Wedding Seating Plan Tips
Deciding who sits where at your wedding can be a daunting task, which is why we have broken it up into some simple steps. Discover our wedding seating plan tips to find out where to start and how to make sure that your table plan is a hit on the day.
Why create a seating plan?
The choice is completely up to you, however, creating a seating plan for your reception can make things easier for you, your guests and your caterers.
- You will be happier knowing that your guests are with people they are likely to chat to around your tables!
- It makes the transition from your welcome drinks to reception easier, rather than guests having to choose a seat or find the seats that are left.
- Guests who do not know many other people at your wedding will find it reassuring that you have chosen a seat for them!
- Assigning seats allows you to tell your caterer where guests with dietary restrictions will be sitting, making the service easier!
How to start your wedding seating plan
- Find out the shape of your tables and the maximum number of people per table from your venue and the potential layout of the room.
- Compile your guest lists from your RSVP information (be sure to set the date early enough to give you plenty of time to work out who is and isn’t coming).
- Decide whether you wish to have a top table and if so who should be joining you (traditionally parents, the best man and the maid of honour)
- Work out who should be closest to you on adjacent tables. (grandparents, siblings, best friends…)
- Start putting your guests into groups (start with family or friendship groups first and then try to sit any remaining guests with people they are likely to get on well with).
- Consider whether or not you need a separate children’s table (depending on the number and age of the children invited).
- Once you have grouped everyone together, you can decide whether or not you wish to assign specific seats or leave guests a choice at their specific table.
Wedding top table seating plan
Traditionally, couples opt for a top table layout that allows them to preside over the reception, accompanied by their closest family or friends. However, this traditional layout does not work out for everyone and you may wish to simply blend into the other tables or even move around tables to eat with different guests as the day goes on!
The Bride and Groom traditionally sit in the middle of the top table with their respective parents, the Chief Bridesmaid and the Best Man on either side of them.
You may, however, wish to have just you and your parents, or you and your Best Man and Bridesmaids. The choice is completely up to you. If you have children, you may even wish to have them on the top table with you!
Traditional layouts do not work out for everyone depending on the family makeup so you can try out different options to work out what is best for you!
Presenting your wedding table plan
Your wedding table plan will become a standout piece at the entrance of your wedding reception venue so it is worth taking time to work out how you wish to display your wedding table plan. You can stick to simple framed wedding table plans that can be posed on an easel or get creative with your wedding table plan cards by attaching them to plants, wine bottles, ladders, mirrors and more. Take a look at our wedding table plan ideas for inspiration on how to create a seating plan that matches your wedding style.
However creative you get with your table plan, it shouldn't be too complicated! You want to make sure your table plan is easy for your guests to understand, as there will be a mad rush when everyone starts to look for where they’re seated. You will also want to use matching table numbers and place cards to make it easier for guests to find their seats once they know which table they are seated at.