Wedding Table Plans - The art of seating wedding guests
Who gets on with who? Who might get on with who? Who needs to be separated? Deciding who sits where at a wedding reception is enough to bring anyone out in hives! We thought we’d give a few ideas about the best ways to seat guests at a wedding; with some suggestions about table seating etiquette and ideas for a wedding seating plan to make everyone happy.
No bride and groom wish to spend time on their big day worrying about who is sitting where and if they are getting on or not. That’s why when anyone suggests a wedding table plan may not be essential, we beg to differ! Bearing in mind you may be juggling large guest numbers, it’s a simple, yet highly effective visual tool for reducing potential stress, chaos and conflict on the day.
Not only will a well-planned table layout make things easier for the wedding couple, it’s helpful for guests too. They will be able to see, at a glance, where they are sitting. This eliminates any unsightly scrum as guests scramble to be seated and ensures the whole wedding reception is more likely to run without a hitch.
Whilst you may be tempted to leave who sits where to the very last minute, our advice is DON’T!
Here is some practical advice to help make your wedding table planning a cinch:
1. Know your venue
To get on top of wedding seating planning, there are important practical details you need to get on top of.
Firstly, the layout of your wedding reception venue. How big is it? What shape is it?
Once you have a clear understanding of the space available, you can start thinking about the table shapes and sizes. Do you want long tables, round tables or a U-shaped table? Do you want a top table?
When you’re sitting in front of a blank table plan, it’s this information, and a good idea of your final attendance numbers, that are the important first steps to take towards successful wedding table planning!
2. Know your guests
Even if you’ve opted for an informal wedding, well thought out wedding table plans mean no guest will be without a seat, or some tables half full. And whilst you can opt for a table plan with flexible seating, we suggest going one step further and assigning guests specific seats. This provides the ultimate reassurance that no one will be left out and important guests will be seated where you want them.
As well as being good for guests, this is invaluable for your caterers, who will then know exactly where a guest with a food allergy or intolerance is seated, and can serve them appropriate food.
Effective seating planning is a little like playing grown up musical chairs. Bride and groom need to work closely together then it comes to the best layout. You know your friends and family best and can assess who will get on with whom. Seat guests by groups; for instance, age, backgrounds or interests, mixing the familiar with new faces. Or opt for inter-generational tables. Whatever your choice, the aim is to make each guest feel as comfortable as possible, so really take the time and trouble to seat people together who have something in common. Oh, and get your parents input when it comes to seating their friends, as they will know them far better than you.
3. Common pitfalls to avoid
Is there such a thing as a perfect table plan? We like to think so! Often there will be a top table, or a table where (traditionally) the parents of the bride and groom sit. Grandparents and siblings usually share this table too. This offers both sets of families a chance to get to know each other better, so they can jointly share in the day’s joy.
A top table wedding layout idea
Of course, if there are complex family circumstances, such as divorced parents, then other options may need to be looked at. What about having two top tables, or one very, very long one, where you can seat them at opposite ends?
The same is true of ex-partners, or friends who’ve had a past liaison; one they’ve no wish to be reminded of! Try not to put them on the same table or it could make for a rather awkward and tense event!
In short, whilst there is no set table etiquette, the more pre-planning you do, the better. And whilst effective and thoughtful table planning takes time, it is definitely effort well spent as it ensures happy guests and a smooth-running reception.
4. Pick your print
You’ve got your lists prepared and you know exactly where each guest will be sitting. Now it’s all about how you communicate this as clearly, concisely and effortlessly to guests as possible; to avoid any confusion on the big day.
This is where wedding stationery comes into its own. A good stationer will help ensure your plans are communicated in the most effective and visual way possible.
You might want to consider a wedding seating plan board, with a pictorial representation. Make sure it is large enough for guests to easily see which table they are assigned to and its position in the room. This allows you to find your seat with ease.
Other helpful stationery items that act as a visual point of reference are table number cards or a table name card to help guests reach the right table swiftly.
Name place cards are important for showing guests their exact seat. From wedding escort cards and envelopes to folded wedding place cards or flat name cards – you can choose either pre-printed or blank name place cards, if you want to handwrite the names yourself.
Don’t forget to talk to your stationery supplier. They can advise on the most cost effective and visually impactful designs, as well as timings such as when the last possible date for your table plan printing is.
If you’re looking for wedding table plan ideas, whether it’s a non-traditional top table layout a modern top table seating plan, a traditional top table seating plan or U-shaped wedding table plan, we’ve got you covered. The key is never leaving this part of the wedding planning to the last minute, discuss all ideas and options with your stationery supplier…. oh, and try and enjoy it! The more efficient your planning, the more effortless it all becomes!