Wedding Table Plans
Organising your table plans can feel like a minefield - trying not to upset anyone while still finding a good balance in the distribution of your guests.
Firstly you need to visit your venue and get a good idea of table arrangements and space.
Next chase up your RSVP's until you have a pretty accurate headcount.
Your aim is to make your guests feel comfortable and mingle - grouping cliques and close friends all together seems like a nice idea but it inevitably leaves out other people.
For the top table, traditional seating arrangements call for male-female-male-female organisation, with the bride and groom obviously in the middle! An example of this would be: Head Bridesmaid - Father of Groom - Mother of Bride - Groom - Bride - Father of Bride - Mother of Groom - Best Man Sometimes top tables include the bridesmaids and groomsmen with the parents of the bride and groom on the next table.
This can be a more informal and fun arrangement, while allowing the parents of the happy couple to socialise with family and friends.
As you move down the tables, further away from the top table, tradition suggests that you keep close family and friends closest.
Here's where you may start to run into problems, with certain family members assuming they're more important than lifelong friends.
Try to find a mix, or ask for two or three tables to be equally close to the top table so you can share the honor of the close tables between more people.
A seating chart is generally positioned at the door of the reception area, so that guests can check their seating position and easily find their place.
This can be incorporated into your design theme with decoration or graphics to match the rest of the room.
You will also need to provide seating cards at each table to show where guests are meant to sit.
This makes things simple for both guests and serving and catering staff and ensures things run smoothly during dinner.
Other tips include: - Make sure that each guest is at a table where they know at least one other person.
Weddings can be quite lonely places for a guest if they are seated with all strangers.
- Take potential clashing personalities into consideration when assigning tables, as well as old family feuds and disagreements.
The last thing you want is an argument at your wedding! - Look after your single guests.
Don't sit them at a table full of couples, but also don't try to play matchmaker by putting them with a load of other singles you think they'll like! - Have fun with your table naming - why not choose a theme that is relevant and special to you as a couple rather than numbering your tables? Think about places you've been together, hobbies and interests you share, films, songs, animals, sports teams or famous romantic couples! Most of all, enjoy your day, enjoy your meal and don't worry too much about everyone else - after all, your wedding day is all about you as a couple!
Firstly you need to visit your venue and get a good idea of table arrangements and space.
Next chase up your RSVP's until you have a pretty accurate headcount.
Your aim is to make your guests feel comfortable and mingle - grouping cliques and close friends all together seems like a nice idea but it inevitably leaves out other people.
For the top table, traditional seating arrangements call for male-female-male-female organisation, with the bride and groom obviously in the middle! An example of this would be: Head Bridesmaid - Father of Groom - Mother of Bride - Groom - Bride - Father of Bride - Mother of Groom - Best Man Sometimes top tables include the bridesmaids and groomsmen with the parents of the bride and groom on the next table.
This can be a more informal and fun arrangement, while allowing the parents of the happy couple to socialise with family and friends.
As you move down the tables, further away from the top table, tradition suggests that you keep close family and friends closest.
Here's where you may start to run into problems, with certain family members assuming they're more important than lifelong friends.
Try to find a mix, or ask for two or three tables to be equally close to the top table so you can share the honor of the close tables between more people.
A seating chart is generally positioned at the door of the reception area, so that guests can check their seating position and easily find their place.
This can be incorporated into your design theme with decoration or graphics to match the rest of the room.
You will also need to provide seating cards at each table to show where guests are meant to sit.
This makes things simple for both guests and serving and catering staff and ensures things run smoothly during dinner.
Other tips include: - Make sure that each guest is at a table where they know at least one other person.
Weddings can be quite lonely places for a guest if they are seated with all strangers.
- Take potential clashing personalities into consideration when assigning tables, as well as old family feuds and disagreements.
The last thing you want is an argument at your wedding! - Look after your single guests.
Don't sit them at a table full of couples, but also don't try to play matchmaker by putting them with a load of other singles you think they'll like! - Have fun with your table naming - why not choose a theme that is relevant and special to you as a couple rather than numbering your tables? Think about places you've been together, hobbies and interests you share, films, songs, animals, sports teams or famous romantic couples! Most of all, enjoy your day, enjoy your meal and don't worry too much about everyone else - after all, your wedding day is all about you as a couple!
