Creating a seating chart can be one of the most difficult steps in your wedding planning journey simply because it is often like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Determining the best placement for each guest can be an arduous task, but we like to remind couples that the seating chart is just a small aspect of the entire event. Once the dinner is over everyone will be on the dance floor and will have long forgotten who they were sitting next to or where their table was located.
A few tips for you when you are getting started on the seating chart.
Organize your guests by groups, such as immediate family members, college friends, work friends, and high school friends. You do not have to sit them according to these groups but it will assist you when you begin to plan your tables.
Know where the washrooms, bars and exits will be for those guests who will need to have easy access to them. Older guests may not want to sit next to the DJ or Band.
Consider creating a kid’s table or a kid’s party. The parents will surely appreciate it! Consider offering a kid’s buffet earlier in the evening and have activities ready to entertain them while their parents are eating.
Speak with your venue coordinator and get their recommendations on what the best floor plan is for your space and guest count. They know the space best and will be able to assist with creating the best flow in the room. This will help you decide on the table shape, whether you want round tables or long tables, which can then allow you to start your seating arrangement.
Use a digital seating planning program! AllSeated and Wedding Wire make this very easy and will allow you to visualize your floor plan and see the flow of the space. Most wedding venues will already have a version that they use and you will be able to gain access to it if you ask.
Our last word of advice is to make sure the seating assignments are clear for your guests. Items including a seating chart, table numbers and place cards will ensure guests arrive to their tables smoothly and add a decorative touch to the room. We recommend that the seating chart be placed at the entrance of the reception space which can be a creative way to incorporate your theme. The table numbers will guide your guests to the correct table while the place cards will indicate where each guest is seated. Having a clear seating chart and place cards is particularly important when having a plated meal specifically when you have guests with dietary restrictions. It is essential that the venue knows each individuals’ seat to provide seamless service for each course and deliver the correct meal to each person.
Planning your wedding or any event can seem like a never ending challenge. Rockies + Rosé Events is here to assist you with each individual step to make it as stress free as possible. We now offer consultations if you are interested in extra guidance.
