do you need assigned seating?

HopeSprings2012

For a baby shower at a restaurant with a sit-down lunch... Should you have placecards with assigned seating? TIA!

Helenahhandbasket

I think it depends on the seating.

I had a really large baby shower (70+ attendees).  It was at a catering hall w/ sit down lunch and there were assigned tables. 

Is there one long table?  If yes, I would let people decide where to sit themselves.  If there are a few tables, I might do assigned tables so that there isn't one table with 12 people and another with 2 people.

HopeSprings2012

Helenahhandbasket said:

I think it depends on the seating.

I had a really large baby shower (70+ attendees).  It was at a catering hall w/ sit down lunch and there were assigned tables. 

Is there one long table?  If yes, I would let people decide where to sit themselves.  If there are a few tables, I might do assigned tables so that there isn't one table with 12 people and another with 2 people.

Thanks, that makes sense. I think around 50 people are attending and there are all different size tables. I think if it were smaller, it would be easy enough for everyone to find their own seat. But I feel like assigned seating will ensure everyone is pretty happy with their seats, instead of some people coming awkwardly early and finding a seat, trying to save seats, and then other stragglers having to sit near people they don't know... But had no idea what the "norm" is.

JilllyBean

Eh, at a Baby shower I have never seen assigned seating. 

jencnh

Although I think it's weird for assigned seating at a baby shower, if you do this, only have assigned tables. Don't actually assign seats. They're not kindergarteners. They should be able to pick their own seat.

Skalbrecht

I haven't seen this at showers I have been to, even when there was 50ish women. They will naturally cluster in groups, but everyone is there to celebrate the baby and mom so I wouldn't imagine anyone should be throwing a fit about who they sit by.

Crispity

I've been to several restaurant showers with assigned tables (not actual seats). I don't think it's necessary, but I also don't think that there is anything wrong with it. If your hostesses want to do assigned tables, I think it's fine.

HBirdie

I would be weirded out to go to a shower with assigned seating. Especially if I had to sit by people I didn't know. I agree with a PP, they're adults. They can figure out where to sit on their own.

HopeSprings2012

Thanks ladies! I totally meant assigned tables, not individual assigned seats. Looks like it will be 50 women and it's from mine and DH's family - which is his mom's side, stepfather's side and stepmother, my girlfriends too, and I just want to make sure everyone gets to sit with people they know. My concern is some people will come a bit late and then actually be stuck without a seat by people they do know... I think my sister wants to do it, so we'll just do it. Thanks again!

neverblushed

If I were assigned a seat at a baby shower, I'd be annoyed.  However, I'd probably also be annoyed if I was one of 50+ guests.  I think that's excessive.

caladpi02

I see place cards all time at seated showers. Makes it easy.

macmommie

Personally, I think assigned tables is a good idea, especially with a large party. Not only is it much more convenient, it is also likely that the guest will be able to sit with their family/relatives, and it makes them feel more comfortable in case there is any family drama/awkwardness. 

EastCoastBride

As long as thought is put into it and you're grouping women w/ the people they'd normally want to sit with anyhow - I don't see the big deal.

I have been to events where people try to cram around a table and take chairs from other tables, or you have those few people who don't really know anyone and they aren't sure where to sit...

Yes, when I go to an event where *I* know a ton of people, finding a seat isn't a big deal because I know a lot of people.  But when I'm the odd man out - it's kind of nice to have a little direction and I always assume that they are seating me w/ people who they feel I'll have something in common with/ will be friendly to me.