[bamabride]

We are expecting about 150 guests and are serving a buffet of heavy hors d'ouevres. My caterer told me since we are not having a sit-down meal, it isn't necessary to seat all of my guests. She also told me that not having seating for all of the guests would created more of a mingling atmosphere, which is really what I'd like to have.

So far we have seating at round tables for about 100 guests. I have my heart set on forgoing the traditional bride's/groom's cake and having an individual cake on each of the tables. The idea is for the cakes to double as dessert and as centerpieces. There will be more than enough cake for everyone, but I'm wondering if this is OK to do even though every guest won't be seated at a "home table"?

[Nancy Tucker]

When doing the cake for the centerpiece, it is traditional to have one on each guest table. Not having all guests at a table will make those standing seem not to be a part of the cake at all. I usually suggest that if your space cannot handle the seating for your full guest list that you only have reserved seating for special tables (family and older guests) and have cocktail tables spread throughout the room for your guests. The idea of not having seating for all guests is very offensive to older guests who just aren't comfortable with this. I even had one mog get really upset when she arrived at the reception and found out that her family and friends did not have seats.