"Due to Possible Last-Minute Absences: More Weddings Are Skipping Printed Seating Charts!"

2020.12.11 published

The impact of Corona has increased last-minute cancellations.

As I look at Twitter and Instagram,

✅ I have contracted COVID

✅ My family is suspected of having COVID

✅ Someone at work has COVID, and I have to self-isolate

I also hear voices from brides saying, “I can no longer have guests at my wedding due to these circumstances!”

It's best if everyone can come without any issues, but at this time, it may actually be more unusual for everyone to gather for events with dozens or hundreds of people...!

@hit_me1212

Considering this situation.

Recently, those who are having weddings

are sometimes making the decision **not to prepare seating charts**.

Indeed, if a seating chart is prepared and someone cannot attend, the actual seating may differ from the seating chart, causing confusion for guests.

(If there is time, there is the option to reprint, but that costs money.)

@___capitano

The question of whether to prepare a seating chart or not.

I summarized the pros and cons of each, so think about which option is better for your wedding＊

＜If preparing a seating chart＞

If preparing a seating chart,

✅ It's easy to understand where to sit

is a great advantage, but if there's an absence,

✅ Reprinting incurs money and effort (if the absence is last-minute, it cannot be reprinted)

✅ If left as is, the seating may differ from the actual seating, causing confusion for guests

are some drawbacks.

@___capitano

＜If not preparing a seating chart＞

If not preparing a seating chart, conversely, even if there are cancellations,

✅ You don’t have to worry about the seating chart

is an advantage, but

✅ Guests will find it hard to know their seats without a seating chart

✅ It’s unclear who is who

(You won't be able to have normal wedding conversations like "Oh, that person is the groom's younger brother," or "The bride works at XX company.")

are some drawbacks.

@kana_palace.wedding

What to do if not preparing a seating chart?

If you decide “I won’t prepare a seating chart since there may be cancellations.”

One method is to prepare name cards and have each guest find their seat, but this could lead to all guests wandering around the venue, so it’s not very recommended.

(It might be okay for a small group of about 10-30 people, but for a larger group, finding a seat could be quite a hassle.)

Here are two methods to inform guests of their seats when not preparing a seating chart.

① Escort cards

An idea of writing table numbers on escort cards. Guests will find their seat by the table number＊

@tobe.wd1130

It would be even kinder to have a seating chart showing just the table numbers at the entrance of the reception venue.

② Seating chart

At the entrance of the reception venue, prepare a rough seating chart like “Groom’s main seat” and “Bride’s friends’ seats” so that guests can find their seats.

Knowing roughly where your table is will make it easier to find your seat＊

Should you prepare a seating chart or not?

It would be great if everyone can attend the wedding healthy and without worries…

However, considering this current period, there might unfortunately be those who have to cancel.

Think about whether you should prepare a seating chart in case someone cannot attend, or if deciding not to prepare one is also valid.＊

@hamamiwedding2019