Let's talk assigned tables

Let's talk assigned tables! Oh my gosh, as if there wasn't enough for you to do right now and then add in assigned seats. No way! I hate to break it to you, but they are totally necessary! There are times like for large scale conferences and such that it may not be feasible; however, I am here to tell you it doesn't have to be all awful. If assigned seats aren't really your thing try assigned tables. The difference and why they are even important, I will tell you now. 

Assigned tables are my "go to"

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Assigned seats, oh gosh. WHY world WHY! Well, there are a few reasons. I feel the biggest one is that people don't want to feel that they've sat in someone else's (unwritten/unassigned) seat. As the bride or the host, you're like "just sit, it doesn't matter". But it does to an extent. People sometimes feel there's these underlying rule about seats and chairs and who should sit next to who or where to sit at a table. It's such a small thing but it is decisions that we make everyday. Including on one of the most biggest days of your life, your wedding day. Or maybe, the biggest corporate deal you've ever had to make. Seating matters! 

I tell you this because I have definitely learned the hard way.

When I was planning my wedding, the absolute last thing I wanted to do was assign seats to the rehearsal dinner. I had a million other things on my mind, like the wedding and details for the wedding; that I just said, "you know what, whatever". I was putting 6 round tables out in the room with 8 chairs, sit where you want. Except, that wasn't very smart. I was part of a 5 person immediate family. Devon, had his moms side with a sister, his dad's side with 3 siblings; I mean it was a nightmare when it came down to it. People kept coming up to me, THE BRIDE, asking where they should sit. Honestly, I just about had it. My mind was just in a daze from the slideshow and surprise groom's cake I had accidentally left at the venue 20 miles down the road; please please don't ask me where to sit. I literally ran off into another room and cried. Full disclosure, I have not told anyone this because I was really embarrassed. I was embarrassed I left the slideshow, the cake, and now I didn't do seating arrangements. I felt so unprepared. Me, who does this sort of thing for a living. I was deflated. I almost didn't even tell my (now) husband how embarrassed I was and that I stormed off crying. But, here I am living to tell the tale. Yes, coordinators do make mistakes too and that is the best way they learn and learn what NOT to do for your upcoming event! 

Assigned Tables

Assigned tables are beautiful. If you're in a situation where you have to do assigned seats, do assigned tables. This will give your guests the option of which seat but they know what table to sit at. You can also group people in together that you know jive well. It honestly makes so much sense. It does take some time but it doesn't take as much time as assigning seats! Assigned tables work well with buffets and plated dinners where everyone gets the same entree. If your guest have the option of entrees and they choose beforehand; unfortunately, you will have to do assigned seats so keep that in mind when choosing your food selection as well. 

Displays

Check out some amazing ways you can incorporate a seating chart into your event for your assigned tables. I do not own these photos but if you link on them, you can find the links to the articles they come from or maybe even where to purchase. 

The non RSVPs

Oh the dreaded Non-RSVP'er. When you're having a plated dinner this one can be tricky. You did not make them a name card, you don't have their entree selection, and the kitchen doesn't know what to make! They are literally the worst! But this is a great time to have your coordinator in place to let the venue and/or the caterer know what's up. You will most likely already know that they didn't RSVP because, well, they don't have a seat. First, alert your vendors and be sure they can accommodate to the extra person(s). In reality, I always like to try and have the host add a couple additional meal just in case this happens if they have it in their budget. Of course, buffets are nice to have in place for times like these even if some guests do tent to over serve themselves; at least there's not the problem of literally no plate in front of them. 

When making your seating arrangement, do your best in not filling the tables all the way. If you have a 60" round table that can seat 6-8; try not to seat all of them 8 guests. That way if you do have one or two that showed up unexpectantly, there will at least be space at a table for them. 

All in all, you will be glad you did them once it's go time instead of pulling out your hair :)