How To Plan The Perfect Seating Plan For Your Reception

Anyone who has been through a wedding knows the drama that is involved in creating the perfect seating plan for a reception. Aunt Marilyn can’t sit anywhere near her evil sister. John the drunk needs to be seated as far away from the pastor as possible. And foul-mouthed Jeff needs to be kept away from bible-thumping Janet. Yes, the seating plan needs to look unintentional and pleasant.

So, how do you go about putting all of these people in the right place? Of course you need to start with a complete list of everyone who will be attending. Once you have that in place, you can begin finding them appropriate seats.

Your wedding reception venue will dictate much of your seating. Will you have one long table at the front? Will the tables seat 4, 6, or more? How many tables will there be, and how close will they be to each other? It is possible to seat two arch-enemies at one table if the tables are large enough!

Once you know you the tables will be set up, you need to figure out who your guests are – who they really are. Are they childhood friends? Co-workers? Family? Once these people are categorized, decide how you want the tables set up. A table for family only? Or do you want to mix and match? Some brides like tables to be a good mix of people – a friend, a family member or two, a co-worker, etc. By doing this, people get to meet new people, but it can also lead up to awkward moments.

You also need to keep in consideration people who might need a little extra help. Some brides have kids sitting at a separate “kids table” with a separate menu. Some like the kids with their parents. Where will the elderly people go? If they have hearing or mobility issues, you need to keep that in mind when planning where they will sit.

Remember that no matter where and how you seat people, they won’t stay that way. Certainly, by the time dinner begins, someone will have moved at least one of the seating cards. Don’t worry about it! You did the best you could!