The Finished Seating Charts...

So we've said all along that we didn't want to go with traditional escort/place cards, and instead, wanted to simplify into a seating chart.

Below is a semi-inspiration picture...



We opted to cut the chart up across 5 picture frames, with the names listed in alphabetical order. Final product below:

Would it have been cheaper to do the traditional folded pieces of paper? Probably. But in the end, this wasn't really expensive, either.

Cost breakdown:

5 picture frames: 40% off @ Michaels, and used a 25% all picture frames coupon: $12

5 4" black easels: $14.99

Blue backing paper: FREE (same as used for the envelope lining)

Time, labor, effort: FREE (though I should probably charge for my services!

Even though it cost around $30, I know I'll be able to reuse all the black frames in my house when we're done (probably for wedding pictures!), and I can probably re-sell the easels, too!

Back to Kindergarten: A Lesson in Shapes

So it looks like everyone I've talked to (read comments from), etc. likes the lantern idea. And lucky for you all, I was able to find a picture of some green ones! :) Cool, huh?



Keeping the whimsy vs. classic debate in mind, what do you think about tables? There's the traditional rounds, 8-10 people per table, etc. The picture below is obviously not the correct color scheme, but you all have imagination, right? (**Note: those are most likely the chairs we'll be using as well, if that helps any...)




Now in recent years, the banquet/long rectangles have become quite a popular choice as well. I think they're a bit more fun and make it easier to converse, but I think they change the look of a room dramatically. Plus, how would you even do table cards?!? I don't want to even begin thinking about that nightmare!! But they are nice to look at, aren't they??



Next comes my personal favorite (but please, don't let that sway you!). I present to you:

THE SQUARE - ta da!



Well, these are a bit more rectangle, but put on your imagination hat and bear with me...

I think they're fun and trendy, but the lines they create are definitely clean and classic. And they won't even give me the table card nightmare I'm dreading...

As guests who will be sitting in these, I'd very much like to hear all of your opinions: good, bad, neutral, ecstatic, loathing, etc.

Oh, and the money really doesn't make a difference, since the cost in tableshape is negligible, though I believe the banquet would be the cheapest route...