Assigned vs. Sitting where you want

I recommend doing assigned tables, but not assigned seats at the tables. This way, you can still "group" people together (and you won't have random empty seats at tables), but the guests can still choose who they want to sit next to at their table.

For the reception? Absolutely assign tables. Otherwise groups will get split up and it’s stressful for guests. People don’t seat themselves perfectly into groups of 8 or 10 on their own.

We are doing assigned seating because it’s just so much easier for everyone involved. It prevents confusion, or family/friends being split up, or people leaving random open seats.

We are doing assigned because we are doing PLATED meals. If it was buffet style it would be seat wherever you want !

Definitely assign tables to avoid any issues. Every wedding I've been to had assigned seating except one and it was chaos

I highly recommend assigning tables. I've never been to a wedding without some kind of guided seating, and I'd be uncomfortable without it.

You may want to consider sitting people with others they know at the wedding it will keep the piece in the home and have your guest be able to converse easily at their tables

I've been to both and assigned seating wins everytime. You really only need to assign tables and let them pick the seat. Open seating is a madhouse every single time. It requires extra tables and chairs because grandma will save seats for people who don't even sit with her and refuse to give them up up. Couples and families always get split.

I’ve only been to one wedding that didn’t have assigned seating at the reception and it was a really awkward experience for me. The only people I knew were in the wedding party (had their own table) and the bride’s immediate family (and I certainly didn’t belong at their table). I really didn’t know what to do with myself....so I was definitely team assigned tables for my wedding! I didn’t want any of my guests to feel like I did in that moment.

As a guest, I prefer having an assigned table.


Honestly, the seating chart isn't as bad to put together as people make it out to be. I started with our large groups of people that should be sat together (half tables and up) and then filled in the empty seats with people that I thought would mesh well with that group.

Assigned tables is a happy medium for this

Unless you have a very small guest count (like under 30), assigning a table is best. However, doesn’t have to be assigning a specific seat.

I’m with everyone else, assigning tables is the best option for both you and your guests. Especially during covid times where it’s important to keep family units together.

I agree with everything. Assigning tables is the best option otherwise families can be split up or if someone doesn't know anyone else they won't know who to sit with. I've only been to two weddings were they let us pick. We only knew the bride and groom so we had no clue where to sit.

I would rather be assigned seating than be able to sit wherever I want as a guest. This is the norm at weddings in my area

We are letting people choose their own seats. I think it's a much better option and less stress. Unless the venue makes you do assign seating I'd do the option were the guests choose their own seats. If he's worried about the coworkers if I was him I wouldn't worry I'm sure they will all choose their seats together.

We’re having a smaller wedding, around 50 people, so we’re letting people choose their seats. For the ceremony there will be the bride and groom side and of course the first row or two will be for the closest family members, but other than that it’s completely up to everyone else where they want to sit.

The only time where assigned seating defeats the purpose is a cake and coffee reception or afternoon tea. If guests are sitting down to eat, whether buffet or plated, assigned tables are preferable. They really don't take that much effort to put together.

Absolutely assign tables for your reception. Look up Jamie Wolfer’s video on YouTube of why open seating is an awful idea.

I am doing a signed seating during the reception because I have a lot of family members that do not get along. If everyone got along I would not have assigned seating.