We are having a large reception (200 people) in a hall that will fit everyone comfortably, but there will not be much extra space. It will be a buffet dinner with dancing afterwards (along with cake cutting, tosses etc.)
Bride's side of the guest list includes many people who will only know 3-4 other people at most, where as my finance's side will include a vast majority (95%) who are either family or from the same town.
I feel that assigned seating would help with the flow and would be welcomed by guests who may only know a few people. With such a large group it might be hard to spot the few people that they know.
My fiance feels that table assignments are insulting and will make some people feel like they are less important (i.e. the people who are seated at the back of the room). He also feels that there is less chance for good conversation and, while there might be more people who are comfortable, there will be less people who are happy with the reception seating.
I understand his point, but feel strongly that there will be guests who are lost if they are not given some direction. I would be ok with no assignments if two things were settled for me; how can we insure that families can sit together, and how can we make sure that guests from different cities feel comfortable.
Thank you for your help, a bride caught in the middle
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jun 17, 2008, 8:12 PM)
Weddings by Shayna
WEDDING CONSULTANT
Post #2 of 2
(677 views)
Re: Large buffet reception without assigned seating
[In reply to]
Many people consider table assignments a kindness, taking the pressure off of randomly choosing a table in a roomful of strangers. Your only other option would be to reserve a certain number of tables for immediate family, but that is far, far more likely to insult people (am I "in" or "out" of the reserved tables?). Give purpose to your seating - seat older people farthest from the music, giving them a better shot at comfortable conversation, and seat younger people close to the dance area. Both you and your fiance are trying to be considerate in your own ways, but in practice, seating assignments would be the nicest way to go. Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com
Large buffet reception without assigned seating
