I've discussed why a seating arrangement is so important in a previous blog. But making a seating arrangement and chart for your wedding reception can be difficult. How do you meet everyone's wishes, while keeping your sanity??? Here are several tips that can make your task of creating your wedding seating arrangements easier!
1) Make or get a drawn out lay-out of the reception space with the tables where they will be on the wedding night. Many venues can provide this for you.
2) Make a list of all the guests who will be at your wedding. This way you can mark each guest once they are assigned a seat. Use pencil so you can un-mark any guests if you need to make rearrangements!
3) Number each table so that you will be able to stay organized. Make a seperate sheet of paper where you list the tables and can write down the names of guests at each table.
4) First assign all seats at the head table, or bridal party table.
5) Next, start by seating those with special needs. Elderly guests will appreciate be seated away from the DJ, close to facilities, and away from children. Disabled guests should be seated near ramps, exit points, and disability-friendly restrooms.
6) Close family should be kept near the head table.
7) If you are having kids at your reception, consider having a kids' table. Keep this table near the dance floor so that kids can burn off energy.
8) A mix of singles and couples will help make sure no one feels like they are being singled out.
9) When using long tables, couples should be seated across from each other, and alternate male and female on each side of the table. For round tables, couples should be seated next to each other.
10) Make sure all your guests are seated by someone they know and are comforatable with.
11) If possible, group people together based on common interests.
12) Once you have finished deciding where all guests will be seated, make a chart of all the guests in alphabetical order according to their last names. Next to each name, list the table number where they will be sitting. Have this printed on a large board so guests can easily and quickly find their name and table number.
13) For your vendors, make a list according to table numbers so they can easily figure out where to put the place cards.
Of course, making a seating arrangement is time-consuming and can be frustrating. But after all the work, you can relax knowing that all your guests will be comfortable and will truly be able to appreciate the beauty of your wedding!
Love this tip? Become a fan of Power Wedding Planning on facebook to receive more great ideas!
