On today, one of my colleagues at the Professional Women’s Network of Greensboro wanted to share her experience regarding a wedding she attended over the weekend.  It was a pretty wealthy family hosting a wedding for their daughter with over 300 guests in attendance.   As the guests entered the reception post the cocktail hour, the guests begin to realize there was not enough seating.  It was actually enough seating for 100 people versus 300 people.  She was shocked.  There was a mix of cocktail tables in the space with the banquet style set up, but it was still not enough seating for another 30-40 people.   The non-seated guest had to eat their food standing or on the balcony area where there was some extra seating with their food in the laps.  She mentioned that several guests were not very happy about the situation.  I shared with her that I have heard of this trend for a standing reception and sounds like it’s growing.  It may be creating some savings on linens and centerpieces, but it can cause the chatter discussion of frustration and disappointment by your guest.  Since there was a Wedding Planner involved, they even thought it was an oversight by the Planner.  I quickly let her know that the Planner most likely advised the Bride and Family to consider the challenges of this style, but ultimately they selected this option.

If you are deciding between a seated or standing reception, consider the benefits and disadvantages of both.    Though at some point guests will naturally mingle with other guests through out the celebration,  your guests do want the opportunity to be seated, comfortably eat their food, and take those rest breaks in-between the fun and dancing.