It is a tedious task to create a seating plan, but it is essential for a well-structured and organized reception. Tijan Biner explains the dos and don’ts for creating the perfect seating chart to ensure that your reception runs smoothly.
The seating plan is one of the most daunting tasks for brides and grooms. You’ll need to juggle, edit, and revise, but you can make a seating chart that will please everyone with tact, diplomacy, and common sense.
What Should You Consider?
It would be best if you waited until you have received all RSVPs before creating seating charts. Also, make sure that the majority of wedding planning has been completed. Seating plans should complement your reception style and the space.
Wedding Style
You should first decide on the type of reception you want. Consider a cocktail reception if you want your guests to mix. Cocktail parties don’t usually have assigned seating. However, you should provide high tables with stools for those who prefer to sit. There are many unique and contemporary ways to seat guests at a sit-down soirée. Turn your reception area into an urban hotspot for the stylish couple with lounge-style furniture and coffee tables.
Floor Plan
Ask the wedding coordinator at the venue for a floor plan and make multiple copies. You can then experiment with different arrangements before you decide where to put the tables. This will also allow you to place your VIP tables closer to the action, as well as the dance floor, DJ, and bar. Seat older guests and invitees with wheelchairs further away from the dance floor to give them more space.
Table shapes
You can estimate the number of guests that you can seat by looking at the size and shape of your table. Wedding tables are available in four different shapes: round, square, rectangle, or oval. Round tables are more comfortable for your guests to sit on because they have more space. If you’re trying to decide how many people to sit at a roundtable, eight or six may be too far apart, while ten is ideal. If you add end caps to the tables, they can accommodate anywhere from six to eight guests.
Who sits where?
Create a spreadsheet that includes all your guests and add a column for categorizing them by their relationship. For example, you can group your family with your partner’s, or your friends and your partner’s. Each guest’s name should be written on a Post-It Note. Then, start arranging them according to the number and size of guests per table.
Bridal Party
They will sit around a rectangular, long-head table in the middle of the room. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and maid of honor will sit with them. Some couples choose to have their sweetheart tables, while others opt to leave some seats empty at each table so that guests can mingle. The groom is traditionally seated on the right of the bride, while the best man is positioned to her left. Finally, the maid/matron-of-honour sits at the groom’s side. You can also seat other attendants near the couple, like bridesmaids or groomsmen.
Families can be found in every ethnicity.
Parents of the bride and groom sit next to each other, usually with other family members and close friends. Each parent may host their family table with close friends and relatives.
Other Guests
Sort remaining guests into different categories, such as work, school, or university. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to seat everyone in the same group, but it can help you get a better idea of who knows whom. You can even group guests by age, interest, or background to help everyone feel at ease.
Children
It’s a great idea to have all the children at your wedding seated together and to provide them with games and activities that will keep them entertained. Be sure not to place this table too far away from the families. Seat the children with their parents if you only have a few kids.
Directing Guests to Their Seats
Decide how you want to guide your guests to their seats after you have seated them. Make it easy for your guests to locate their seats by using quirky place cards, escort cards, or a chic seat chart.
Place Cards
The place cards should list the full name of each guest and be placed at every seat. The names should be clearly and correctly written on the place cards, whether you choose a traditional card with a tented design or if you use a small bottle of Champagne with corresponding notes.
Escort Cards
The table in front of the reception will display the table numbers and the names of guests on the accompanying cards. Your guests will then be able to select their seats once they arrive at the table.
Seating Chart
Seating charts are best placed near the entrance. They will list all guests’ names alphabetically, along with their table numbers. Place cards for each guest may be placed on the table. Place your seating chart so that guests can easily see it while enjoying drinks before dinner. This will help to ensure that everyone has a smooth entry when called in for their seats.
Seating your guests comes as the final task after you have completed most of your wedding tasks. No matter how you decide to arrange the tables or invitees for your wedding, your guests will still be happy to be a part of this special day.
