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