Signature Events by Shelly: Wedding Reception Seating: Have a Seat Please

Monday, January 23, 2012

Wedding Reception Seating: Have a Seat Please

It's been a crazy week, and I've had passing thoughts on what to blog about next, but after spending an extremely fun night with a couple I'm working with, the light bulb in my head lit up - SEATING CHARTS.

{www.intimateweddings.com}

The seating arrangement for your wedding reception dinner is, quite possibly, one of the most stressful things when it comes to wedding planning {you thought it was finding the right dress, didn't you?}. And, I hate to tell you, but this part of your planning really cannot be avoided. Some people are very adamant about "letting their guests decide where to sit", but this doesn't work. Too many times people end up shuffling around trying to sit with their spouse, or finding the right space for their children. Cliques start happening {AHH! High School nightmare!!}, and your quiet, reserved out-of-town friend is stuck sitting with people she doesn't know. Not good!

So, with that being said I am going to help you figure out how to put together a perfect seating arrangement for all of your guests. Ready?

1. First, you have a couple of options as far as seating. You can do a Seating Assignment or a Table Assignment. Either way, people will feel organized and relaxed - not anxious trying to figure out who to sit with.

2. Consider where to sit your elderly guests and those with disabilities. Away from the music speakers, yet close to the fun and near the front are some things to keep in mind.

3. Figure out where to put the head table ~ if you're having one. I am not one for the "traditional long head table on a stage" look so my couples always start their seating assignments with themselves. A few options for my couple's and their set-up are:

a sweetheart table, usually positioned near the dance floor
a long banquet table in the middle of the room that can include everyone from the couple, bridal party and dates, parents, siblings, grandparents, officiant, just to name a few
a series of round tables ~ this works well if there is an extremely large party
a large square table including the two of you and your parents

4. Typically, both of your parents would sit at a table together along with the officiant and guest, grandparents and any siblings not in the wedding party. Again, some options... You could decide to let each of your parents "host" their own table with close family and/or friends. If your parents are divorced this could mean that you have 4 parents tables. Not an issue, just keep this in mind. And, if you're not sure what the best way to do this is, ask them. You don't want any uncomfortable situations arising...and neither do they.

5. Aside from parents, keep your other family and friends relationships in mind. If people aren't speaking due to past problems, don't try to make this day the "make-up day". Let them do that on their own time. Keep them as far apart as possible ~ trust me, they'll appreciate it.

6. Your high school and college friends will be excited to be sitting at the same table together. It will give them all an opportunity to catch up, but, this is also a great time to mix and match both of your friends. Seat some friends that don't know each other together, but who you think will get along exceptionally well...and who knows what might happen.

Remember that your seating chart takes time. There are a number of on-line templates or you can draw tables on a large piece of paper and use post-it strips {that's my favorite!!}. As you receive your responses back, write the names down immediately ~ on your computer template or your post-it. Create a spreadsheet and write the guests names and their relationship to you {bride family, groom's cousin, dad's business partner...}, this will help you keep to easily sort the list and break it down into more manageable table assignements.

Try to have this finished, at least, a week before your wedding. I try to have my couples get it done two weeks beforehand, then, since you've spent the time to make sure your 250 guests will have a remarkable night, show it off in your own style.