Quick Answer
Every linen seating chart we make holds up to 325 guests, in 24x51, 24x71 or 24x84 inches. 24x71 is the length couples choose most, and past about 225 guests we'd recommend 24x71 or 24x84 so names stay large. Linen hangs from a rod or ribbon through its sewn pocket, and a hand steamer takes out creases.
A linen seating chart hangs where an acrylic one stands. It moves a little when someone walks past, it has no shine in the sun, and it can run longer than any sheet of acrylic. It also asks three questions acrylic never does: how long, what does it hang from, and will it wrinkle.
What length linen seating chart do you need for your guest count?
Any of the three, for any list up to 325 guests. Even our shortest linen chart, 24x51, is longer than our largest acrylic chart, 24x47, which itself holds 325 names. So on linen, length is less about fitting the list. It decides how much room each name gets, how much presence the chart has, and what you need to hang it from.
| Length | How it reads | Hang it from | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24x51 (about 4 ft 3 in) | A compact panel; names sit closer together | A crossbar at least 5 ft high | $175 |
| 24x71 (about 5 ft 11 in) | Room for a heading, every name and a generous margin | A crossbar at least 6 ft 6 in high | $215 |
| 24x84 (7 ft) | A statement piece; the most room per name | A crossbar at least 7 ft 6 in high | $255 |
Of the linen seating charts couples ordered from us this past year, more than half were 24x71, and the rest were mostly 24x51. One couple this year put a list of 171 to 180 guests on a 24x51, so the shorter length works for a large wedding, not only a small one.
Our verdict: 24x71 for most weddings. Choose 24x51 for a lower stand, a smaller room or a lower price, up to about 225 guests. Past 225, choose 24x71 or 24x84 so every name can be set larger; 24x84 also suits a high ceiling.
Each length starts at the price above for up to 50 guests and adds $20 for every 25 guests after that. A 24x71 chart for 176 to 200 guests is $335; for 301 to 325 guests it's $435. You don't need your count yet: choose "Uncertain" on the linen seating chart and we'll invoice the final count once your RSVPs are in.
What can a linen seating chart do that acrylic can't?
Go longer. Acrylic tops out at 24x47 inches, the largest sheet we cut. Linen starts longer than that, can be made 24 to 36 inches wide, and runs almost any length on request.
| Linen | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Largest size | 24x84 stock; longer on request | 24x47 |
| Glare | None; a matte, textured surface | Clear and mirror reflect bright light; frosted least |
| Display | Hangs from a stand, frame, beam or arbor | Stands in an easel or box stand |
| Outdoors | Sheltered spots and calm days | Handles a passing shower; weigh down the stand in wind |
| Travel | Packs and ships easily | Rigid panel |
| 176 to 200 guests | From $335 (24x71) | From $455 (24x47) |
Linen also hangs where a board can't stand: from a beam, an arbor or the crossbar of a ceremony backdrop, with your venue's permission. Choose acrylic instead if the chart will stand in open air with rain in the forecast, or if you'd like a frosted, mirror or hand-painted background. Our large acrylic seating charts come in 24x36 and 24x47.
How do you hang a linen seating chart?
Every linen chart has a sewn rod pocket, 3 to 4 inches tall, across the top, and a small slit on each side. Thread a rod through the pocket, or tie ribbon through the slits, and hang it from a crossbar. Linen ships folded, so steam out the fold lines before the day. The rod, ribbon and stand aren't included, so plan them with the rest of your décor.
- Choose the stand. An adjustable metal hanging stand or a freestanding wood frame. The ones we use ourselves are on our Wedding Sign Stands page.
- Check the height before you buy. The crossbar needs to sit higher than the chart is long, plus the drop of your ribbon and a few inches off the floor. That's at least 5 feet for a 24x51, 6 feet 6 inches for a 24x71 and 7 feet 6 inches for a 24x84.
- Choose a rod a few inches wider than the chart. About 28 to 30 inches for a 24-inch chart, so the ends show and the linen hangs flat.
- Hang it early. Put it up when your coordinator sets the room, so the fabric has time to settle and any last creases can be steamed in place.
Outdoors, place the stand against a wall or hedge rather than in an open gap, and weigh down its base. We cover wind and stands in more detail in How to Display Wedding Signs.
Do linen seating charts wrinkle?
Some, yes. Linen creases; it's part of what makes it look like linen. The creases are soft and come out easily, and the lettering is UV printed in permanent ink on the fabric, so it holds up to steaming.
- When it arrives: open the package, check the names, then keep the chart in its protective clear wrap until the wedding. That keeps it clean and stops new creases forming.
- The morning of: use a hand steamer to take out creases. Put the steamer in your venue kit, or hand it to whoever is setting up.
- If you must iron: turn the chart face down and use the lowest heat. Never iron directly on the lettering.
- Never machine wash or bleach it. Spot clean or hand wash, and hang to dry.
A white linen blend with hand-frayed edges will always look softer than a rigid sign. That softness is the reason to choose it.
Can you get a wedding sign bigger than 24x47?
Yes, in linen. Our stock linen charts go to 24x84, and we make longer and wider pieces, up to 36 inches wide, on request. For a list over 325 guests, a chart longer than 84 inches, or an acrylic build that mounts to your own backdrop, send us a note with your guest count and the space, and we'll tell you what fits.
For the full size picture across acrylic, linen and two-panel signs, see How Big Should a Wedding Seating Chart Be?
Frequently asked questions
How long should a linen seating chart be?
Any of our three lengths, 24x51, 24x71 or 24x84, holds up to 325 guests. 24x71 is the length couples choose most. Choose 24x84 for a statement piece or the largest names, and 24x51 for a lower stand or a smaller room with up to about 225 guests.
How do you hang a linen seating chart?
Thread a rod through the sewn pocket at the top, or tie ribbon through the small slit on each side, and hang it from a hanging stand, a wood frame, a beam or an arbor. The crossbar must sit higher than the chart is long, so a 24x71 chart needs a crossbar at least 6 feet 6 inches high.
How do you get wrinkles out of a linen sign?
Use a hand steamer on the morning of the wedding. If you iron it, turn it face down on the lowest heat and never iron directly on the lettering. Keep it in its protective wrap until the day.
Does a linen seating chart come with a stand?
No. Linen charts include a sewn rod pocket at the top and a slit on each side for ribbon, but no rod, holder or stand. We share the hanging stands and frames we use on our Wedding Sign Stands page.
Can a linen seating chart be used outdoors?
Yes, in a sheltered spot on a calm day. Linen isn't made for rain or strong wind; for an exposed outdoor spot, choose acrylic or keep a covered place ready to move the chart to.
Choose your linen seating chart in any of our four collections now, and send the names when they're final. Every linen chart comes with a proof, so you'll see each name in place before we print.
Choose your linen seating chart
In any of our four collections, with a proof of every name before we print. Send the names when they're final.
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