What is the Seating Readiness Score?

A free 15-statement check that shows how ready your event's seating plan is. It covers five areas: guest count, venue and logistics, layout and flow, chair style, and season and backup plan. Each area and the overall plan get a score out of 100.

How is the score calculated?

Each statement scores 0 for "Not yet", 1 for "Partly" and 2 for "Done". An area's score is its three answers out of 6, shown out of 100. The overall score is all 15 answers out of 30, shown out of 100.

What do the score bands mean?

Just starting (0–39): Most of the seating decisions are still open. That is normal this early, and a short call can map them out in order. Taking shape (40–69): The big picture is there. A few open decisions could still change your chair count or style. Nearly set (70–89): You are close. Settle your weakest area and you are ready to request exact pricing. Ready to book (90–100): Your seating plan is ready. Request pricing or book a call to reserve your date.

Do I need to give my email to see my score?

No. Your score shows right away. Emailing yourself the result is optional, and nothing is saved unless you send it.

Can I share my result with my partner or planner?

Yes. The page link updates as you answer, so copying it shares your exact answers. Anyone who opens it sees the same score.

When should I book event chairs in Chicago?

Book as soon as your date, venue and rough guest count are set. Popular Chicago-area dates in late spring, summer and fall fill first.

Free planning tool

Are you ready to book your chairs?

Score your seating plan out of 100 in about two minutes. You'll see the one area to settle first and how to fix it. No sign-up needed.

Garden folding event chair, a simple seat that represents counting chairs per guest

Louis medallion ballroom chair, representing venue and load-in planning

Cross-back vineyard chair, representing ceremony and reception layout planning

Clear ghost chair, representing choosing a chair style for the event

Rattan garden chair outdoors, representing Chicago weather and backup planning

0 of 15 answered

Area 1 of 5
Guest count
- I have a final or near-final guest count.
- I know how many vendors (photographer, DJ, planner) will sit down to eat.
- I've added a small buffer for late RSVPs and surprise plus-ones.
Area 2 of 5
Venue and logistics
- I know my venue's load-in times and access (stairs, elevators, loading dock).
- I know whether my venue includes chairs, and what those chairs look like.
- I know my venue's rules for outside rentals (insurance, setup and pickup windows).
Area 3 of 5
Layout and flow
- I know whether the ceremony and reception share a space, and whether chairs need to flip.
- I've chosen table shapes and sizes (60-inch rounds, 72-inch rounds or banquet tables).
- I've planned the head table or sweetheart table.
Area 4 of 5
Chair style
- I've picked a chair style, or narrowed it to two.
- I know my color palette and the chair finish that goes with it.
- I've decided on cushions, sashes or other chair decor.
Area 5 of 5
Season and backup plan
- I have a plan for Chicago weather (rain, wind, heat or cold) if any part is outdoors.
- I know how far ahead chairs book up for my season.
- I have a backup for extra or damaged chairs on the day.

The method

What the score checks

Guest count
- I have a final or near-final guest count.
- I know how many vendors (photographer, DJ, planner) will sit down to eat.
- I've added a small buffer for late RSVPs and surprise plus-ones.
Venue and logistics
- I know my venue's load-in times and access (stairs, elevators, loading dock).
- I know whether my venue includes chairs, and what those chairs look like.
- I know my venue's rules for outside rentals (insurance, setup and pickup windows).
Layout and flow
- I know whether the ceremony and reception share a space, and whether chairs need to flip.
- I've chosen table shapes and sizes (60-inch rounds, 72-inch rounds or banquet tables).
- I've planned the head table or sweetheart table.
Chair style
- I've picked a chair style, or narrowed it to two.
- I know my color palette and the chair finish that goes with it.
- I've decided on cushions, sashes or other chair decor.
Season and backup plan
- I have a plan for Chicago weather (rain, wind, heat or cold) if any part is outdoors.
- I know how far ahead chairs book up for my season.
- I have a backup for extra or damaged chairs on the day.

Questions

About the score

What is the Seating Readiness Score?: A free 15-statement check that shows how ready your event's seating plan is. It covers five areas: guest count, venue and logistics, layout and flow, chair style, and season and backup plan. Each area and the overall plan get a score out of 100.
How is the score calculated?: Each statement scores 0 for "Not yet", 1 for "Partly" and 2 for "Done". An area's score is its three answers out of 6, shown out of 100. The overall score is all 15 answers out of 30, shown out of 100.
What do the score bands mean?: Just starting (0–39): Most of the seating decisions are still open. That is normal this early, and a short call can map them out in order. Taking shape (40–69): The big picture is there. A few open decisions could still change your chair count or style. Nearly set (70–89): You are close. Settle your weakest area and you are ready to request exact pricing. Ready to book (90–100): Your seating plan is ready. Request pricing or book a call to reserve your date.
Do I need to give my email to see my score?: No. Your score shows right away. Emailing yourself the result is optional, and nothing is saved unless you send it.
Can I share my result with my partner or planner?: Yes. The page link updates as you answer, so copying it shares your exact answers. Anyone who opens it sees the same score.
When should I book event chairs in Chicago?: Book as soon as your date, venue and rough guest count are set. Popular Chicago-area dates in late spring, summer and fall fill first.

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