WPW – Should I do Assigned Seating?

This is one of the most common questions our brides ask;

Should I do assigned seating?

First, let me go through your seating options.

1. Assigned Seats: This option is a requirement when doing a plated dinner. When using assigned seats, every guest will have an escort card* with their table number on it and then a place card* on their seat with their name on it. This seating style is the most formal and should only be used if that is the style of reception you are having. This option doses NOT work for a more casual reception.
2. Assigned Tables: This option is our favorite, you give your guests direction with out being to formal. When using this option, each guest will have an escort card with their name and assigned table number. They are free to choose their specific seat.
3. Free Seating: You leave it completely up to your guest where they sit. With this option we recommend that you reserve a few tables for family so that they don’t end up in the back as they are usually the last to take a seat.

So, which one do you pick?

#2 is always our favorite (unless you are having a plated dinner, a very formal or a very casual event) Wedding guests are a lot like sheep, they need direction! Option 2 guides your guest to where you would like them in the room but still gives them a certain amount of freedom to choose where they sit. Trust us, its a win/win; you ultimately get to chose where guests sit and they still feel like they get a say. Option 2 also minimizes the amount of work for the bride. Also, escort cards aren’t your only option. Escort Boards are becoming very popular, they are easier (and more cost effective) for the bride and the style options are limitless.

Like I said, Guests are like sheep, they need to be guided. This is why we recommend at least doing assigned tables vs free seating. Free seating puts a lot stress on your guests,  it leaves them with the burden of trying to decide where to sit. Look at it from their perspective, most of them may only know 2 or 3 people at the party and if those people are family or in the wedding party they won’t be able to sit with them. Therefore, they will be left to basically roll the dice, maybe they will sit with someone they have something in common with or maybe not. You would never want your fabulous gay friends to end up at a table with your homophobic uncle Bob, no one wins in that situation! Ultimately, you want your guests to have a good time, so take the time to make sure they are sitting at a table with similar people, we promise they will thank you.

Free Seating really only works when you are having a very casual, small event. When everyone knows everyone, it eliminates the stress I mentioned before.

We hope this helps you decide which seating option is best for your wedding.

Happy Planning!