Table assignments or not, that is the question

I am not sure whether it's an effort to cut costs or just to simplify the planning process, but many brides recently have mentioned that they won't be having assigned seating (or tables) at their weddings. And while I am definitely supportive of the movement in the last few years for less than traditional weddings, this is one tradition I firmly support! Seating (or escort cards) are a way to provide your guests direction, something which can be essential especially to those coming from out of town. And I speak from experience here! I recently attended a wedding with my husband where cards weren't used and we only knew a handful of people - all in the wedding party. We were left wandering and feeling slightly unsure of our place.

But guest comfort isn't the only reason to consider the use of seating cards. They are also a relatively simple detail, especially if you forego place cards, that can be used to express your creativity and style. As a lover of all little details, I would incorporate seating cards just for an excuse to do something crafty (and have another element to photograph)! Plus, they're just plain fun, and there's a million approaches to take. Here's just a few...

If you prefer a more traditional folded card approach, why not dress it up with some fun embellishments? I just love the ornament detail on these, and the vintage paper and buttons are so unexpected and pretty!

(photo c/o Gertrude and Mabel Photography via Chewing the Cud)

These are another fave - and really carried out the couple's playful chemistry theme.

(photo c/o Lucida via Once Wed)

Or add a bit of whimsy with these fun pinwheels!

(photo c/o Josef Isayo via Snippet and Ink)

If cost is a factor - and I don't know a bride for which it isn't - why not check off two things at once by combining favors and seating cards? These succulents are sure to be a hit by all guests (and guaranteed not to end up in the garbage).

(photo c/o Erin Hearts Court via Once Wed)

I also very much heart these journals with each guest's name - not to mention the hand stained boxes! And for a barn wedding (or maybe a rodeo theme) these horseshoe favors/seating cards are the perfect thing.

(photo c/o Chewing the Cud)

(photo c/o Tec Petaja)

These hand printed muslin bags are a diy for a very crafty bride, and they remain one of my favorites. Who doesn't love the alternating patterns?!

(photo c/o Martha Stewart Weddings)

And just in case the clothesline isn't your thing - or maybe you have nowhere to hang it - here are some takes on the seating board. So many to choose from!

(photos c/o Kella MacPhee via Snippet and Ink, Benjamin Dell via Once Wed, Union Photo via Once Wed, Martha Stewart Weddings)

The rustic wedding is a trend we continue to see, and these boards are perfect for the northwest bride that wants to capture that look. They have the added bonus of being eco friendly as they're made from reclaimed materials!

(photos c/o Anna Kuperberg via Chewing the Cud, Red Photo Co. via Snippet and Ink, and Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts via Once Wed)

So just in case you're one of the brides that was considering leaving out seating assignments, just think of these many varieties and the fun you could be having making yours!