When organizing a wedding, many do not attach importance to the seating arrangement of guests, but thoughtful wedding seating arrangement
is important for those invited. At a banquet, guests spend most of the time at the tables, and have fun in a congenial company, and not in the company of those who find themselves at the table according to the principle “where it was free.” A well-thought-out table seating plan will help smooth out the rough edges that are inevitable when gathering a large number of diverse guests in one place, and will help create a friendly and fun atmosphere at the banquet.
In this very voluminous article, we tried to put together all the factors that you need to pay attention to when planning seating at a wedding banquet.
. I hope that the article will be useful both for the bride and groom and for novice wedding planners.
Content
Why do you need a wedding seating plan? What to distribute: tables or seats? Organizing seating arrangements for wedding guests. Correspondence to the area of the hall with the seating options and table shapes. High hospitality etiquette or RSVP etiquette. Distribution of seats at wedding tables. Seating charts, escort cards, table numbers and table cards. Table with seating list. Escort cards. Cards with table numbers. Place cards or banquet cards. Beautiful table names. Table decorations. Special circumstances. Wedding seating plan. Table of the bride and groom. Drawing up a seating plan for wedding guests. Online service for creating a seating plan for guests at a wedding.
Design ideas
Various materials are used to decorate cards. The main thing is that they are combined with the mood and style of the ceremony.
- For a celebration in a rustic style, wooden planks or pots with indoor plants are suitable;
- For popular fruit-themed weddings, apples, oranges, pomegranates, lemons are placed on the table and cards are attached to them;
- For a rainbow wedding, cards are attached to cupcakes with colorful cream or macaroons;
- For a summer wedding, cards with berries would be an excellent option;
- For a ceremony in a romantic style, the names of the invited guests are written on cards with images of butterflies, birds or flowers;
- For a winter wedding , they use pine cones coated with gold or silver spray paint;
- For a dude-style wedding, you can use imitations of old vinyl records;
- In the classic version, the seating card with the guest's name is designed in the shape of a house.
Interesting! Designer cardboard or unusual paper will help to emphasize the originality of the newlyweds. The choice is very large: from metallized options to textured patterned leaves. Using the services of a professional calligrapher, you can get exquisite handmade banquet cards with beautifully written text.
Postcards
A classic version of indicating a place at a festive table is a postcard. Such seating cards are decorated with ribbons, braid or appliqués. Inside you can write a few warm words for each guest, leave a wish or remember a funny moment from a shared past. Beautiful and original cards will add a festive mood to the ceremony.
So, for a wedding in country or Provence style, banquet cards are made using unusual fabrics. To give them a rigid shape, thick cardboard is inserted inside. If time permits, the names of the guests are embroidered with thread.
On a stand
Banquet cards can be placed on separate stands , with special attention paid to its design. When choosing a holder, it is important that it fits into the style of the wedding celebration.
The basis is flower arrangements, fruits, pots with indoor plants, and figurines. You can also attach the card to a glass or decorative candle.
An original solution is to attach the banquet card to the bonbonniere. This is a beautifully decorated box that the guest will take as a souvenir after the buffet reception is over. Candies, cookies, cakes or any other sweets are placed in it.
Figures
Banquet cards in the form of figures will have to be ordered from a professional. Making them at home is extremely difficult. These original accessories will impress guests and decorate the buffet venue. You can order cards in the form of the bride and groom's outfits.
Idea! A sign in the shape of a crane made using the origami technique is perfect for a Japanese-style wedding.
Curly signs are made not only from paper, but also from wood, glass, and metal. It can be either an openwork paper butterfly attached to the edge of a glass, or a cheerful bird made from tree bark.
Other options
And a few more original ideas for your wedding collection:
- Cards in the form of medals are made from corrugated paper and hung on the back of a chair;
- Banquet cards using photos of guests are one of the most original options. Pre-printed frames are inserted into postcards and an inscription is added to them. In the future, the photo can be pasted into a wish book. Thus, each guest will be able to leave a wish for the newlyweds under their image;
- You can attach postcards to miniature replicas of furniture in the banquet hall;
- A very romantic option is cards using fresh or artificial flowers - single buds, miniature compositions, small bouquets.
Why do you need a wedding seating plan?
Shouldn't guests decide where to sit? By the way, we are all adults! However, statistical research conducted in February 2006 by the British company YouGov shows that 84% of wedding guests prefer an organized, well-thought-out seating plan. Namely:
| Prefer a specific location to be specified | 51% |
| They prefer that a table is indicated and a seat at it can be chosen | 33% |
| Prefer that neither seats nor tables are assigned | 13% |
| Didn't attend the wedding event | 3% |
The most consistent results were for guests over the age of 50, with only 8% of them preferring a completely free seating arrangement at the table.
“Free seating” sounds great, and it is so for organizers due to fewer problems during the preparation of the event. Unfortunately, it rarely works in practice because:
- There may be a rush to find the “best” places;
- seating guests at tables will take much longer. They may still be walking around the room after the food has been served;
- the beautiful decoration of the hall and tables can be spoiled by the sight of guests leaving jackets on chairs in order to “take up a place”;
- it will end with the last few guests wandering between the tables and looking like outcast schoolchildren looking for a seat at the dinner table;
- couples may become separated;
- Elderly relatives may end up in places where they cannot hear or see well enough;
- If uninvited people come to your celebration, as is customary in some cultures, they may take the seats reserved for your invited guests.
Sometimes very sad incidents for your guests can happen:
“I hate going to weddings where you have to look for a table to sit. Or, God forbid, you only know the bride and groom and no one else. It's just terrible... Even if you are given a table, but you have to look for a place to sit, it's a nightmare. Of course, this is just my opinion. I've been in this situation a couple of times in my life. I have a lot of friends that I've known since high school, but we always went to different schools and didn't have many people in common... At weddings like this, where you're alone and the table seating isn't organized in any way, it feels like... it’s like you’re standing in public view and trying to find a table where nice, friendly people are sitting. You end up at the table with some Great Aunt Lucy because it's the only empty seat. She tells you wild stories that you would never listen to in your life, horror. An organized seating plan is the way to go. I say this based on personal experience."
, says one of the wedding guests.
The larger the event, the greater the risk of free seating at tables. Organizers often avoid taking on the responsibility of developing a seating chart, mainly because of the time it takes to develop it. But this won’t be such a big problem for you if you use the appropriate online service to create a seating plan for your wedding guests.
If you still decide to go with open seating, then don’t read any further. Just make sure that your reception has a few more chairs than the number of guests originally invited, and good luck!
The easiest way to organize wedding seating is to use our service at!
“Very convenient service, visually helps to visualize the seating arrangement of guests. You don’t waste time planning manually.”
- Tatiana.
Try it for free right now!
What to distribute: tables or seats?
When planning your wedding seating
, you can specify tables for guests at which they will choose their own seats, or you can assign specific seats. Table assignments are more common in the US, while seat-specific seating is more common in Europe. Both approaches have their advantages. So which one will you choose? It depends on your personal preferences.
| Strict seating, in certain places | Seating at specific tables |
| Guests like it more, according to statistical studies. | Somewhat less hassle for the organizers. |
| Makes it easier for service staff to bring special dishes to specific guests. | Does not require preparation of name cards. |
| You will have peace of mind that those who will be making speeches, as well as the most honored guests, will be in the appropriate places. | Guests have some choice regarding who they sit next to. |
| A good opportunity for organizers to create pairs. |
Purpose
Personalized seating cards are beautifully designed cards indicating a seat at the table for a specific person. They are placed next to the plate or attached to the stem of the glass.
Such original accessories have already become an indispensable attribute of any wedding. Place cards at a wedding celebration perform several important functions:
- save time: finding your place at the table is much easier with their help;
- emphasize the newlyweds’ concern for the comfort of their guests;
- complement the festive table setting.
Idea! Name signs often act as a gift for guests, which they take home as a souvenir of the celebration.
Organizing seating arrangements for wedding guests.
Typically, guests are advised to sit next to those they know, but you can “break it up” a little to give them the opportunity to interact with new people and make new acquaintances. However, try to arrange the guests so that at least one familiar person is next to each of them. Remember that it is easier for people to find common ground if they are similar in age or interests. It might not be a good idea to sit your tattooed and pierced “alternative style” friend with your 85-year-old grandmother next to you. It's unlikely that anything good will come of this.
Avoid mixing age groups too much. Young children should sit with their parents, but older children can sit with their parents or at a separate table.
Consider whether it might be worth breaking some traditions in order for the event to go smoothly.
Try to harmonize and balance the atmosphere at the wedding tables in all respects, even in relation to the number of guests of different genders. In many cultures, the traditional seating arrangement for guests is one in which a man-woman-man-woman alternates at the table. However, for example, during business receptions the seating arrangement may be different: man-man-woman-woman.
If there is a group of people at the table who know each other well, then for variety you can mix up the couples who came to the reception together, separating the spouses.
Try to avoid having ex-spouses at the same table unless you are sure that everything will be okay. Remember, you can always avoid unwanted collisions - after all, there are four corners in any room!
Resist the temptation to place at the same table all those who “do not fit anywhere.” It is better to disperse such guests by seating them at different tables.
Our service allows you to easily transfer guests to choose the best seating option.
Try it for free right now!
Correspondence to the area of the hall with the seating options and table shapes.
You can put all the tables the same in shape and size, or you can diversify them. First, find out what kind of tables you have.
The figures below give a general idea of what size room size is right for you, depending on the number of guests and seating types. Please note that this does not take into account the presence of a dance floor or other spaces that may be required.
| Type of accommodation | Recommended space per person (m2) | Minimum space required per person (m2) |
| All the guests are standing | 0,7 | 0,5 |
| Everyone is sitting, rectangular tables | 1 | 0,7 |
| Everyone is sitting, round tables | 1,3 | 1 |
| Everyone is sitting, the type of seating is “like in a registry office” (in a row, without tables) | 0,7 | 0,6 |
Recommended space per invited person.
For example: in a room 10mx10m=100 m2 the maximum number of guests will be as follows: 200 people, standing; or 140 people seated at square tables; or 100 people seated at round tables and 176 guests seated in rows.
The image below clearly shows the minimum space required when arranging tables:
Recommended minimum space between tables.
Make sure that tables are positioned so that staff can easily approach any of the guests. Do not place the table in such a way that it overlaps or blocks a door, especially a fire exit or emergency exit, etc.
If the room in which the reception will be held is large and there are not many guests, then it is better to place all the tables in one corner to avoid the feeling of empty space around the guests.
The round table ideally seats 10 people. If your table is larger, then not all guests will have the opportunity to see and hear others well.
If you have less than 10 people at the table, then you may have problems placing the required number of tables in the room. The figures below give an idea of the optimal number of guests at a round table:
| Round table diameter | Recommended number of seats | Maximum number of seats |
| 1.2 m | 7 | 8 |
| 1.5 m | 8 | 10 |
| 1.8 m | 10 | 12 |
| 2.1 m | 12 | 14 |
| 2.4 m | 13 | 16 |
Recommended capacity of the round table (based on 0.6 meters and 0.5 meters per person for recommended and maximum allowed, a guest in a wheelchair may need additional seating).
Popular table arrangements for weddings are described in our detailed article with numerous pictures - All options for seating guests at a wedding. We recommend reading to choose the optimal table layout.
Place the text in a mirror image in the adjacent cell
Step 1. Move to the adjacent cell (click LM in the adjacent cell).
Step 2. Change the direction of the text and align it centered to the left:
Step 3. Copy the text, go to the adjacent cell (just click LM) and paste the text into the adjacent cell.
Pay attention to how the text should be highlighted. The end of cell symbol is not included in the selection area
If you select the entire cell, then when copying you will copy exactly the cell with all the attributes. And when you paste from the clipboard, you will paste exactly the cell. So when selecting text, be careful - select only the text:
Hooray! Happened!
Step 4. View all entries (Mailouts ribbon → View results group of commands → view entries button):
High hospitality etiquette or RSVP etiquette.
In order to start creating a seating chart for guests at the wedding
, it is necessary to find out their exact number. This will be easy to do if you send out invitations marked RSVP. This abbreviation comes from the French "Répondez s'il vous plaît" and means that a message must be answered, regardless of whether you accept the invitation or not. Such invitations are sent out at least a month before the event. It should indicate:
- nature of the event, place, date and time,
- information about who is invited (for example, are children invited),
- how they can give their answer about whether they accept the invitation or not (by phone, mail, email),
- food preferences (optional),
- date by which a response must be given (those invited may well respond within a week).
RSVP invitations often include a blank space that the invitee can use to reply.
You should always include a date by which you need to respond because some guests may put it off until the day before your party. Request a response by telephone if the date by which you requested a response has already passed.
A wedding is an important occasion, and you want to let people know to reserve a specific date just for your special occasion. This can be done by sending out cards in advance asking to “reserve a specific date.”
When planning a wedding on TablePlanner.ru, you can specify an RSVP for each guest.
Try it for free right now!
Unusual design
At a bright, unusual and conceptual wedding, you can allow yourself a little hooliganism. Yes, guests may not understand at first glance that what they are looking at is not an element of decor or an art object from a museum of modern art, but a seating chart. But it will definitely become another memorable detail, which, like a puzzle, will form the impression of your unique wedding. For example, for the celebration of Arkasha and Sasha, the Feerique Event & Emotions agency team prepared an aerial structure with multi-colored cards.
Photographer: Artem Vindrievsky
Distribution of seats at wedding tables.
If there will be those present at your reception who will be making speeches and congratulations, try to seat them in such a way that their backs are not to any of the guests.
Try to accommodate elderly or disabled guests, as well as pregnant women and guests with children, so that they can easily and quickly get to the toilet or other necessary places and things. Do not seat them at tables that will be cleared after the banquet to make room for dancing.
Older guests usually do not see or hear very well. You should assign them a place where all speakers can be seen and heard. You should not sit them next to loud music; they are unlikely to appreciate it. The table at which children sit can be placed in the least advantageous place, since they still have excellent hearing and are unlikely to show much interest in what is happening.
For more tips and ideas, check out our article 30 Tips for Creating a Wedding Seating Plan - 30 quick and easy tips that will help you create a table seating plan without any hassle or stress.
Seating tickets for guests
Cards for today's weddings are no longer a novelty. Every newlywed wants to improve them
It is important that they blend gracefully with the wedding theme. Color scheme, style, all this affects the form and content of the element
Most often they are tied to a glass, placed on napkins, and glued to a chair.
When filling out a card, its readability is important. The font should not be small and have different curls. The guest should not have difficulty reading the text.
Many newlyweds prefer to place small souvenirs on the table along with the cards as a keepsake.
Cards are most often purchased in stores or ordered from wedding agencies. Magical brides prefer to do everything with their own hands. Add a little bit of yourself to each card. Homemade cards look perfect on juicy and ripe fruits. Most often the following are used as tasty gifts:
- apples;
– pears;
– lemons;
– strawberries;
- peaches.
To prevent painstaking work from taking up all your time and energy, a template will help. With its help, it is possible to complete a sufficient number of cards in a matter of hours.
Even something as small as a card must be made in the same style as the wedding theme.
Master class on making place cards
https://youtube.com/watch?v=16-fh2eix2U
Seating charts, escort cards, table numbers and table cards.
Wedding guests should be told where they are sitting so they don't have to walk from table to table looking for a card with their name on it. This is usually achieved in the following way: before entering the hall where the celebration will take place, you can prepare escort cards or a seating chart.
Cards with numbers or names are placed on the tables. If you have a large number of tables, it may be worth drawing a seating plan that shows the location of all the tables.
Seating plan created using the TablePlanner.ru service
If you are seating guests at a specific table, you will need escort cards + table number cards.
If you are seating guests at a specific table and in a specific place, you will need a seating chart + cards with table numbers + cards with the names of guests on the tables; or escort cards + cards with table numbers + cards with names of guests on the tables.
These attributes can be as simple or as luxurious as you like. It is much more important to make a good seating plan for your wedding guests.
, which will bring together people who are suitable for each other.
How to make it yourself using a template
First, the future newlyweds will need to choose a suitable sketch. To do this, you can find an image of any butterfly you like and transfer it using carbon paper or tracing paper onto a sheet to create a stencil. You can finish this version already or cut out additional patterns in the resulting blank, which will then be made on the main copies.
If this option is not suitable, then you can decorate the butterfly on a stencil with a simple pencil, dividing the wings into segments, so that you can then transfer the drawing onto cards. If you have a printer, the process becomes even faster and easier - the blanks are printed in the required quantity and cut out.
Cardboard or thick paper of the desired shade is suitable as a base. Butterflies can be plain or made from designer sheets with a pattern that matches the style of the wedding. If the butterfly will be attached to a glass, then the belly is trimmed symmetrically in two places so that there is no need to add additional elements.
Table with seating list.
The seating chart clearly shows each wedding guest which table he or she is sitting at. Whether you choose a seating chart or an escort card depends on personal preference. It is easier to familiarize guests with the seating chart. You can have your guests sign it and then frame it for a wedding keepsake.
Wedding seating chart
can be formed by tables or in alphabetical order by the names of the guests, indicating the tables at which they are sitting. Listing guests alphabetically by name is more common in the United States and makes it quicker and easier to find your seat, especially during large celebrations. Lists of guests grouped according to which table they are sitting at are more common in the UK, and clearly show who else is sitting at the same table as you.
You can choose any style of seating chart design, from the simplest to the artistic and creative, decorated in Gothic style or another. However, make sure it is easy for any of your guests to read.
Many restaurants have stands or stands on which to display your seating chart.
Our seating planning service makes it easy to print out all the seating plans and charts you need.
Try it for free right now!
Escort cards.
An escort card is a card on which the guest's name is written, as well as the number or name of the table at which he is sitting. They are usually placed in small envelopes with the names of the guests written on them. In addition, you can use cards in business card format, with the guest's name written on one side and the table number on the other. What to use: a seating chart or an escort card is a matter of your preference. Let us just note that escort cards can be changed even at the very last moment, while changes that need to be made to the seating chart will require additional time to reprint it.
Escort cards can be designed artistically or in the simplest style, according to your desire. If you use a specific font style for your escort cards or your seating plan, make sure it is easy to read for all guests.
Usually, escort cards are laid out in alphabetical order before entering the hall where the celebration will be held.
Cards with table numbers.
Table designation cards are placed directly on the table and contain the table number or its name. They should be large enough so that you can notice them and see what is written on them without going close to the table.
Table numbers are usually folded cards or flat cards on a stand. Make sure they are not too high and do not block guests at the table from seeing each other.
As a cheap and unusual designation of the table number, you can use playing cards of the heart suit. For example, the Ace of Hearts will indicate table No. 1, the two of hearts will indicate table No. 2, etc.
If you decide to name the tables, you can design the table cards to match the style or theme.
Paper for work
Whatever element you use, chances are you will have to write the name on paper. These can be small tags, envelopes or cards. House cards are considered a classic option, however, this is not the only thing you can make from paper.
- For a wedding in a nautical style (and not only), cards can be designed in the form of origami boats. It will look very cute and touching.
- On a large stand you can place envelopes, inside which guests will find their names and guest places.
- You can make small air mills out of paper. The guest's name can be written directly on the mill or on a stick to which it will be attached.
- By the way, the skill of origami will be useful not only in the idea with the boat. There are a huge number of instructions on the Internet for making flowers, animals and other beautiful things from paper.
Editor's choice: Dance as a wedding gift: how to organize it correctly?
- Place cards can be made from chalk paper and the names of guests and banquet locations can be written on them with chalk. This option looks very sophisticated.
- Butterflies made from corrugated or plain colored paper will look very cute, especially if the wedding theme is butterflies.
In addition, to decorate paper cards you can use a huge variety of decorations: lace, ribbons, buttons, beads, rhinestones, feathers, sparkles, bows, stickers, confetti, designer paper and much more.
Place cards or banquet cards.
Personalized seating cards (otherwise known as guest cards or banquet cards) are placed on the table and indicate the seat of a specific invited guest. They are required if you determine not only at which table your guests will sit, but also a specific place for each. If you are using house-folded signs (court cards) as seating cards, write the guest's name on both sides so that others at the table can read the name.
Banquet cards are usually formatted as "Mr. Petr Petrov", but can also be written "Petr Petrov" or "Mr. P. Petrov" depending on the level of formality you are using at your reception. Using just a first name is not encouraged if two or more people with the same names are sitting at the same table. The names of guests at the table can be written on personal menus or on favors prepared for each invitee, this is a great alternative to traditional cards.
Place cards can be ordered either from a wedding agency or a printing house, or you can write them by hand by inviting a calligrapher, or print them on a computer.
Remember that the font you choose for your name cards should be easy to read.
Banquet cards can also be very useful if the wedding guests are being served different menus, it will be very helpful for the waiters if you enter some designations. For example, add a red ribbon or dot to the name card if the guest should be served chicken, or a green ribbon or dot if the guest prefers a vegetarian menu.
When planning a wedding on TablePlanner.ru, you can specify your own menu type for each guest.
Try it for free right now!
Recommendations for selection
Handmade postcards will add a unique atmosphere to the holiday. But in the absence of free time for creativity, their preparation is entrusted to professionals. For a large number of invitees, it is more advisable to order cards from a printing house.
When choosing place cards, first of all pay attention to the style and color of the wedding. If the celebration is decorated in pastel colors, then the signs are made in the same shades. For a rainbow wedding, it is acceptable to use bright contrasting colors.
Most often, place cards are made in the same style as invitations for guests and other wedding accessories.
The cost of the finished product depends on the design. The price for simpler options varies between 50-70 rubles. When ordering cards from a calligrapher - from 80 rubles. The price for complex figured products starts from 100 rubles. The cost of products with additional decor is calculated individually.
Beautiful table names.
If you're feeling creative, you can name your wedding tables instead of giving them a number. If you decide to number the tables, it will be less of a hassle in decorating and will make it easier for guests to find the right table if they are arranged logically according to their number. At the same time, tables with names will add a festive mood, and will be very useful when among your invitees there are those who may be upset if their table does not have “table No. 1” written on it.
Here are some suitable themes for table titles:
- Flowers (roses, violets, etc.),
- Words or phrases in different languages (such as “I love you”),
- Names of gems
- Names of actors/titles of films or TV shows,
- Names of cocktails, wines, whiskeys,
- Names of sweets,
- Names of animals, birds, butterflies,
- Names of sports teams,
- Dance names,
- Names of cities or countries,
- Colors,
- Names of musical groups or songs,
- Disney character names,
- Names of famous lovers
- Something that will go with the number of tables, such as the name 7 seas or 7 dwarves for seven wedding tables,
- Names of car and motorcycle brands,
- Something that relates to your hobbies or interests.
- You can update the table number in some original way, for example, on table No. 1 place photographs of the newlyweds at the age of 1 year, on table No. 2 - photographs at the age of 2 years, etc.
For more ideas on beautiful table names, see our article: Original wedding table names – 24 ideas for choosing names.
Our service allows each table to set its own name.
Try it for free right now!
Table decorations.
In addition to cutlery, dishes and glasses, the table may contain:
- centerpiece (usually one or more items: flowers, candles or balloons);
- a card with the table number (often in a special holder that can be decorated);
- souvenirs for guests to remember the significant event;
- cards with the names of guests (seating cards);
- table lighting;
- menu;
- disposable cameras.
It's a good idea to lay out any items you plan to place on the tables during the reception on a similarly sized table in advance to ensure the table doesn't look cluttered. You can try arranging name cards on the tables and stacking menus and/or favors together in one design to save space.
Make sure that cards on tables, flowers and other items do not block each other's guests.
If you put people together who don't know each other, it might be worth giving them some kind of short test that will help them start a conversation and build rapport.
To entertain children at a wedding, you can prepare a gift for each of them in a separate handbag or bag. It may include pencils and a sketchbook, balloons, a small toy, etc. You should not give something that can stain clothes or leave some indelible marks. Bubble sets can be really fun and engaging for little ones, but your treat will end up tasting like soap and making the dance floor slippery.
Disposable cameras are a cheap and fun way to create an immersive wedding video. But make sure you're clear that you want a finished film, not 10 unfinished pieces. You may also need to warn wedding guests to use flash indoors. But be prepared for the most unexpected photos.
Wedding seating plan.
Typical wedding seating arrangement
represents the main table of the bride and groom, where the closest friends of the newlyweds sit (chairs are placed on one side), everyone sitting at this table faces the rest of the guests, sitting, for example, at round tables.
Wedding seating plan created using.
If you think this will not lead to disagreement, try to seat the bride and groom's family members together. This is a great opportunity for them to get to know each other.
The table at which the bride and groom will sit should be positioned in such a way that the newlyweds can clearly see everything, and also so that all or most of the guests can see them.
If there are many guests at the celebration to help organize and conduct the holiday, for example, a photographer, videographer, etc., you can seat them at a separate table.
Remember that at the end of the wedding ceremony, the bride may take her husband's last name, make sure the cards on the table reflect this.
Don't forget to leave room for a cake and a table with gifts.
Please note that wedding etiquette varies across countries and cultures, and you should adapt your seating plan to your national or other specific traditions.
Decorating a napkin
Table plates with name, which are attached to a serving napkin, look very elegant. There are several ways to attach such a card to a napkin:
- on a special ring for serving napkins;
- using decorative pins or brooches;
- tying the napkin with the card with braid, ribbon or twine.
Table of the bride and groom.
The center of the wedding reception is the table, which is called the “main”, “main” or “bride and groom table”. Behind him, sitting on one side, sit the newlyweds, witnesses, bridesmaids and friends of the groom, as well as sometimes the parents of the bride and groom.
The question of who will sit at this table is a very delicate one. Difficulties can arise in many cases, for example, if the parents of the bride and/or groom were divorced and then remarried. Make sure these sensitive issues are resolved well before the big day.
There are many ways of seating at the main wedding table, but the following rules are traditionally used:
- the groom sits to the right of the bride,
- female and male guests sit next to each other,
- the other halves of the witnesses sit at other tables.
An example of a typical seating arrangement is shown below. But you should choose what suits you.
a typical wedding seating plan created using.
If the bride or groom's parents are divorced and have new couples, it's probably not a good idea to seat them at the same table. One solution to these problems is to invite other relatives of your non-natural parents (stepmother or stepfather) and seat them together or at separate tables next to the table of the bride and groom.
If this is your second marriage, then you may want to seat the children from your first marriage at the main table.
If you are concerned that someone will feel left out if they are not at the table with the bride and groom, then designate them as “host” or “master” at one of the guest tables. At the same time, make sure that the seating chart makes it clear who is the “owner” at a particular table.
If the parents are not sitting at the same table as the bride and groom, they are usually placed at the table closest to the main wedding table.
In some circles, it is more common to decorate a separate table for the bride and groom, which is also called the “lovers table.” This option may be the best solution to the question of who to seat at the bride and groom’s table.
Some couples prefer not to have a separate table for the bride and groom, but to place 2 additional chairs at each of the guest tables. With this seating arrangement, the bride and groom move from table to table throughout the wedding reception and can interact equally with all guests. This isn't a bad idea, but keep in mind that two of the guests at each table will be sitting next to empty chairs for most of the reception.
Wedding in a classic style
Couvert cards, in the classical sense, are placed on the table next to the cutlery. Usually these are small cards with the guest's name, folded in half along the short axis. Standard format in a spread is 130x100 mm. Such cards are decorated with the symbols of the event, various bows, ribbons, pearls, lace, and flowers.
Such couvert cards are ideal for a wedding celebration of any style. And for a classic event they will be an excellent attribute and decor.
Drawing up a seating plan for wedding guests.
Decide what you want to see on your main holiday and act according to your desires, do not be a slave to tradition or public opinion. It's a good idea to show your wedding seating plan to a few key guests so they can see if you've forgotten anything important. Make sure you have enough time to make changes according to their suggestions. But you shouldn’t show the seating plan to everyone - this will only create additional difficulties for you. Unfortunately, it is impossible to please everyone.
Online service for creating a seating plan for guests at a wedding.
Traditional, but outdated, way of creating a seating plan
- this is to write the names of all the guests on pieces of paper and move them, arrange them depending on different conditions. But this method takes a lot of time and is not immune to many errors. Another way is to draw a seating plan on paper, which after several corrections and replanting will turn into a confusing puzzle. Creating a spreadsheet is a slightly more modern option. Since there are more options for seating 25 people in 25 chairs than there are grains of sand in the world, it's no wonder that creating a manual seating chart is such a headache.
The good news is that we can now offer you an inexpensive online service that will allow you to:
- place guests in their places in one “click” of the mouse,
- track responses to RSVP invitations and guest taste preferences,
- experiment with tables of different sizes, shapes and their different locations,
- accurately adjust the seating arrangement using basic manipulations on the computer,
- you can print out the general floor plan and seating charts,
- you will be sure that you have not forgotten anyone,
- if necessary, you can easily make the necessary changes at the last minute,
- and all this for the price of 3-4 cups of coffee.
Try it for free now!
Liked? Share with your friends:
