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.
Cabaret
This option is very similar to the previous one, but with one difference: the guests are placed in such a way that none of them has their back to the bride and groom. To do this, the chairs are arranged in a semicircle. Tables and chairs were placed in a cabaret in a similar way. Hence the name of this scheme.
Editor's choice: The most beautiful wedding ceremonies
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!
Who should create the seating plan?
Even if the wedding is organized by a hired professional, the bride and groom should seat the guests, because they have an idea of the invited people and can effectively divide them into groups. Otherwise, mistakes cannot be avoided.
It is important that the issue is resolved through joint efforts. Only through discussion is a successful seating plan born. It is also worth listening to the wishes of important guests such as parents, close relatives and friends. In this case, the main thing is not to get confused in other people’s preferences and maintain objectivity.
READ ALSO: Choosing a photo booth for a wedding, where to put it, rent and prices
The easiest way is to create the first version of the layout yourself using thematic services, rather than relying on an ordinary list. Firstly, during the creation process it is easy to visualize for yourself the arrangement of tables in the hall, and secondly, later this same template can be shown to the designer.
You can also entrust the creation of the poster to witnesses or even make it yourself. It should be located at the entrance to the hall for the convenience of guests arriving at the celebration.
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. |
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!
Tips for seating guests at a wedding
The first step in allocating seating for guests is to choose a layout for the tables. Then draw up the guest list and preliminary touches. In order not to spend days and nights seating friends and relatives, you can listen to the advice of professionals:
- Relatives must be seated at the same table depending on their relationship. Older people at one table, young people at another.
- It is important to ensure that all guests can clearly see the newlyweds. You shouldn’t put everyone together; it’s better to put additional tables for a better overview.
- It is advisable to place the closest relatives closer to the young.
- As a rule, married people should be seated opposite each other, but more often couples prefer to sit next to each other.
- For harmony, the seating of guests is alternating between women and men... According to etiquette, the man sits to the left of the lady.
- If the newlyweds have invited divorced friends, it is important to prevent them from joining adjacent tables.
- Friends without a couple should be placed with similar singles, but not in the circle of married couples.
- The golden rule of a wedding is that there should be a cheerful person and ringleader at each table. There is no need to gather them at one table, otherwise there will be a “quiet tea party” at another.
- So that after a fun event the newlyweds have a common noisy company, the groom’s friends and colleagues can be seated next to the bride’s employees and girlfriends.
- High-ranking guests are important in any celebration. To show their importance, it is important to try to seat them closer to the newlyweds, but not with their parents.
- A separate table is provided for children, with the condition that they are old enough to eat without the help of their parents.
- It is important to seat foreign guests with people who know and can speak the same language.
Editor's choice: Questions for wedding guests, how to diversify leisure time
The photo shows current options for the distribution of guests at festive tables.
Video tips from experts
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.
Basic table layouts at a wedding
Now there are several basic seating schemes for guests. How the tables will be arranged at a wedding depends primarily on the number of guests at the wedding, the size and shape of the banquet hall and, of course, your personal preferences.
When choosing a banquet hall, be sure to find out what tables are available, pay attention to the presence of columns in the hall and differences in floor height, as these issues can significantly limit you in choosing the seating arrangement for guests.
Seating guests at a common table
Traditional seating chart
This seating method is the simplest and is usually used at weddings with a small number of guests. In the hall there is one long table (i.e. several tables standing close together), around which all the guests are seated, alternating women and men. The newlyweds are placed in the middle of the table, with the bride sitting to the right of the groom. Traditionally, to the right of the bride are her mother and father of the groom, to the left of the groom are his mother and father of the bride (few people now follow this rule, and witnesses are seated next to the newlyweds who will help during the holiday).
Seating guests in a T shape
This seating chart is very popular with us, and is most suitable for small events and small banquet halls. The optimal number of guests with this seating method is 20-25 people. The newlyweds sit at the head of the table, then the guests are located around the table depending on their age, status and proximity to the newlyweds.
Seating of guests in the letter P
This seating chart is an alternative to T-shape seating and is used when the number of guests ranges between 30-50.
Seating of guests with the letter W
If the number of your guests is 60 or more, then you can use the letter W seating arrangement.
European table arrangement options
This seating scheme for guests involves the arrangement of separate tables in the banquet hall, around which several guests are seated.
European seating methods are beginning to become more and more popular in our country, since in this case you can easily seat guests according to interests, their marital status and age. This will make it much easier for guests to get to know each other better and find common topics for conversation. But to prevent guests from being divided into groups based on interests, and also to communicate with people from other tables, it is worth warning the toastmaster about such a seating arrangement in advance so that he can prepare general competitions and options for introducing guests. You also need to make sure that everyone sees the newlyweds. To do this, the tables of the guests must be arranged in a checkerboard pattern; perhaps the table of the newlyweds would be better placed not in the center of the hall, but in front of all the other tables.
Italian seating arrangement
In Italy, it is customary to use tables for 4 guests, while the table for the newlyweds is set on a small elevation so that all guests can see them.
English seating arrangement
The English seating scheme involves the use of round tables around which 8 guests are seated. According to psychologists, this number of people is optimal for creating a group that is comfortable communicating with each other.
Cabaret
They also often use a more convenient seating option, in which they try to seat the guests so that no one has to sit with their back to the newlyweds. To do this, use fewer chairs, but place them in a semicircle. This option is reminiscent of the arrangement of tables and seats in a cabaret, which is why it got its name.
Herringbone seating for guests
Herringbone is a cross between European seating methods, which use separate tables, and traditional seating methods. The newlyweds are seated at a separate table, and the guests are seated at several tables placed diagonally parallel to each other. With this seating arrangement, guests can clearly see the newlyweds, and at the same time there is still free space in the center of the hall to approach the bride and groom.
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!
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.
A few tips to help you seat your guests successfully
So, the layout of the tables has been chosen. All that remains is to decide how best to seat the guests at the table. Here are some useful tips that will be useful to you no matter where you are planning your wedding: in a restaurant, in a cafe or outdoors.
- It is advisable to alternate between men and women.
- The rules of etiquette require that the man be to the left of the woman.
- Each of the invitees must see the bride and groom.
- It is better to seat close relatives next to the young.
- It is recommended to arrange the invitees by age and degree of relationship.
- If one of the friends does not get along well with each other, it is better to place them at different ends of the hall, warning that both of them are invited to the celebration.
- It is advisable to place high-ranking guests closer to the bride and groom at a separate table or with friends of the newlyweds.
- Single guests should not be seated with married guests or groups of friends who know each other well.
- It is not recommended to separate colleagues and close friends, however, so that they communicate not only with each other, it is better to place these companies nearby.
- Invitees who do not know each other, but will sit at the same table, should be introduced to each other in advance.
- When drawing up a plan for accommodating guests, it is worth taking into account their temperament, interests and the language they speak (if foreign guests will be present at the holiday).
Editor's choice: Delicious salads for a summer wedding
There is no universal option for how to properly seat guests. When choosing a layout of tables and seating of guests, it is necessary to take into account the number of guests, the location of the celebration, and the personal characteristics of the guests. The use of virtual services, as well as the advice of loved ones and the wishes of friends and relatives themselves, will simplify the task.
Video on the topic:
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.
Choosing a table layout for a banquet
Nowadays they use several basic schemes for arranging tables at a banquet. What matters is the number of guests invited, how large the banquet hall is, and how the bride and groom prefer to do it.
When you look around and choose a hall in a restaurant for a wedding, then immediately see if there are columns in the hall, if there are many steps, if the floor is level. This will introduce its own nuances into the process of arranging tables.
At a common table
This is the most traditional and common seating arrangement. Suitable for weddings with a small number of guests.
In the banquet hall, several tables or one long table are placed close together. And guests are seated around him, usually alternating men and women.
The groom sits in the center of the table and the bride to his right. Next to the bride are her parents, to the left of the groom are his.
Even more often at weddings, their friends-witnesses sit next to the newlyweds.
Place the table in a T shape
If you have a guest list of no more than 30 people and a small banquet hall, then you can arrange the tables in the shape of the letter T.
A young couple sits at the head of the table, and guests and relatives are seated further from them, alternating at their discretion or depending on age and gender.
We place the tables in the letter P or W
If the number of guests is more than thirty, but not more than fifty, and the size of the banquet hall allows, then the tables can be arranged in the letter P.
If there are more than 50 guests, then we add another line of tables and get the letter Ш.
Similarly, the newlyweds are seated in the center, followed by guests and relatives.
How to arrange tables in European style
This arrangement of tables involves placing separate small tables in the hall, where several people sit. And they arrange the tables in a checkerboard pattern so that guests can see the newlyweds.
With this method of seating, guests are seated according to interests, age, marital status, so that it is easier for them to communicate and talk.
At the same time, the toastmaster organizes competitions and involves people from different tables so that the guests also get to know each other.
They use square tables for 4 guests, round tables for eight guests for comfortable communication.
We arrange tables in the form of a herringbone
The newlyweds sit at a separate table, the guests are located at several tables, which stand diagonally, parallel to each other. So everyone should be able to optimally see the young people, and there is a place in class=”aligncenter” width=”720″ height=”288″[/img]
Buffet option
In the West, sometimes they use this seating option, where there is a buffet. Along the walls there are tables with drinks and dishes with treats; all guests choose their own food according to their taste. The guests are sitting at long tables.
There remains room for guests to move freely. The bride and groom have a separate table set.
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!
The cost of making a plan - a seating list for a wedding
If we exclude the discussion of mounting and installation options, then the cost of making a wedding seating arrangement will depend only on its size, the complexity of the cutting lines, as well as the nuances of design and decoration. In most cases, all calculations are carried out individually based on individual wishes, but for the most classic product options the prices are listed below, you can easily rely on them. The table shows only popular standard sizes; of course, we are ready to produce a product of any size.
Payment is possible in any available way!
| Approximate wedding seating dimensions (cm): | 35 x 50 cm | 50 x 70 cm | 70 x 100 cm |
| Interior printing on a rigid base (decorative plastic) | 1150 rub. | 2300 rub. | 3500 rub. |
| Decorated in a decorative carved frame | 1500 rub. | 2900 rub. | 4200 rub. |
| Design in metal (silver or gold) baguette profile | 1700 rub. | 2500 rub. | 3600 rub. |
| Additional original decor (ribbons, bows, beads, drapery, flowers, etc.) | from 1500 rub. | from 1500 rub. | from 1500 rub. |
The given price is correct for retail single orders; for large projects we will certainly provide pleasant discounts.
Order
Pay attention to the discounts, you can get an additional 10% discount with one movement of your hand.
Material.
When making most wedding seating plans, we use decorative interior plastic; this is the best material in terms of price and ease of use, and it also looks great. This is the best basis for creating eye-catching boards with lists and diagrams.
Design!
Adjusting standard layouts is completely free for you; we are ready to correct the content, font, etc. Only after all approvals, changes and approval of the design on your part, the final product will go into production. Creating unique design projects according to individual wishes will be a little more expensive, the price will depend on the complexity.
Additionally!
In addition to directly producing a seating plan for guests at a wedding, you can also order a number of additional options, for example, a stand for mounting - this could be an easel, a decorative frame. It is also very popular to frame the seating plan in a carved or decorative metal frame.
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.
Little tricks to help
The fun and popular game “Take a seat on a chair” should be in the middle of the entertainment program, and not at the beginning of the celebration. Therefore, the newlyweds are obliged to think about where each guest will sit.
It’s impossible to remember who sits where. Therefore, there are some programs that allow you to perform simple tasks. To do this, just download them from the Internet and fill in the empty fields.
The planner will be a great way to quickly distribute everyone’s plantings. It contains 3 elements:
– seating chart;
Editor's choice: Wedding in Provence style, design ideas with photos
– list of invitees;
– a notepad for notes.
First, enter the guest details. Each person is written on a separate line.
The chart automatically switches to a second tab, allowing you to “sort” friends and relatives as you wish.
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.
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!
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.
Which option should I choose?
The bride and groom usually sit at a separate table with their main bridesmaids and friends. Traditionally, the groom sits to the right of the bride, the groomsman sits to the left of the bride, and the bridesmaid sits to the right of the groom. Sometimes, if the table is large enough, parents are seated with them. Some couples decide to sit at the table with just the two of them. In any case , the main thing is that the newlyweds can see (and be seen by) as many invited people as possible. One of the modern trends is to place the table of the bride and groom in the center, which avoids the impression that one of the invitees has been pushed away.
Traditionally, they are seated according to the principle “guests from the groom’s side – guests from the bride’s side.” But recently, such divisions are increasingly being abandoned, allowing people to get to know each other. Regardless of the option chosen, you should try to ensure that each person has at least one acquaintance next to them.
It is best to distribute people taking into account their ages and interests: this will allow them to feel comfortable and not be silent for most of the evening. It is advisable that at each table, if guests are sitting at different tables, there are several men and women. Small children should sit next to their parents; older children can be seated separately. Even if adults sit at the same table, a separate table is often made for children , on which less spicy dishes are placed and there are no alcoholic drinks.
Interesting! The seating plan looks very nice if you decorate it in a watercolor style. The “Love is” theme option is also good.
It is best to seat guests with small children, pregnant women and the elderly so that they can easily find the restroom without disturbing other guests. This is especially important when all the guests are sitting at the same table. Elderly guests should be positioned further away from the speakers so they won't be disturbed by too loud music, and closer to where most of the speeches will be made.
The bride and groom, their parents, as well as close friends will have to constantly get up from their seats during the holiday, so it is important that they do not need to disturb those sitting next to them every time.
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.
How the newlyweds sit at the table correctly: which side is the bride and groom on?
The tradition of seating the bride and groom at the festive table is very old, so many people forget how to seat the newlyweds correctly, but remember that it is important. There are many erroneous versions, but there is also the only correct one : during the wedding ceremony, wedding and banquet, the girl should be to the left of the young man.
Bride and groom at the banquet table
The groom is to the right of the bride - this is how he shows that he is the protector of the future wife. The newlyweds' table should be located in the center of the banquet hall.
According to tradition, newlyweds should not sit on different chairs. It is better if they sit on a small bench - this will symbolize their unity and the beginning of family life
Witnesses at a wedding should always be positioned so that the bridesmaid is next to her and the groom's friend is with him. At the festive table, witnesses at a wedding sit in exactly the same way, but not vice versa.
The parents of the bride and groom should sit as close to their children as possible. Therefore, parents are often seated near the bride and groom, not witnesses. On the right hand of the bride are her parents, and then relatives and friends on her side. To the left of the groom are his mom and dad, as well as the rest of those invited from his side.
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:
