Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

cluelessbride Posted: Apr 03, 2004 09:36 PM

Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

Have you ladies seen a seating chart in action? Does it really work? Do guests look at it and find their seats or do they walk right by it or ignore it and confusion ensues?

Also, have you ever been to a cocktail reception? I am having one and wondering if my guests will think they are at the wrong function :) since it's not the typical LI wedding. (I have 'cocktail reception' on the invitation but you know what short/selective memories people have).

THANK YOU NEWLYWEDS!

janwinterbridejoy Posted: Apr 03, 2004 09:38 PM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

i have never seen a seating chart used at a wedding. i think if you put it in a visible place it could work. i have been to cocktail receptions and they were nice.

cluelessbride Posted: Apr 03, 2004 09:41 PM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

Thanks Jan Winterbride; maybe I will put the chart on a table near the entrance and ask one of the BMs to point it out to people.

KarenK122 Posted: Apr 03, 2004 11:22 PM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

I've been to a cocktail reception also and I really liked it. It was different and alot fun because it allowed us to mingle alot more and dance alot more since we didn't have to sit and wait for courses.

I didn't think though that there was sitting assignments for a cocktail reception. But if your having one, I'd put the chart by a door that everyone will be going through and instruct the MD to remind the guests to look where they are seated. : )

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 04, 2004 09:19 AM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

I think a seating chart can work when done properly. The only time I had seen it, it was too small and too confusing for guests to read and it caused a little traffic jam. Buthonestly, Ive never been to a wedding where the placecards dont cause some sort of a backup. Its not a big deal.

I think a cocktail reception can be lot of fun if your guests know that they should eat before or after. You already mention that on the invite so most people will read that and know. You may want to get the word out via word of mouth just what a cocktail reception is for the older folks.

But there are always going to be a few people who complain/dont like something no matter howhard you try to please people. Even if you had a full sit down meal with 10 entree choices, there is someone who is going to complain the lobster tail was too tough. My point is - dont worry about that too much. Do you best to let people know the kind of party you are throwing and then totally enjoy it!

janwinterbridejoy Posted: Apr 04, 2004 10:08 AM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

Posted by cluelessbride

Thanks Jan Winterbride; maybe I will put the chart on a table near the entrance and ask one of the BMs to point it out to people.

i think that would be a great idea maybe someone from the hall even can do it perhaps?

aliciahelene Posted: Apr 04, 2004 11:22 AM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

My seating chart worked perfectly! We had a small guest list of about 85 people, so it worked nicely. When I was looking into the chart, I had read a thread where people had 150 and it worked, so it can be done. I had it framed and ona BIG easal when they walked in, it was alphabetized and there were NO problems whatsoever. It was easy and I loved it!

usuk2004 Posted: Apr 06, 2004 11:17 AM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

I had two seating charts--one on either side of the entrance to the dining room. I think both were alphabetized (DH wanted to do one alphabetized and one by table, but I think in the end we alphabetized both...can't remember really)

I think it worked because they were out all during the cocktail hour--cocktail hour was in a big room outside of the dining room. People could wander up to them any time during the cocktail hour so there wasn't a big rush to get to them while walking into the reception.

Look, I even have a picture Alex was the only 'Z'

1228768_1.jpg

firegal Posted: Apr 06, 2004 02:08 PM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

We had a seating chart. My hall had it on an easel when our guests walked into the cocktail hour and then they moved it into the main reception room. It worked beautifully but right before the end of the reception one of DH's friends bumped into it and the glass shattered all over the place. I never knew about it until we got back to the hotel and as everyone was loading our stuff out of the shuttle bus, I realized it had no glass over it

karen32 Posted: Apr 06, 2004 02:10 PM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

i didn't think you would have seating arrangements at a cocktail reception. i always thought the point of a cocktail reception was so people could mingle more than usual - but i have never been to a cocktail reception, so maybe i am mistaken.

i like the seating chart idea - it's something different. just make sure it is large enough and clear enough so people don't have to spend more than 30 seconds looking for their names.

cluelessbride Posted: Apr 07, 2004 08:32 AM

Re: Seating chart and cocktail reception: 2 questions for the Newlyweds!

We are still debating whether or not to have seating. I'd like to have seating for only 1/2 the guests - normal for a cocktail reception - but everyone I ask says 'But where can I put my purse? What if I want to sit down?' and on and on....I feel like saying 'Haven't you ever been to a PARTY before????? not everyone sits at a party!!' arrrgghhhh...