What was initially a small(er) destination wedding got a lot bigger when extended family (not expeced to attend) have decided to go en masse. The wedding and reception is in a very small town with limited reception facilities. Currently we have a hall with seating for 50 + 6-10 bar tables (no chairs!). My mom seems to think this is enough seating if 150 people show bc not everyone will be sitting and not at the same time. I know most of the bridal party, etc will be on their feet, but is this enough? If guests are driving 9 hrs to attend I don't want them to be uncomfortable and take shifts sitting. I've attached the current layout. What can I do???
Re: [lsolhj] seating for buffet reception
[In reply to]
I am not sure what is meant by 'they weren't expected to come' but for future reference for all of our visitors planning weddings, refrain from playing the guessing game where guest attendance is concerned. You simply cannot accurately guess what your guests will do. For this reason, only invite the number of people that you can afford to feed and make comfortable at your wedding reception, if they come. Otherwise, you can easily end up in a situation like this.
Regarding what you should do, contact a table and chair rental company and see about getting some more seating as soon as possible to seat the remaining guests. I have worked weddings where guests could not sit down and it really is a terrible thing to do to them. Not to mention the remarks the guests will make about the perception that the couple was so cheap that they didn't care to provide enough seats. As for guests not all sitting down at the same time being a reason not to have adequate seats, it doesn't matter that they all will not be seated at the same time. The point is they should all have a seat.
Please reconsider this setup. I truly believe it will turn out to be a bad situation and your guests will let you know their displeasure, not to mention discomfort. And, we are supposed to consider all of our guests' comfort when planning a wedding reception. Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
seating for buffet reception
hall.ppt
