Table Seating Guide for your Wedding Reception

There are lots of aspects to consider when planning a wedding reception. Catering plays a big role, as well as where your guests will enjoy their delicious food. So, after finalizing your guest list, it’s time to hop on to planning your wedding reception table seating.

Challenging is an understatement when this part of the planning process comes. If you’re not sure how to go about it, read on and we’ll walk you through it.

Consider your guests

First, you have to consider your guests. It’s more fun if you seat people together who already know one another. But that’s not to say that you can’t meet new faces at your table. Group some guests who you think should be acquaintances but aren’t yet. Also, keep in mind to check in with your in-laws to prevent any unwanted tension.

Consider yourselves

Second, think about where you’re planning to sit. Do you want to have your very own sweetheart table? Or do you want to include yourselves in the seating chart? You and your partner should both have a say on this, rather than deciding solo.

Check your tables

Next, consider your space. Before you jump into seating your guests together, check your tables. Each table shape and table size accommodates a different number of guests. Use the guide below in identifying the number of guests each type of table fits. From there, you can decide which table to choose for your reception.

Set your tables

Now that you have decided which tables to use, how do you set them in your venue? Where should your older guests be seated? The younger guests? For the older guests, their table should be near a bathroom/exit for convenience. Also, keep them away from loudspeakers and the dance floor. Alternatively, younger guests, who have a seat near the dance floor, can be expected to be grooving in no time.

Be prepared for changes

Lastly, there will be some things out of your control. There might be a last-minute cancellation or a plus-one you haven’t anticipated. So, how do you deal with this? Discuss with your wedding planner and hand over your seating chart. Let them do their magic and you can offer your thanks afterward. As for you, focus on one thing that only YOU can do at that moment, getting married!