Things You'll Need:
- Pen
- Paper
- Place cards
- Table name cards
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Step 1
Choose one of two types of traditional wedding seating. Assign guests to a table and let the guests choose the seat or designate exactly the seat where each guest will sit.
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Step 2
Decide who will sit at the head table, either the bride and groom only or the entire bridal party. If seating the entire bridal party remember that traditionally, the groom sits on the right side of the bride. Then the best man sits to the bride's left and the maid of honor sits to the groom's right.
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Step 3
Determine how to seat immediate family. The parents of the bride and groom can sit together at one table or each set of parents can host their own table and decide which family members and close friends they'd like to sit with. The latter choice is good for couples with divorced parents.
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Step 4
Encourage mingling by creating seating where everyone knows at least two people at the table. Arrange these people by interests or age so they have common ground for conversation.
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Step 5
Eliminate the dreaded "singles" table. Instead, integrate a single guest with the rest of your guests. For example, seat them with family or mutual friends.
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Step 6
Alternate men and women when seating guests at a round table. If seating couples at a square or rectangular table, it is customary to seat couples opposite each other while still alternating men and women.
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Step 7
Assign each table a number or a name. Either way, ensure that the name or number is visible to the guests and the wait staff. If seating guest-by-guest, make sure to use place cards at each seat and at the entrance of the reception so everyone knows where to sit.
