How to Make a Wedding Reception Seating Chart

Don't let wedding plans stress you out, including how to arrange your seating chart for your reception. Follow these simple rules to designing a seating chart that all guests will be able to follow and admire.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thick poster board
• Access to a computer/printer
• Table numbers
• Easel
• Bow/ribbon
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Scissors

1. First figure out how many tables you will need to seat your guests. Also determine how many chairs will fit at each table. Sketch it out on paper, or get a sketch from the reception hall (if possible).

2. Make a list (per table) of who will be placed at each table. Go through your guest list and cross each off as you place them.

3. Once you have determined which tables your guests will be assigned to, buy a thick poster board. You may need more than one if you have more than 100 guests.

4. 

   On the computer type out a chart that lists the name of each guest (in alphabetical order by last name). After each name, list the table number for that particular guest.

5. Print the list and glue it onto the poster board. Use scrapbook scissors or paper to make it look festive. You can also add a cute bow in your wedding colors on the top of the board.

6. 

   The top of the board should read "names A-M", etc.) if you have more than one chart. There should be three columns: last name, first name, table number.

7. Place the seating chart on an easel. Check with your reception hall to see if they already have on, or rent one.

8. Place the seating chart(s) outside of the wedding reception room where guests can clearly read where to sit.

9. Additionally, each table should be marked with a number. You can display the number on a photo clip or other decorative element. Your reception hall may already have the table numbers, too.

10. Create a place setting/name card for each guest. It is up to you if you want to use first and last name, or even include Mr., Mrs., etc. This can be made easily out out card stock paper or scrapbook paper. You can print directly on the paper and just cut and fold it.

11. Sit back and relax knowing that your guests will easily find their seats at your wedding reception. Without assigned seating, you would most likely end up with half-full tables and guests having to split up.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to seat people next to each other who have things in common or are family members. It is inevitable that some people who do not know each other will be sitting at the same table. Don't get too stressed about who sits where, because before you know it people will be up and dancing.
• The point of a seating chart is also to ensure that your relatives and most important people in your life get the best seats in the house (near you). So keep that in mind while placing guests.