Think about singles: Those guests coming with a partner are always seated together.Try to strike a balance, and bear in mind people's interests and ages. On the other hand, seating people on tables where they know no one might not be a good idea either. Mix it up: If you seat your guests in family groups, people lose the chance to mingle.When it comes to wedding seating plans, thank goodness for the 21st century!ĭid you know that in a recent online poll, 95% of people said that as a guest they'd prefer to have a wedding seating plan? Sharing it with your venue is quick and simple too, by either emailing or printing out. Using a simple-to-use computer-based seating planner such as TopTablePlanner you'll be able to make major changes with a few clicks, and minor changes in much less time than it would take to draw it all out again by hand. Perhaps a romantic 'sweetheart' table for two, or even sitting with friends, rather than family might be a solution? After all, it's your wedding! In many cases it is helpful to abandon the restrictions which tend to come with top table plans. Some layouts can be particularly useful when parents have split up and are possibly with a new partner. In the UK, the Bride and Groom would traditionally sit in the middle of the wedding top table flanked by the Bride's parents, then the Groom's parents and finally by the Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid.ĭon't feel you need to stick with tradition though as there are plenty of alternative top table layouts you can use, including the US-style head table. If your guests are sitting with people they get along with, it will make a big difference to their enjoyment of the day. The wedding meal may last for 2-3 hours and is a significant part of the day. Guests are saved from the mad panic of trying to find a seat on a table with their friends/family, and you can place people where they'll be happiest! A wedding seating plan will almost certainly help things run more smoothly. For anything larger than a small, informal reception, a wedding seating plan is likely to make a significant difference to the success of your reception.