Hey there,

I have been waivering between having no seating chart and having a seating chart for my wedding. I am having a fairly small wedding so I don't know if it is really necessary...any advice??

it seems to me that as long as you have enough place settings, it may be easier to have no seating chart. People who don't get along automatically sit away from each other. And that gives you less things to stress over. With the added bonus that no one slips through the cracks and has no place to sit.
It may be helpful if your wedding party are bringing dates, but can't sit with them at the reception because you are asking the wedding party to sit with you at a head table, to have the dates sit together or at least be introduced to others to sit with.

As mother of the bride, and in total control of my daughter's wedding, her choice, if you have a small wedding, no seating chart in necessary, except for the wedding party and immediate family. Just reserve their tables and let the other guests seat themselves.

I'm only having reserved seating for immediate family, grandparents and anyone who helped with the wedding (violinist, pianist, priest, etc). I'm putting name tags on their seats and "reserved" signs on the tables. That way they get the best seats. Everyone else will be seating themselves. It's less stressful that way, and like someone else said, you won't know for sure of the exact count or list until probably the week of the wedding, so unless you like extra stress, just let it slide

I agree, no seating chart. I'm having a pretty small wedding too and I'm not having one. a LOT less stressful and if you are watching your buget it saves a little extra cash. The only ones that will have name tags is the bridal party.

Thanks everyone for the advice! It's helped me, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with no seating chart just a few reserved tables in the front for our important people and significant others of our wedding party.

Thanks again everyone!

I'm having a problem with seating charts.
My finace's parents are divorced and they dont get along at all.
My parents are still together.
My finace is worried that his mom will get out of control and has requested that his parents sit on opposite sides of the hall.
The only problem is my parents want to sit with there family and the way the hall is, it's almost impossible to do.
Any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

Im having a big wedding and Im not going to deal with a seating chart only beacause that is one more big headach that I dont want to deal with. My parents are not together anymore so Im going to have 2 tables for them other then that everyone eles is on there own. I hope it helps

I don't think seating charts have to be overly complicated. And while maybe a bit naive on my part, I would hope that people good get along knowing that this is the most important day for the bride and groom.

A less formal approach to seating charts is here:
Seating chart help - Wedding Planning Article

Or Google "wedding seating charts" for some more formal options.

David

Hey My_Way, I am faced with a similar issue. My parents are together, FH parents are separated. Because of this, and lots of "interesting" family history on FH I desided to go with no seating chart, and for the parent's table, we basically had to tell FH's parents to suck it up and play nice for the day. I would definately make it clear that you want them to be able to sit at a special table together with your parents, but any issues (with any guests) will result in removal. It can be a harsh move, but I would suggest having a few friends designated to making sure that the wedding guests do not create any scenes.