Wedding Seating Etiquette – seating chart can be an absolute minefield. Not only do you need to figure out the right floor plan for your event, you often need to deal with a bunch of emotional baggage in the process!

For example: Where should you seat divorced parents? What about kids and single guests? And is a bridal table really necessary?

We completely understand seating plans can be a serious source of stress, so we’re here to help. Read on for our guide to wedding seat chart etiquette, including some of the major faux pas you should be aware of.

Wedding Seating Etiquette

Figuring Out Your Floor Plan

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of seating chart politics, let’s start with the basics. The first step will be coming up with a practical floor plan for your reception and figuring out how many guests you can seat per table.

When it comes to mapping out your table layouts, you’ll need to consider the size and shape of your venue, your menu style, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. 

Wedding Seating Etiquette
Wedding Seating Etiquette

Some of the most popular options include:

Long rows.

Long, communal tables are well suited for rectangular spaces or outdoor venues. This style of floor plan often creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes it easy to hang flowers or lighting installations above the tables. Communal tables are also ideal if you’re planning a feasting-style menu.

Individual tables.

This could be rectangular tables, round tables, or even a combination of the two! Individual tables can create a more formal atmosphere and a sense of intimacy at each table.

U-shaped.

This style of the floor plan is unique and eye-catching, but may not be a practical option for some venues. U-shaped layouts can be tricky to pull off for large weddings, so they’re best suited for smaller guest lists.

Assigned Seats: Yay or Nay?

Once your floor plan has been decided, you can now figure out what kind of seating plan will best suit your event. 

Your options include:

Assigned seating. 

The most traditional option is where you assign each guest to an individual seat. To do this, you can display a seating chart at the entrance to the reception, and use place cards at each table setting with the name of each guest.

Assigned tables.

 Instead of being assigned individual seats, guests are assigned to a particular table and can choose their own seats once they arrive. Again, you’ll need to display this on a seating chart, though place cards won’t be required.

Informal seating. 

Without any specific seating plan, your guests are free to find and choose their own seats wherever they like.

Navigating The Bridal Table

One of the most important decisions when creating your seating chart is figuring out where you and your wedding party will sit. Again, you’ll need to consider the size of your venue along with the experience you want to have at your reception

Do you want to go traditional with a separate bridal table at the head of your floor plan, facing your guests? Would you prefer to scrap the bridal table altogether and simply sit amongst your friends and family for an informal feel? Or, do you want to set up a “sweetheart table” for you and your new husband or wife to soak up the moment together?

There’s no right or wrong decision here – simply choose the option that feels most comfortable for you!

Wedding Seating Etiquette
Wedding Seating Etiquette

Looking for more wedding etiquette tips? Looking for more wedding etiquette tips? Read our blog here.

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