How to Create a Wedding Seating Arrangement

Create a Wedding Seating Plan.

Weddings are such a happy and special event, it is hard to think about all of the arrangements that need to be made. One of the most important things to consider is where to seat your guests. Whether you have a seating plan for your wedding or reception, deciding how you wish to place your guests will depend on the formality and size of your guest list. Following a few simple etiquette guidelines will help you walk down the aisle with confidence that your family and friends are comfortable and thrilled for you on your very special day.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Create your guest list. Determine if you plan to invite children, second cousins and other extended family or friends. Decide ahead of time what you will decide if family and friends want to invite a guest to accompany them.

2. Determine how you will seat your guests. Do your wedding and reception choices accommodate your guest list? You may have to trim numbers or find a creative way to include additional guests.

3. Discuss your decisions with your wedding planner and the people in charge of your wedding and reception locations. There may be a limit on the number of guests you may have.

4. Consider your church and reception layout. Discuss how you will have your guests seated. You may choose to have the families separated on each side of the church, with immediate family in the first few rows of seating. You may choose to have a family table at the reception.

5. You may have formal guest seating with each guest receiving a seating card, or an escort card. Your guests will sit in a specific seat and will know ahead of time where that seat is.

6. If you feel that an open floor plan is best, make sure you explain to your wedding planner what you prefer. Have your ushers or a trusted friend explain at the church door that they may sit on either side of the church or anywhere behind the immediate family. Plan a buffet style reception to give guests an opportunity to mingle and make themselves comfortable.

7. Consider the feelings of your older guests. Some of them may have very traditional views on how weddings and receptions should be conducted. Explain to them that they are important and try to make sure they are escorted to a table in your open floor plan.

8. Think creatively. You may choose to have your wedding take place outside, where guests can form a circle around the ceremony. At your reception, you may choose to have several seats available to you to sit down and spend some time at each table.

9. Plan your wedding carefully. This is your day and your opportunity to share your happiness with family and friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave room for unexpected guests.

Resources

• Reception Seating Etiquette Musts