Wedding Guests and Seating

When you get engaged and start planning your wedding, the seating arrangements at the reception may not be a priority in your mind. While it’s true that other things on your list need to be done first, do plan to spend some time on this important aspect of your reception.

Keep in mind that it will be best to wait until all your RSVP cards have come in before you start working on the seating arrangement. You will just waste time and energy if you start setting table groups before you know who is actually going to be at your wedding reception.

Once you do have the guest list determined and RSVP’S are in, it is time to get to work on this wedding detail. It may take some patience and re-dos, but you want to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible. Start with close family. If you will be having a separate head table for wedding members, try to place you and your spouse’s closest family members nearest to the head table.

For guests that are more friends of your parents, get the advice from your parents regarding seating arrangements. It is always nice for guests to sit at a table where they know at least one other couple, if possible.

Single guests will enjoy a singles type of table. If someone will be attending your wedding sans a partner, it could be uncomfortable for that guest to be sitting at a table with all couples!

Make sure you have a name card for each and every guest attending, even young ones. Also, have some extra name cards and seats/chairs available for unexpected guests. Don’t be upset if you notice (which you probably won’t anyway..you’ll be floating up on cloud nine!) some guests switching their name cards. The important thing is for everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves.

Lastly, as the party goes on, guests will be moving around and sitting at different tables. This has nothing to do with your seating arrangements,don’t worry, but shows that your guests are feeling comfortable and sociable, and that is a good thing!