Seating arrangements can be tricky for large wedding receptions and when extended and step families are involved. Creating the perfect seating chart is like putting together an intricate puzzle, which guests need to sit together and which should be seated on opposite sides of the room. If you are lucky, you have a lot of guests with rounded corners that you can “make fit“ in the middle of your sharp corners.
Seating Chart Guidelines:
- Depending on the formality of your wedding, you can either assign guests a seat or simply assign them to a table and let them pick their own seat.
- No seating arrangements are needed if you are hosting a cocktail party. But, if you're serving a meal, a seating chart should be made.
- You need to wait until you have nearly all of your RSVPs, but don't wait until the last minute. You will need time to DIY or order escort/place cards. We have a ton of super fun and unique DIY seating charts. Check out this Wine Cork Seating Chart and this Velvet & Floral Hoop Seating Chart. Guests will be so impressed as the seating chart is one of the first things they pay attention to as they walk in.
- Also check out these awesome DIY Marbled Coaster Place Cards that double as a wedding favor!
*Dry erase boards (and markers) or index cards are easy tools to use when mixing and matching names in groups.
Creating a Seating Chart:
- Seat yourselves first; sweetheart table for two, with family, or with your wedding party at a head table. The head table is often near the dance floor but not right next to the band or DJ. You will be greeting guests throughout the day or evening, at your table or theirs. You want to avoid having to shout over the band, if possible.
- Seat extended family and parents' friends next. Ask parents for grouping suggestions. Mix people with similar interests.
- Seat friends together by association; sorority sisters, golfing buddies, neighborhood pals, etc. Find time during the evening to introduce people to one another but try your best to seat people with people they may know.
- Singles table? Nah! Seat single friends with people they know and let them mingle like the big boys and girls that they are.
- Seat young kids with their parents and teenagers at one table, preferably next to a charging station for their smartphones. Just teasing, kids. (Although, that would make you one #epicbride)
Making a Floor Plan:
- You need to know where in the room all of the tables will be set up and keep in mind the shape of your tables. Rectangle tables make conversation easier but round tables are easier for you to divide guests. Keep this in mind before buying tablecloths.
- Seat guests who you know love to dance near the dance floor. This not only makes it easier for them but will also help keep the energy up as the evening progresses. Create a Wedding Reception Playlist that Rocks so your guests are entertained and interacting with one another.
- Seat older guests away from the band or DJ. They may wish to dance but having to compete over the bass may drive them away from your wedding reception earlier than you wish. Thoughtful seating choices can avoid this unfortunate series of events.
Finish this final month (yes, one month to go until "I do"!) with tips on tipping vendors, thank you cards and writing vows. Before you know it, you’ll be on the dance floor with your husband!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Melissa Collier
