Choosing the Best Seating Chart Option for You and How to Put it Together
Chances are if you've clicked on this blog post you need help with your seating chart. Well look no further, we've got some helpful tips and insights to help navigate your decision making.
Often times people get their seating charts confused with their floor plan. So let's clarify that before we begin. A floor plan is the layout that your venue gives you so that you can assign your guests to a specific table. Using your floor plan as a guide, you can then create your seating chart based on the number of the table you assigned your guest, which converts into your seating chart. See, simple!
Now let's explore the different types of seating charts out there in which would best suit your taste!
#1 - Mirror Seating Chart
The famous Mirror Seating Chart! Yes it's been the buzz for quite some time now, but is it the right choice for you?
THE BEST PART about a mirror seating chart is the fact that you get to keep the mirror as a piece for your home, or even use a mirror you already have. That makes it a bang for your buck, and fairly simple to DIY. Using an erasable marker to handwrite your guests names can keep it inexpensive, although the best way to achieve professional looking results is to use a cutting machine, such as a Cricut, and vinyl material to adhere the cut-out names to the mirror.
THE WORSE PART is that handwriting the names onto the mirror can get a little tricky because of the mirror's reflection on the letters and let's not forget you'll also need to have good handwriting. Also, if you don't already have a cutting machine (and the time to learn how to use the software) then your inexpensive option just went up in price, because those machines could cost you more than the mirror itself.
#2 - Seating Cards
Seating cards, what are those again? Seems like we are trying modernize every little detail about events, and sometimes the old fashioned way is just right.
For those who forgot about seating cards (aka escort cards), this option may be the most inexpensive one for you!
The best part is that most venues will give you pre-cut seating cards for you to handwrite your guests' names and table numbers on. And here's the kicker, it's usually for free! But, of course it may be a pain to having to write all those names down, and the patience to keep your handwriting consistent.
An alternative to this would be purchasing printed and cut seating cards that will be consistent in design. You can either use websites such as Canva, Minted, Zazzle, and Vistaprint to create a design with your guests names printed on each card.
#3 - Printed Charts
Printed charts are a fun way of staying committed to your design even in your seating chart.
They are similar to the famous Mirror Seating Chart, but allows you to have more styles than just a homey style.
You can DIY these options through first creating your design on helpful websites such as Canva, Minted, Zazzle, and Vistaprint. Then you can get them printed at the website you design or other printing shops such as Staples, UPrinting, or local printing shops.
Etsy, calligraphers, and even your event planner may be able to help you come up with the perfect design for your printed charts.
#4 - Objects
Objects keep the theme fun and interesting by doubling up as décor pieces. For instance, let's say you have a beach wedding, instead of having place cards use seashells for each guest. You can display them on an escort table and decorate it in an area of the space that needs some TLC. This also serves as an added bonus because your guests will have something to take home as favor from your wedding.
You can even use objects that have meaning to them. For example, we had a couple that were remolding their fixer upper home, they saved their windows from the demolition and used it as their seating chart. A décor piece they can keep, or have in their photos as a reminder of the memories from their wedding and home.
#5 - Mix It Up
Just these few options can really help gear your creativity on which seating chart option is best for you. But don't let it stop there! Mix it up, have fun with your options and maybe you'll even get a statement piece or make a double use of it.
Use a wall to display your seating cards or individual seating charts, use champagne glasses instead of stationery, add floral or candles to elevate the look, double up your favors with your seating cards. The list go on!
In conclusion, when choosing the best seating chart for you, remember to keep your chart/ cards organized. You want to make it easy for your guests to find their table. Popularly you will see photos of charts listed by table number, but we urge that using alphabetical order is much easier for your guests to find their names.
Of course we all know that DIYing your event items, most often than not, are cheaper than purchasing or hiring someone to provide it for you. But, if you're the "ain't nobody got time for that" type of person consider your event planner or calligrapher for creating these items for you.
If you need help with your floor plan and easy to use spreadsheets for your seating chart then we are here to help! We provide 3D floor plans in accordance with your venue's layout that will facilitate this process. Click Here to find out more. Comment below on what you think is your favorite seating chart idea!