The big day is coming up and you're stressed about your seating plan?
How do you go about it? Where to start?
Don't panic, we are here to give you our 6 tips for a successful wedding seating plan!
#1 | Why make a seating plan?
A seating plan is not mandatory, but it will be very useful for the organization of the dinner: thanks to the detailed seating plan you will have given them, the caterer will be able to easily identify the guests with food intolerances or allergies, and the nanny will know at which table to find the children's parents in case of need… So much less stress for you on the big day!
#2 | Make a guest list
Without a guest list, it is difficult to make a seating plan…
In principle, as a born organizer, you have established the list of your guests at the beginning of the preparations of your wedding, and you have adjusted it after having sent your invitations according to the answers of your guests.
Don't get too far ahead of yourself in developing the seating plan because you may have last minute changes! Start with a tentative seating plan once you receive your guests' responses and validate it the month before your wedding.
#3 | Define the type of seating plan
You can place your guests either :
- By table: you place your guests by table, but you leave them free to sit next to the person of their choice. This allows them to continue a conversation started during the wine of honor for example.
- By table and by place: you identify the place where each guest will have to sit, by a personal place card. This option is preferable if you have a lot of specific menus, as it improves the efficiency of the catering service.
#4 | Who to place with whom?
The seating plan is an art! Your choices will determine the atmosphere of your party and ensure that everyone has a good time.
Where should you, the newlyweds, sit? Wherever you like! With your witnesses, your closest friends, your parents… It's your day, your choices!
I advise you to place the guests according to their affinities and their ages. Avoid tables composed exclusively of singles and separate couples and groups of friends. Consider seating at least two people who know each other at the same table so they don't feel isolated.
Also keep in mind the incompatibilities of characters and personal histories of each (divorce, separation, disputes …).
As you can see, this is not an easy task, it's time to use all your psychology skills.
#5 | The layout of the tables in the space
Whether you use round, oval, square or rectangular tables, you will need to think about their configuration in the room/area.
Visually, the layout of the tables must be harmonious.
Place the top table in the center of the area so that you can see all your guests and avoid turning your back on them. Place the tables where your parents are seated close to the top table.
Place the tables far enough away from the speakers so that your guests - especially the older ones - are not disturbed by the noise, and leave enough room between the tables to ensure the smooth running of the service. Allow one meter between each table.
Identify each table with a number or a name.
Also consider including buffet/bar tables and the area of the DJ or live band on your layout.
#6 | How to present the seating plan on the day?
This is the time to let your creativity run wild, the only limit is your imagination!
The only limit is your imagination. Always keep in mind the general atmosphere of your big day.
Check out our seating plan inspirations on Pinterest.
Set up the seating plan at the entrance to the dinner space, at eye level and in a space with enough light for guests to easily find their seats, because that's the point, right?
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