Wedding reception: table plans

Question

to have a table/seating plan or not? pros and cons as you see them? good or bad experiences?

Answer 1

For over 100 guests, I would so that you don’t have a family of 4 that perhaps got their late and now have to sit in different tables.

For smaller parties, I wouldn’t.  That gives them a chance to mingle.  We are having between 50-60 so we won’t do a seating chart.  We are going to have two tables reserved for our immediate family that will be directly next to us (and maybe one more for our OOT guests) but the rest can just find a table themselves ;)

Answer 2

I would definitely come up with a seating plan.  Often when there is not a plan families that would normally sit together may get separated and it can be awkward for guests who may only know a few people at the wedding and don't get to sit with them.  You and your family know your guests and it should be fairly easy to come up with a seating plan.

Answer 3

i definitely recommend a seating chart. it takes some extra effort but it helps keep the party organized. and it prevents empty tables or having to break families up.

we spent two nights trying to put together our tables--i wanted the families mixed up so there weren't two specific "sides" at the reception. we felt fairly confident that we sat everyone appropriately but we couldn't have even guessed at how successful we would be! while my husband and i noticed that everyone was getting along better than anticipated--distant relatives between our families were discovering mutual friends and friends on each side were discovering shared interests....it was great!

like i said, it takes some time and careful thought but if you put the effort into it, you could reap major benefits!

Answer 4

We didnt have a seating arangement and it was a big mistake.  My family ended up kicking some of his extended family out of the table closest to us (I know, rude of them).  If I were to do it again, I would recommend setting the closest tables for immediate family, then let all other guests find their own seats.  

Answer 5

hi, just had a civil ceremony, the whole thing cost a fortune you can save money by keeping the table decorations to a minimum nobody really cares too much as they are all drinking, saved a fortune by using a guy called bri williams photography he was there all day and night and didnt rip us off we were in hull and he was happy to travel to us, hope this helps

Answer 6

I'm having a seating plan. Its just easier to do it that way. I don't want loads of arguing about who is sitting where. I'm intending to sweep in gracefully after having my pre ceremony pictures taken and have everyone sat in the right places!!!!! Thats the plan anyway!!!!!  

Answer 7

I had a plan for 8 people at my head table, apart from that everyone sat where they wanted, it could of been better as the two familis didn't mix but then againn most of mine are really s****. so maybe that was a good thing, everyone had a good time and no one complained. so it woirked.

Answer 8

definitely a seating plan! otherwise everyone will be wanting to sit next to the bride and groom or want to sit with different people and people will start moving the tables to make them bigger or more chairs.  

Answer 9

pros

keeping certain peopel away form eachother

making family feel special with front tables

people arent scrambling for seats together

more order

better if a large group

cons

some people may be seated with those they dont want to

some poeple my be offended by a low table number

some people may want to be seated certain places

Answer 10

Have hated going to weddings with assigned seating - see absolutely no benefit in it at all.

Go with open seating, and reserve tables for close family.

Answer 11

Yes yes yes.  Have a seating plan.  You're only asking for trouble if you don't.  Perfect example:  I went to a christening at a banquet hall recently, and there was no seating plan.  Well, people sat where they wanted, and that was with who they knew best.  So, there were tables with 2 people missing, 3 people missing ... You know the deal.  Well some families rolled in about 30 minutes late, and they couldn't fit their families at any of the remaining tables.  (One family was a family of 4, the other 6.)  Nobody was going to make them split up, so the banquet hall had to set up more tables.  So basically when the buffet opened and everyone else started eating, they were still waiting for tables.  It was horrible, and very uncomfortable.  Now beacuse more tables were added, the banquet staff got confused.  Not to mention cookie platters were made for each table to enjoy for dessert, and two tables got none because nobody knew they were going to add tables.  It was one giant mess.  Take the 30 minutes and set up a seating plan.  You'll save yourself a major headache.  

Answer 12

To not have it: easier on you because there is no list to make.  bad - your parents might not get the tables closest to the head table.  bad - larger families that arrive after some people have filed in may have to split up because there aren't enough seats at any one table to fit them all

To have it: you can ensure everyone has a table to sit at, no splitting up of families.  If you want the teenagers seated together, you can arrange for that.  If there are small children requiring a booster seat or high-chair you can arrange for one at their assigned table.  con - its alot of work to figure it out and to print up the place cards.

I think it is best to have one.  It ensures your parents/grandparents are seated very close to the head table.  It ensures you can put small kids far away from the cake table (so there's no temptation to run up and touch it).  It also gives your guests some direction.  You can ensure Aunt Sally and Aunt Mary - - who have been feuding since 1962 - - are seated on opposite ends of the room, too.