Long Tables, Do I still assign them??

Assign tables or sections. You want to guide your guests to sit with who they know. If there is nothing assigned it can get chaotic.

I love the way tables like that look! I wanted my reception to look like that but it just didn't work out.

I think you definitely need to assign tables but that is tricky. I'm sure you'll have multiple centerpieces for each table and near those you could put a number for the surrounding seats. Then each long table would have like 3 numbers? Or just have like 30 people per table and they can pick wherever on that table.

People are pretty good with making seats available for groups or couples if the seating gets a little messed up at the long table.

The one wedding that I've been to with long tables assigned seats. Granted this was a much smaller wedding but it prevented people from creating gaps and separating couples. Could get chaotic fast....

Have you talked to your contact at the venue about this? They will probably know best.

Yeah i guess that's a better question... would i just number each long one 1234, or each individual table within the long tables?

@ Darcy yeah. She said she's not sure that she's seen anyone assign the tables when they're set up long like that. and I guess a lot of people end up renting circular ones to put in the space too, which just isn't an option for us.

I would put a table number on each rectangular table, people will figure it out

Depends how you want to group your tables. The nice thing is you can have "tables/groups" as big or small. No need to stick to 8 per table, you can do 10 or 4 etc.

The only key is how to distinguish which 4, 6, 8, 10 seats are within your row.

I do think that you should have a gap or two in between would be nice so I wouldn't have to walk along the entire row to go to the restroom for example.

You can highlight each "group" by a centerpiece or if you want uniformity along your table, you can highlight each "group" by indicating how man seats are for each group. Like you can say TABLE 1 (8) meaning 8 chairs for that grouping. And it can also be helpful that you alternate the numbers in the rows. 1 row can be odd numbers and the the other row even numbers so it's more clear as well.

Honestly if it were me I would assign seats. I know adults can adult but when it gets down to it I guarantee it will cause confusion with that many guests which could cause delays with dinner etc.

I am assuming the table will be quite long for 150 guests. Would it be possible to label tables by section so that they can find the initial table then their name? I can just picture them all walking around trying to find their name, ha.

Definitely assign still - maybe actually assign seats in this case. Otherwise, people will sit only near people they know, and not next to people they don't know - you will end up with empty seats and families/couples split up.

2 of them will be 36 feet long and the other 2 would be 30 feet long. I definitely agree i need to check it and make more gaps. assigning seats would probably make it easier. I like the 1 (8) idea! Luckily our guests know each other in groups so seating them that way won't be difficult.

It's a matter of execution of it.

ETA I can spell

We just did a wedding with eight long tables that sat 25-26 people each (and there were also 12 round tables that sat 10-11 people each). Each guest was assigned to a particular table -- round or rectangular. While I'm sure that cut down on mass confusion, I would have taken it one step further and put name cards at each seat. It's a little more work for you, but it makes it easier for the guests.

BTW, the easiest (and most economical) way to handle the issue of centerpieces for those really long rectangular tables is to run a pre-made garland down the center of the table. You can make it elaborate or keep it simple. It's a great look. Dress it up with candles placed throughout or just stick a few flowers in the garland after its laid on the table.

Our centerpieces are a mix of different colored and shaped glass bottles, bird cages, and tea sets. (each respective type on it's own table not all of them together on one!)

I think we could tie it in with a runner/garland of some kind though!

@The Centerpiece Flowers - Thanks for the idea of the garland! I saw it and wasn't sure as we have rectangle tables too but not as long. We were thinking of doing very small floral arrangements (like desk/secretary size arrangements)

I agree with @WWLynie; put table numbers on each rectangular table and people should be able to figure it out. But whatever you do, at least assign tables. Otherwise families and/or groups may be split up.

Great Ideas!... I think we will be grouping them together. I am going to play around with my layout too Thanks everyone!

We are doing long tables too (4 rows of 3 8ft tables end to end) and the only ones we are assigning is the table we have designated for family.

Most of our guests know eachother, so finding a seat shouldn't be difficult.

My suggestion is to just think about if your guests know eachother and they would be fine with sitting wherever, or if any of your guests don't like eachother or something.

Best of luck!

We are doing 2 rows of 2 long tables, 13 round tables, and 3 long tables for the head table. Other than the head table all other tables will be numbered with place cards for food selections.

Definitely assign seats. It makes things much less awkward.

I have the exact same tables and set up and same question!!!

I think you should label each individual rectangle table - that way it's a bit more organized or it could get chaotic like PPs said.