How to create a wedding seating plan

Before you start …

1. Contact your venue to check the maximum number of people that can be seated at each table. They may also have some layout options that work particularly well for your space.

2. Get some post it notes and write all of your guests names on them, not forgetting any little ones still in highchairs. This will make it easy to move people about and explore different layouts.

3. Get creative to map out your wedding seating plan. You could use plates or chopping boards from the kitchen (depending on whether you are having round or trestle style tables) and stick post it notes around them. Or grab a big piece of paper and get sketching!

The process …

1. Decide where you and your partner will sit. It’s your wedding, what will make you the happiest? A sweetheart table for 2, a traditional top table surrounded by your closest family, or perhaps you want to be seated with friends from your bridal party.

2. Once you have decided where you will sit, think about your parents. Traditionally they would sit either side of the newly married couple, but modern family dynamics mean this isn’t always possible. If you decide not to seat your parents next to you, or you have larger blended families, choose a table close to you to signify their importance on the day.

3. Next consider your immediate family such as siblings, or aunts and uncles who you are really close with. Some may be seated on a top table, others on a table nearby to ensure they have a good view and will comfortably hear the speeches.

4. Then you can think about your bridal party. Depending on size they may have a table to themselves, or may be seated across the top table and another close by.

5. Time to think about seating your friends, which is hopefully the fun part! It can be helpful to batch your friends into different groups such as school, uni and work. Try to ensure everyone knows at least one other person on their table and have fun imagining who will get along with who.

6. Extended family and parents friends. These may be the people you are least close to so it would be fair to seat them furthest from the top table. Your venue will help to ensure that everyone has a great view and can hear the speeches so don’t worry too much!

7. You could consider a kids table, depending on the age of the children. Although you’ll need to weigh up whether this will be a fun way to keep them occupied or whether things could quickly descend into chaos. If you do opt for a kids table, try to sit at least some of the parents close by so they can keep an eye out and prevent things from becoming too rowdy.

The presentation …

Once you have mapped out where all of your guests will sit you’ll need to decide how to communicate these details. Generally couples go for one of three options:

1. An illustrated seating chart with guest names positioned around tables. Typically A1 in size, either landscape or portrait.

2. Individual table cards with a list of guest names. Typically A5 in size, but can be made to any custom size/shape.

3. An alphabetical seating chart with a list of guest names that each correspond to a number. The number can then be located on an adjacent diagram. Typically A1 in size, usually portrait.

The primary purpose of a wedding seating plan is to help guests find their seats, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This is a great opportunity to add personal details such as floral artwork that matches your invitations, custom wedding crests or even pet portraits!