S is for Seating

Should you assign seats, tables, or let everyone wing it? No matter what you decide, your guests will likely figure out where to take a seat - however, having a plan does make it easier for everyone in the long run.

Why have a plan? Inevitably, (especially with larger guest lists) there will be relatives who are no longer speaking to each other, childhood friends who desperately want to sit together, or an out of town guest who doesn't know anyone else and is not comfortable approaching a table full of strangers without some direction. Having a plan will greatly reduce the stress levels and potential anxiety of those in attendance. It will also ensure that people who want to be near friends or family, can be.

Where to start? Think about the floor plan of the room. Try a variety of arrangements and don't be afraid to switch things around and see which plans work best.

Decide on where the bridal table will be (if you want to have one) and who will be seated at it. Traditionally, the bride and groom are the focal point of the room, but it is completely up to you. Some couples choose to sit at their own "sweetheart" table, some sit with their Maid of Honor and Best Man, others have a long head table with the full bridal party. The significant others of your bridal party who are attending the wedding can either be seated at the head table or at other tables in the room. If being the center of attention does not sound appealing, you could sit among your guests, or leave a few chairs open at tables around the room so that you can switch tables throughout the night.

Sweetheart Table

Headtable for Wedding Party

After you have decided where you and your groom will be and where your bridesmaids and groomsmen will sit, think about the immediate family and close friends. Do you want a family table with the parents and grandparents of the bride and groom together? Do you want separate tables for the bride's family and groom's family? Are there any divorces or family tensions that need to be considered? If so, separate tables can help ease the stress that sharing close quarters during the meal could cause.

Next, think about friends of the family and more distant relatives. Are there people on your guest list who you don't know well? Don't stress, this is a good area to involve your mom or mother-in-law-to-be. Assign specific tables or groups to them, without letting them take control of all of it. Are kids invited to the wedding? Will they be in their own area or seated at the tables with their parents.

*Side note - if you have invited children to the wedding and reception, consider hiring a babysitter. This will help ensure that the kids are entertained and happy, and give their parents a break for the evening.

Seating Chart and Gift Table

Use a seating chart or place cards to direct your guests to their table or seat.