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Is Assigned Seating Still the Way to go? What we're seeing more of at wedding venues in Michigan
- Jennifer Wilson
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Assigned seating? What we're seeing
at wedding venues in Michigan
Photo by Angela's Angle's Photography LLC for Zeke and Stephanie Church on 6-22-24.
Planning your wedding reception comes with lots of decisions—some big, some small, and some deceptively simple… like whether to assign your guests to specific seats and how to go about that. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Do I have to do a seating chart?”—you’re not alone as many couples ask us this. But before you ditch the idea, let’s talk about what’s trending right now and how our couples at Celestial Farms are making seating assignments fun, personal, easy and beautifully on-brand with their wedding themes.
Spoiler alert: assigned seating is still very much a thing—it’s just getting a glow-up!
Assigned Seating: Yes or No?
At Celestial Farms wedding venue, we’ve seen couples go in all directions:
• ✅ Full assigned seating (each guest has a seat number and table)
• ✅ Reserved tables for family or VIP guests, with open seating for the rest
• ✅ Assigned tables only (guests find their own seat at that table)
All of these work beautifully in our modern farmhouse barn setting, where we typically use round tables for guest seating. Our layout is intentionally designed to keep things cozy and easy to navigate—so there’s no need to overcomplicate the process. And you don’t need a sprawling ballroom to offer organized and thoughtful seating.
So… What’s Trending?
While formal seating charts are here to stay (because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to wander around holding a plate full of food looking for an open chair), many couples are getting creative in how they display them. And that’s where the fun begins!
Here are some real seating chart examples we’ve loved from weddings at Celestial Farms:
1. The Mirror Moment
A classic and elegant choice—a framed mirror with guest names written in calligraphy. Timeless, romantic, and oh-so Pinterest-worthy. We’ve seen this displayed:
• At the barn entrance
• Near the cocktail hour patio
• Or even moved after dinner so it becomes part of the dance floor decor
2. Folded Cards on a Table
Think escort cards, but make them custom to your aesthetic. Cards folded and arranged by table number (or alphabetically) work well for couples who want a clean and traditional look with room for customization—hello wax seals, pressed flowers, or a custom monograms.
3. Bookshelf Display for the Book Lovers
This was one for the books—literally! One of our brides, Bri, a published author, used a bookshelf for her seating chart. Each guest had a real book wrapped in the wedding colors (green and white) with their name and table number on it. Even better?
Each book was personalized to the guest. A mechanic would receive a book on mechanics. A teacher got a book of poems. A doctor? You guessed it—something medical.
The books were purchased from a library, so they had that nostalgic old-book smell everyone loves. Guests adored it, and it doubled as a keepsake. This kind of thoughtfulness is what makes a wedding memorable and we live for that at Celestial Farms!
Ryan and Bri were married on January 20th 2024 at Celestial Farms wedding venue. Photos were captured by Alysha Jayne Photography LLC.
4. Charcuterie Boards as Escort Cards
Yes, you read that right. One of our couples used personal charcuterie boards with names and table numbers written on a tag for each guest. It made for a show-stopping cocktail hour and an unforgettable guest experience which is also very important to our CF team!
Charcuterie by Plated With Luv.
5. Moveable Seating Charts
Depending on the custom layout of your day, we’ve had couples get strategic with seating chart placement.
You can:
• Display it at the entrance to the barn before the grand entrance.
• Set it up under the pavilion during cocktail hour
• Or have it on the dance floor before the reception starts and move it once guests are seated.
This makes sure no one misses it, and it can be repurposed and repositioned by our staff throughout the night.
But Do You Have to Assign Seats?
Honestly? No.
But should you at least assign tables? Highly recommended.
Here’s why:
• It reduces chaos when the barn doors open
• Helps guests feel welcomed and included
• Ensures couples, elderly guests, guests in wheelchairs or families with kids are seated comfortably
• Avoids awkwardness for guests trying to “find a spot”
If you’re planning a plated meal, assigned tables (or seats) are strongly suggested. If you’re doing buffet or family-style, you have more flexibility with your seating arrangements.
A Few Tips From the Celestial Farms Team
• Keep your seating chart near the entrance of the barn or under the pavilion during cocktail hour. Guests usually look for it as soon as they arrive, or immediately following the ceremony.
• Alphabetize by last name if you’re doing assigned seats—it’s quicker for guests to find themselves rather than sorting by table number.
• Be thoughtful with pairings—group friends, families, or people with shared interests at the same table.
• Make it personal—your display can reflect your theme, interests, or love story-get creative!
• Use a backup plan for last-minute changes—things like custom made charts from Etsy can't be changed last minute but place cards glued to a mirror or a board can.
Final Thoughts
Assigned seating may seem like a detail you could skip, but when done right, it enhances your guests’ experience—and helps your wedding day run more smoothly.
At Celestial Farms wedding venue and other wedding venues in Michigan, we’ve watched couples turn something functional into something full of personality, charm, and intention. Whether it’s a bookshelf, a mirror, a charcuterie board, or a custom made sign, your seating chart doesn’t have to be boring. It can be a vibe.
And if you’re still unsure which route to go, don’t worry. We’re here to help brainstorm layouts, design displays, and make sure your day reflects exactly who you are as a couple during your timeline planning meetings that are included in every single wedding package at Celestial Farms.
Let's Start Planning! Contact us today
for a tour (810) 350-8442
Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!
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