Common Misconceptions: Assigning Guests to Tables

What You Think Will Happen: I don’t want to assign tables because then guests will think they have to sit there all night and spend time with the people they were sat with. 

What Actually Happens: Guests are going to find their table and sit down until dinner is over. Then they will be up and moving the rest of the evening. During dinner they will socialize with the people around them and then move on to other friends and family throughout the evening.

What You Think Will Happen: I have assigned everyone to tables, but our parents’ tables are most important so we assigned them to tables 1 and 2. 

What Actually Happens: First, write table numbers on the room diagram before guests are assigned to them. The head table is typically centered along one edge of the room. Tables 1 and 2 are usually at the far left side of the room in a corner and couldn’t be farther from center. In reality, the parents might be at tables 11 and 12.

What You Think Will Happen: I want a laid back reception. Open seating with just a few reserved tables with signs that say ‘Reserved for Bride’s Family’ and ‘Reserved for Groom’s Family’.  

What Actually Happens: There will be a relative that thinks they are part of the reserved family seating section, leading to an awkward thing to request – that they move.

What You Think Will Happen: If I have enough seats for all of my guests when I do open seating, everyone will have a seat and no one will get upset. 

What Actually Happens: A majority of guests will find a seat, but there will be a group of family or friends that lingers too long in cocktail hour. The room will likely have one or two seats available at spread out tables, but they could become upset and ask the venue staff to move chairs to other tables so they can squeeze together and fit.

What You Think Will Happen: I have assigned everyone to tables, but our parents’ tables are most important so we assigned them to tables 1 and 2. 

What Actually Happens: First, write table numbers on the room diagram before guests are assigned to them. The head table is typically centered along one edge of the room. Tables 1 and 2 are usually at the far left side of the room in a corner and couldn’t be farther from center. In reality, the parents might be at tables 11 and 12.

What You Think Will Happen: I want a laid back reception. Open seating with just a few reserved tables with signs that say ‘Reserved for Bride’s Family’ and ‘Reserved for Groom’s Family’.  

What Actually Happens: There will be a relative that thinks they are part of the reserved family seating section, leading to an awkward thing to request – that they move.

What You Think Will Happen: We will sit at a sweetheart table and our wedding party can choose their own seats with the rest of the guests. 

What Actually Happens: The guests find seats. The family finds seats. The couple has a sweetheart table reserved for them after their grand entrance. However, the wedding party is part of the introductions and enters the reception room last – right before the couple. At this point, everyone is seated, except members of the wedding party. They have to spread out and find available seats at remaining tables which can be uncomfortable and awkward.