Attending a wedding with a seating chart can feel restrictive to some, as it doesn’t really give you the opportunity to mingle with the whole crowd. There’s an emerging trend of opting for no seating chart at weddings, but it has some potential drawbacks – as well as benefits. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of having a seating chart so you can decide what will worok best for you and your guests.
But first, let’s read this Ask Emmaline question from bride-to-be, Erica. She writes,
“Dear Emmaline, My fiance and I are planning a small wedding of about 50 guests. We’ve heard it’s important to have assigned seats, but does it matter if there’s no seating chart at a wedding of this size? Can you provide some tips? My fiance doesn’t want the hassle of seating assignments but I crave the organization. Please help!”
Ah, great question, Erica! Here’s some good news: there’s no right or wrong way to do it in weddings. The choice you decide as a couple is the right one, especially if you are taking the time to thoughtfully consider it. With a large wedding of 75 guests or greater, I highly encourage a seating chart. It creates an organized and welcoming atmosphere that cuts down on the chaos. But for a more intimate wedding of 50 guests or fewer, a seating chart may not necessarily be required and, in fact, may create a more closed off group.
Here are some tips to consider whether having no seating chart is a good idea or if you should go ahead and assign those seats.
Increased Flexibility and Spontaneity
When you have no seating chart, guests are free to move around and mingle. If you have guests who want to sit with who they want and move around freely, no seating chart at a wedding makes sense. This can create a more open atmosphere where guests are constantly moving around and chatting amongst themselves.
However, before you start imagining the peace and serenity, note the potential confusion this can cause.
Potential Chaos and Confusion
There are some potential downsides of not having a seating chart, such as guests feeling lost and unsure of where to sit, not knowing anyone, or unsure if they’re taking up a seat where immediate family should be sitting. To mitigate this issue, simply add reserved signs to a few tables near the head table so your guests won’t be worried they’re taking the wrong seat.
When it comes to mealtime, no seating chart can spell disaster, especially if the meals are plated. Caterers utilize assigned seating with place cards (and these helpful stickers on the back) to make sure they’re providing the proper meal to each guest. No assigned seats only works if the meal is buffet-style.
Improved Socialization and Connections
Having a seating chart, whether you’re planning a wedding of 50 guests or 200 guests, creates an engaging experience and encourages guests to interact with new people. This is the biggest reason I think it’s important to have seating at a wedding: guests will be able to make new connections and meet new faces! This is essential as you become one family and can be a great way to get your guests acquainted with one another.
Risk of Excluding Certain Guests
Some guests are shy, feel left out, or don’t know anyone. With no seating chart in place, this can create anxiety as they try to find a place to sit. This can be very important to make everyone feel included, so having designated tables for specific groups or families – i.e. with the use of a seating chart – can be very helpful if you face guests that aren’t familiar with many people and will feel out of place without a seating chart.
Less Time and Effort Required
There’s a benefit of not having to create a seating chart: more time on your hands! However, is it worth it based on the negatives you can encounter? I’m not sure! The best option would be to find a seating chart that is easy to make, like this, where you just edit and order. They ship and all you need to do is place it on an easel near the entryway of your reception. This is a great option for couples on a budget.
Having no seating chart at a wedding can be great – but it can also be detrimental to the happiness of your guests. Who knew seating could be so dramatic? It’s important to weigh the pros and cons here and discuss with your partner the preferences and needs of guests when making a decision. Remember, no decision is wrong: it’s totally up to you!
Thank you, Erica, for writing. I hope this answers your question.
ON TO YOU: ↓
What do you think of this trend? Are you Team No Seating or Team Assigned Seating? Tell us in the comment box below! We’d love to hear your opinions!
Chat soon-
xo
Emma
