Trust us, perfecting your seating plan is much harder than it looks!
Wait Until Everyone Has Sent An RSVP
By waiting until you have received the majority of your RSVP cards, you will elimenate the stress of chopping and changing table numbers and designated seat assignments. This will also save considerable time so you can focus on more important wedding matters.
Top Table Etiquette
Traditionally, guests seated at the top table include; the happy couple, both sets of parents, the maid of honor, the best man, the bridesmaids and the ushers. Some newlyweds also choose to seat their priest or registrar at the top table during the meal as a gesture of thanks for performing their ceremony.
IT’S OKAY TO BREAK THE RULES
We’re all for couples putting their own stamp on their special day. When it comes to your top table, it’s totally okay to throw out the rule book and ditch tradition if family politics are causing a headache. Many couples now have to factor divorced parents and a wider extended family into their day. If this sounds similar to your current situation, ultimately you need to do what’s right for you and your loved ones to ensure everyone is comfortable. To ease tensions, maybe you would like to scratch your parents from the top table; instead allowing them to host their own circle of friends nearby. Or maybe you won’t have any top table at all.
SPEAK WITH YOUR PLANNER ABOUT THE ROOM LAYOUT
Your reception space may cater for larger numbers, and this may not complement your final guest list. If this is a concern, speak with your wedding coordinator, who will advise on where to place tables and how to make the most of the room to ensure it sets the right atmosphere.
Choose Your Preferred Style Of Table Arrangements
Would you prefer a more relaxed and informal dining setting where everyone can mix and mingle around larger trestle style banqueting tables? Or would round tables provide an intimate setting with a more seamless flow of movement throughout the room?
Keep Numbers Concise
Make a clear decision on the maximum number of place settings you want, this way you will ensure each table isn’t overcrowded. Your guests banging elbows as they try to eat their main course isn’t exactly ideal.
Manage Conflict
Did uncle Barry and cousin Joe have a major bust-up in 1987 and still snob each other in the street? Take our advice, sit them on opposite sides of the room. Preferably next to family member that has the cop on to keep them separated for the duration of the party. The last thing you need on your special day is a fight over the bread rolls during dinner service.
Seat Like With Like
Try your best to keep friends and family seated with familiar faces. For example, place college or work friends together etc. If you have invited a couple who has not met any of your guests before, aim to seat them next to one of your more out-going friends who is guaranteed to chat with them. Similarly, it’s best not to seat older relatives who may seek a quieter ambience with an extroverted or brash personality.
Place Names Do Matter
Placing a seating chart at the entrance of the suite and clearly labeling where each guest should sit will avoid any confusion on the day. Aiming to get a large group seated quickly after a couple of alcoholic beverages is harder than it looks! Organisation is key to making your meal run on time and ensures that everybody gets a spot next to their partner.
Have A Dedicated Kiddie Table
Mom and dad will love you eternally for this one. The little ones are generally the life and soul of the party, they will be buzzing at the idea of sitting at their very own table while they dine with all their new pals. Add little details such as colouring books and crayons, disposable cameras and goodie bags to keep them entertained throughout dinner.
Image Credit: Heather Curiel Weddings via Style Me Pretty.
