A Must-Read for Destination Weddings and Family Ceremonies: Is a Seating Chart Necessary for Intimate Weddings?

2017.09.10 published

What Should Brides Do About Seating Charts for Intimate Weddings?

For brides planning small weddings, such as resort weddings or family ceremonies, are you considering preparing a seating chart?

Weddings with around 30 guests typically take place in smaller venues with fewer tables.

Since guests can often spot their seats by looking around the venue, many brides are wondering, “Is a seating chart really necessary?”

@0625.tn.wedding

In this article, we will introduce the flow of the day when preparing or not preparing a seating chart for intimate weddings, incorporating examples from experienced brides.

Imagine it in the context of your own wedding and consider whether you need one or not♡

When Preparing a Seating Chart for an Intimate Wedding

If you decide to prepare a seating chart for an intimate wedding, the key is “when and where to hand it out!”

Let’s explore three different scenarios.

Pattern 1: Hand it out at the reception

If you have a reception area at your wedding, it’s perfectly fine to distribute the seating chart there. It seems that many brides opt for the basic tri-fold seating chart or a profile book.

Since it’s a small wedding, some brides wrote introductions for all guests in their profile books! That’s a thoughtful touch unique to intimate weddings.♩

Pattern 2: Place it in the welcome space

In many cases of intimate weddings, there may not be a reception area. If you aren’t handing it out in person, it’s common to place them in the welcome area or in front of the reception hall.

Simple seating charts, like rolled-up versions, were prepared by many brides.♩

@yuri08225249

Pattern 3: Hand it out before departure

For resort weddings, some brides included the seating chart with schedules and packing lists in the travel itinerary handed out to guests.

Consolidating necessary paper items helps avoid extra luggage during the trip, which is very considerate.◎

Brides who prepared seating charts shared the following thoughts:

☑ A seating chart is definitely more helpful!

☑ I was happy that family kept it even after the wedding.♡

☑ Since it’s a small gathering, I prepared it so guests could converse with one another easily.♩

@ay0401w

When Not Preparing a Seating Chart for an Intimate Wedding

When not preparing a seating chart for an intimate wedding, guests often find their seats using alternatives.

Instead of handing out individual seating charts, many brides set up a large seating board (seating chart). It can be made stylish and should be placed at the entrance of the reception area.♩

Additionally, many brides chose not to prepare anything at all. Since guests can quickly locate their own place cards in a small gathering, it seems that it does not pose a significant issue.♡

Brides who did not create a seating chart shared their thoughts:

☑ I was glad my guests didn’t have extra items to carry.

☑ It surprisingly seemed fine without a seating chart.＊

@yuki_txs

To Prepare or Not Prepare a Seating Chart for an Intimate Wedding?

We’ve introduced various ways that experienced brides approached the seating chart for their intimate weddings.

The decision of whether to have a seating chart or not varies from person to person.

Consider factors such as the number of guests, their relationships, and whether you have the capacity to prepare, and choose the best method for your own wedding.♩

@ydh_wedding