| > | | | | On one hand you might want to try out a little |
| Advice on the reception seating plan and many useful | | | | matchmaking, but on the other, this could be rather |
| tips on how to arrange both guests and tables. | | | | uncomfortable and awkward for your guests (it |
| Do I need a Seating Plan? | | | | might be very obvious too!). Certainly avoid a |
| If you have a small, informal reception, you may not | | | | singles’ table but generally do whatever |
| feel you need a plan. However for larger numbers, | | | | you feel is best for your guests. |
| or a sit down meal, both you and your guests may | | | | 3. If you are using round tables, the general |
| benefit from a seating plan. Guests are saved from a | | | | etiquette is to seat males and females alternately |
| mad panic of trying to find a seat on a table with | | | | around the table. If you are using long tables, seat |
| their friends/family and you can place people where | | | | couples opposite one another and then alternate male |
| they’ll be happiest! The wedding meal may | | | | females along the table. |
| last for 2-3 hours and is a significant part of the | | | | 4. The tables closest to the Bride and Groom should |
| day. If your guests are sitting with people they get | | | | be reserved for the closest friends and family. |
| along with, it will make a big difference to their | | | | 5. Give each table a name or number. Table |
| overall enjoyment of the day. There are a | | | | names could be themed - for example people, |
| number of options for the seating plan: | | | | objects or places that are relevant to you as a |
| No plan at all — best for stand up | | | | couple. Names also remove the perceived hierarchy |
| buffets or small and informal events. | | | | of tables. You should create a name card for each |
| Assign guests to tables — you allocate | | | | table (your venue may do this for you) so that |
| guests to tables but the choice of seat is theirs. | | | | guests can easily find their table. |
| Assign guests to seats — you specify | | | | 6. If you are assigning guests to specific seats you |
| the seats at which each guest will sit. | | | | should create name place cards. These could also |
| If you remember only one thing
| | | | show menu choices (if you are offering them) or |
| Do what you think would make you and your guests | | | | indicate vegetarians. The waiting staff will really |
| most comfortable. | | | | appreciate this and it will allow them to give a more |
| The Top Table Dilemma | | | | seamless service. You should also give a paper copy |
| While the traditional top table (Bride and Groom | | | | of your plan to the venue so that they can see |
| seated at a long table flanked by the wedding party) | | | | where people are seated. |
| is still favoured by most, alternatives are often being | | | | Creating the Plan |
| introduced as family structures get more complicated. | | | | Start arranging your seating plan early. You can |
| The traditional layout is as follows: | | | | start doing this before all your RSVPs have come in |
| Chief | | | | as most of your close friends and family will probably |
| ride-B.Father-G.Mother-Best Man | | | | be definitely attending, even if they haven’t |
| There are alternative arrangements — these | | | | formally replied yet. |
| are useful when parents have split up and are | | | | To begin creating your plan, get a general idea from |
| possibly with a new partner. Alternatively, you may | | | | your venue how tables will be arranged in the room, |
| want to avoid the top table altogether and have a | | | | determine whether you’ll be using round or |
| romantic table for two, or sit with other friends | | | | long tables or a mixture of both, and work out how |
| family. | | | | many people you can sit at each table. |
| Top Tips for Other Tables | | | | Arranging the plan can take a long time and might |
| 1. Seating tables with just one family group will let | | | | involve numerous revisions. Many people cut up |
| them relax, but won’t do much to encourage | | | | pieces of paper for each guest and table and use |
| mingling. However, a table where no one knows | | | | these to try out different layouts. Thankfully, over |
| anyone else might be a bit daunting for most | | | | the last few years software (web-based, for |
| people! Try and arrange a mix on each table | | | | download or even Excel spreadsheets) has become |
| — so everyone knows a few people. By | | | | available to make the task simpler. It can save you |
| thinking about guest’s ages and interests you | | | | not only hours of your time but also reduce the |
| can make sure that each table is likely to get on and | | | | stress in the lead up to the big day by simplifying last |
| have fun! | | | | minute changes. |
| 2. Where to sit singles can also create a dilemma. | | | | |