have taken sides leaving your oblivious friends who had the misfortune to choose the wrong table to get caught in the crossfire? :lol:

Are you doing a full meal?

[Poloke]

Tables are great, individual seating - no.

I've been to weddings with both, and when it was individual seating it just seemed really micro-managing. Let's face it, people will sit where they want at a table anyway. I have seen ppl rearranging the seating cards to their liking if they got to the table before the other guests.

We did tables for our wedding, this way everyone knew they had a place to sit and it wouldn't be awkward looking for the empty seat or two with complete strangers.

[Raychel]

No am not a fan of it.

[KelciAlexandra]

we're having assigned tables. it takes care of some of the awkwardness for those who dont know others at the wedding (we're planning on sitting them with people who will socialize with them), it allows us to sit those who dont like each other across the room from each other. also i've noticed that all the wedding receptions that i have atteneded with assigned seating some people ARE going to move around, to visit or if there is an empty seat somewhere; i dont see that as a problem because to me thats what makes weddings nice, the socializing.

[Angela]

We had around 100 guests, and did assigned tables. I've actually never been to a wedding where the bride and groom haven't assigned tables.

[jillian]

I chose assigned seating figuring it was just assigned tables. As a guest and a bride that is what I preferred. That way you don't have an overload on one table and a couple at another. Not everyone knows each other so it's a good chance for people to meet and engage in chit chat/mingling. You just have to keep in mind of any family issues/fueds when you do the chart.