I was with my clients last Monday night helping them sort out the seating chart for their upcoming wedding this weekend. As I was jotting down what cousin would go to which table during the reception, I thought to myself that this would be a great topic to write about! Seating tips for my readers who might be getting ready to do the same task.

Let’s take a look at my tips on wedding seating.

The A, B, C’s To The Seating Chart

It’s really as simple as A, B, C! This scale never fails, and it is the perfect way to get everyone seated without pulling your hair out. As you can see, I have color-coded the tables for you to see exactly what I mean. When I work with a client, I go to my local print shop and blow up the floorplan to jot notes on. Try it for yourself!

A = ALL the people in your wedding party

This section is designated for Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Parents, Grandparents, and all the other important players on your wedding day. A good way to think of it is anyone who is at your rehearsal will be in this section.

B = Best of the friend group and close family

This section is designated for family and close friends but were not involved in the wedding. They have a great vantage point in that area.

C = Coworkers (or those Cousins that don’t act right, LOL)

Now, as I said in a blog prior unless you have a small office, I don’t really like inviting coworkers. When I did the 9-5, I worked in a super small team of 4 (including myself). To be frank, looking back I wish I didn't invite 1 of the 3 that came. My though process was it would be too much drama NOT to invite the other coworker. If you only want to invite a few of your work folks, make sure you do it on the low. Ask the friend group at work out for happy hour, and hand them the invites there at the bar. Remind them that they are the chosen ones, and request that they don't talk about the wedding around the water cooler.

Different Ways To Seat Your Guests

There are three popular ways to let your guests know exactly where they will be sitting at your reception. While they are the most popular, they are not the end-all, be-all. There are so many creative ways to show folks where to park it, as long as you have something available for your guests to navigate the tables you’re good to go!

Seating Chart Sign

Photo/Design Credit: Woodland Custom Design

This is a large sign strategically placed near the reception area. It is usually grouped by table number, and the guest names are listed below each number. I’ve seen some super creative ways to make these large charts. The most common is on thick foam board from a print shop or store. Some others use mirrors, acrylic, old doors, windows…you name it!

Pro: You only need one print (should you decide to use a print shop or etsy), and you save paper.

Con: It can cause some serious “bottlenecking” and you’ll have a crowd of people around the sign trying to see where they go.

place Cards

Photo Credit: Simply Chic SoiréesDesign Credit: Sweet Luxury Events — Photo Credit: Simply Chic Soirées
Design Credit: Sweet Luxury Events

These are seating cards with the guest’s name placed at each place setting. It can be combined with the use of the seating chart sign. Options of this is a simple tent card or go super fancy, and have the names of your guest scribed in acrylic.

Pro: This is great if you are having a seated/plated meal. It’s a much more detailed way to inform the catering staff who had salmon, steak, or a vegan meal.

Con: You could have a lot of folks walking around looking for their name, instead of just taking a seat at the designated table. It can cause a bit of a delay for the reception.

Escort Cards

Hands down my favorite option, as the escort cards are placed near the entrance of the venue. When your guests arrive, they take the card, and well before the reception starts they already know where they are seated. Should you have the seated/plated option rather than a buffet, you can have their meal of choice printed on the opposite side so they are assured to have the correct meal. (Plus you’ll absolutely know who hasn’t arrived prior to the reception, and if applicable, potentially take that food home.)

Pro: Easy seating as long as you have the table numbers clearly displayed

Con: Buying the paper, or going to the local print shop to make the cards. That’s the only con I have *shrug*…hence my fave!

Plus One Or Just One

This is always a tough conversation with my clients. To allow guests to bring a plus one or to kill the option altogether. I have never been an advocate for the latter, but this can and will affect your seating in a major way. Personally, I know more people who are in a couple than not. So how do we brighten the grey area? In my opinion, here’s the best way:

Anyone married, engaged, or in a serious relationship may be allowed to bring a plus one. Anyone else must come unaccompanied.

Is this an idea I like, to be honest, no. I’m a super social person but some people are not, and some may not be too good at getting to know new people. There’s also a safety factor we have to think about. As an Army veteran, I do believe there is safety in numbers, and I like the “buddy system”. These are just MY reasons, and while I’m not a fan, that doesn’t mean these are good reasons to double your catering budget. You have to do what is best for your wedding day, and only you and your fiancé should be the one to decide how you will accept the RSVPs. No matter what, my golden rule: Once a guest RSVPs, or the deadline hits NO “PLUS” CHANGES. As a guest, you should definitely let the couple know if you or your plus one are not going to be able to attend in the most time possible.

Caveat here:

OK…so at my wedding I did not have a seating chart, however, my Husband and only I had two large groups and that’s about it. Our families, and our combined military family, with a sprinkling of friends. We all knew who was coming, and we had plenty of seating. It worked out fine for us, but I never would recommend that to one of my clients especially if you are working on a smaller budget or have a small venue with limited seating.

I hope I gave you seating tips that will help get your guests in the best seat for your wedding day. Remember, this is just a guide to help you decide what seating method works perfectly for you. FYI, don’t freak out if people swap seats during the reception. It will happen, it’s not a big deal…breathe…repeat…it’s not a big deal. Good Job!

Until next time!

Keep It Chic

XOXO,

Amaris T.

Have A Seat: A Guide To Seating Your Wedding Guests