Tips on: Seating your Guests

If you have a small, informal reception, you may not feel you need a seating plan. However, for large numbers, or a sit down meal, both you and your guests may benefit from a seating chart. The wedding meal may last for 2-3 hours and is a significant part of the day. If your guests are sitting with people they get along with, it will make a big difference to their overall enjoyment of the day!

The traditional head table:
Groomsmen-bridesmaid-Best Man-Bride-Groom-Maid of Honor-groomsmen-bridesmaid
While the traditional head table is still favored by most, alternatives are often being used such as including parents and clergy. Some are even including partners of the bridal party which works nice if you are using a Sweetheart table.

Seating tables with just one family group will let them relax, but it will not do much to encourage mingling. However, a table where no one knows anyone else might be a bit daunting for most people. Try and arrange a mix on each table-so everyone knows a few people. By thinking about guests' ages and interests you can make sure that each table is likely to get on and have fun!

Where to sit singles can also create a dilemma. On one hand you might try out a little match-making, but on the other, this could be rather uncomfortable and awkward for your guests. Certainly avoid a 'Singles Table'.

We have all been to weddings that we attended without an escort, knowing only the bride or a few members of the family and were either seated at the 'singles table' or seating was a free for all. What memory of the wedding did you leave with?
By seating your guests appropriately they can see that you took the time on your special day to think of them to make sure they enjoyed themselves. It is little details like this that go a long way to your guests and will ensure that everyone will remember your wedding with warm thoughts.