Seating chart vs no seating chart: is there a difference? Do you need a seating chart at your wedding or can you wing it?
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a seating chart and whether you should have one at your wedding. First, we’ll talk about what a seating chart is; next, we’ll talk about why you may need one.
Let’s get started!
Seating Chart or No Seating Chart at Wedding
What is a seating chart?
A large sign that shows guests where to be seated is known as a seating chart. The size of a seating chart depends largely on how many guests you have in attendance. A seating chart should be large enough to display all tables and the names of guests underneath each one, alphabetically.
Or you can have all of the guest names in two columns with their table number to the left of their name. Make sure the names are listed alphabetically so guests can find theirs quickly.
Some couples opt for multiple seating chart signs for a smaller display. This is also acceptable, but make sure the names on the signs are printed large enough so it’s easy to see — even in dim lighting.
Should you have one or not?
According to proper etiquette, you should have a seating chart at your wedding regardless of how formal or informal it is. Having a place to sit at a wedding, particularly for a sit-down dinner, is expected by guests and will make for a more welcoming and enjoyable celebration for everyone.
If you choose to have no seating chart, chaos ensues. Guests try to save seats with purses, coats, and flipping chairs around; some tables are half-empty, others are full and guests pull chairs over to make their own seats.
To maintain a cohesive and organized celebration, we highly recommend planning ahead. When deciding on how to seat your guests, we choose the chart option.
Guests prefer to have a seat saved for them if even just knowing it is at a particular table. NOTE: You do not necessarily need place cards to save specific seats at each table; you can, however, if you wish.
Where are the seating signs or charts placed at a wedding?
The seating chart is always best on display near the entrance of the reception.
What do you use to display it?
An easel works great. Good news: most venues already have an easel you can rent, so be sure to ask yours.
Buy an Easel
If they do not have one, or you don’t like the style of it, you can get a simple easel here for a great price.
Tabletop Seating Displays
For weddings, we recommend a floor easel to hold larger signs. If you have a few small signs instead of one large seating chart, you can use tabletop easels instead, or even have the table charts placed inside picture frames with stands or, my personal favorite, these acrylic sign holders. They always do the job!
If you don’t like a seating chart, but you want to properly seat your guests, what should you do? Use escort cards instead!
Escort Cards
An escort card serves as an individual seating plan for your guests. The cards are placed near the entryway and in alphabetical order. Upon arrival, guests search for their name card and pick it up.
Escort cards look like this:
You can get escort cards like these — or in other designs to match your decor — here.
In conclusion, you’ll definitely want to consider these options for your wedding. The choice to have a seating chart at your reception is up to you, but we highly recommend you have a chart to show guests where to be seated. It will definitely make for a smoother entrance at the wedding — and no need for guests to scramble to save a seat! ;)
Hope it helps!
xo
Emma
This is a post in collaboration with our sponsor, Minted.
