Planning: Wedding Reception Seating
Planning your wedding reception seating may seem like a daunting task…especially if your wedding is large…but creating a satisfactory seating plan is relatively easy if you follow these tips:
Number of guests
You’ve sent out your invitations, and you’ve received your RSVP’s for the reception, but before you can start worrying about who is going to sit where, talk with your venue coordinator about the actual space that’s available for guest tables. Keep in mind where the head table will be positioned, as well as the music, cake table, buffet tables, etc. Also, ask the coordinator for his/her advice on which table shapes work best for the number of guests you wish to invite. Keep in mind, too, that it’s better to have fewer tables that are full, than many tables with just a few guests. Last, remember it’s beneficial to have some extra seats available for unexpected guests.
Head Table
The head table, or top table, is generally located in a prime location at the reception venue…typically in the front. This table is reserved for you, your groom, your wedding party and possibly your parents. If your parents do not sit at the head table with you, make sure that they are directly in front of you.
Guest Tables
Apart from the head table, guests traditionally sit at round tables. Have your family tables closest to the head table, and follow these tips for the rest of your guests:
- Keep couples, families, co-workers, etc., together. Those who share common interests will converse freely and be at ease. Small children should be seated with their parents, too, so that they will be supervised.
- Keep in mind that age is a factor. Seat elderly people together and other guests of similar ages together. They’ll have more in common.
- Solo guests should be dispersed throughout your seating chart, not thrown together at one table. Make sure they have something in common with those that they are seated with, though. One to two single people per table should be sufficient.
- Keep divorced men and women separated to avoid conflict. Even if they get along, you’ll probably still want to separate them, so that painful memories aren’t triggered, which may cause conflict.
- Guests with special needs will need extra consideration when you’re planning your seating arrangement. Obviously, walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, etc. need special attention, but, also, keep in mind that your elderly guests will need to be seated in close proximity to the restrooms. Moms with babies, too, should be placed in an area where they can make a quick exit, if necessary.
- Balance your tables with even numbers of males and females.
- And, as a final note, check with your parents for any possible seating errors. There may be some tensions between people that you are not aware of, and seating them together might cause a problem.
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Lisa Bakewell
Tags: Planning, Tips, Wedding Tips
