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Many of my clients come to me adamant that they will not be using placecards to seat their guests. I politely but firmly have the same conversation with them that I do with many couples. Placecards are an absolute must, and I'll tell you why.
Why would anyone be opposed to using placecards to systematize where their guests will be sitting? The most common reason is that couples do not want to presume to know where their guests would like to sit and who they would like to sit with. Other reasons include unexpected guests not having anywhere to sit and, often, the basic hassle of putting together a seating chart.
Despite these arguments, the use of placecards paired with a seating chart is absolutely invaluable. The first reason placements are an absolute must is that you want to guarantee that your family and dearst friends get to sit closest to you at the reception. Imagine your fiance's old fraternity brother showing up with his new wife and 5 stepschildren and taking the table closest to you while you great grandmother is stuck over by the bar, barely able to see what is going on. When you create your seating chart, you can pick and choose those who you want to have seated closest to the head table.
Another reason I strongly encourage the use of a seating chart is for the sake of your guests' comfort level. It's a strong possibility that you or your fiance are inviting several guests who do not really know anyone else who has been invited to your wedding. Imagine walking into a room full of people you do not know and having to navigate your way to an available seat, hiring you are not taking a seat that was meant for someone else. Take care of your guests and save them from this potentially awkward situation. This is just another way that you can show your guests that you appreciate having them at your wedding.
The final reason I will be sharing today as to why the use of seating charts is so important, is that the lack of one can actually separate families and couples. Perhaps a family had to make a pit stop for little Betsy and now they have arrived at your reception after everyone else has selected their seats. What do you think the chances are of this family of five finding a table containing open seats to accommodate them all? What typically happens in these situations is dad is at one table by himself, mom is at another table with the youngest, and the two older children are separated together at a third table. This is no way for a family to enjoy being at a wedding together. This is a terrible position to put any of your guests in.
Although your wedding day revolves around you and should be the most wonderful day of your life, you have a responsibility of making the guests you chose to invite feel taken care of. Employ the use of a seating chart. Along with making everyone's lives easier, it will be one more way to show your guests you care.
