Wedding Table Plan-Uncle John has never got on well with Uncle Raymond, Claire, and Dan breaking up last year and your single friend, Salina, doesn’t want to feel like the odd one out. Relationships are complicated, and that often makes organizing the seating at your wedding reception extra stressful. But, never fear – we’ve picked up some wedding table plan etiquette tips over the years that will help you position your guests with ease. Here are some of the essential things to consider to ensure you get it right on your big day.
WHY HAVE A WEDDING TABLE PLAN?
At times it may seem like it would be easier without one, but there are several reasons why a wedding table plan is worth your effort. Firstly, guests will know precisely where to go when they arrive, which will help your dinner arrangements run smoothly and efficiently. Plus, many people prefer to be assigned a place as then they don’t have to worry about finding seats with their friends.
You’ll have control over who sits where too. This means you can make sure that your nearest and dearest mingle, and avoid anyone being left on their own. Also, older guests can be placed close to the front, so they can see and hear the speeches. All this ultimately ensures that every one of your guests ends up having a great time at your wedding reception.
TRADITIONAL TOP TABLE PLAN
Modern weddings come in all shapes and sizes, so sticking with the ‘rules’ isn’t necessarily essential when planning your top table. However, the traditional layout can be a useful starting point when you’re deciding where to seat people. If it works for your wedding party, then it’s easy to follow – otherwise, you can mix things up and do something completely different. Here’s how it would historically have been laid out, with the bride and groom at the center of a long table:
Chief Bridesmaid – Groom’s Father – Bride’s Mother – Groom – Bride – Bride’s Father – Groom’s Mother – Best Man
Many families no longer fit this mold, so there are adaptations to suit. For example, by adding extra seats at each end for step-parents. Or, having the couple sit with their closest friends, and two other family tables nearby. Alternatively, round tables can help avoid any suggestion of hierarchy and diffuse disputes over who should sit where.
THE ROOM LAYOUT
Some venues have set table layouts, while others are more flexible. It’s worth finding out as soon as possible what your options are as this will have an impact on your wedding table plan. For instance, if you have only long tables, you may seat people differently than you would with round tables. Plus, you may want to consider where to place the top table so everyone can see you for the speeches.
If you’re following the traditional wedding table plan etiquette, long tables are laid out with couples sitting opposite each other. Round tables, on the other hand, are usually males and females seated alternately. Another option is to go for male-male and then female-female to mix things up.
ARRANGING YOUR GUESTS
Planning your tables so that people don’t only sit with people they know means that your friends and family have a chance to mingle. It also solves the problem of where to sit single friends and those who want to avoid their ex! As long as everyone knows at least one other person at their table, the rest is up to you.
Start by putting people into categories, like university friends, family, and work colleagues. Then, think about who has similar interests and what age groups might work well together. There’s no reason you can’t combine young and older guests if you think they’ll get on – this could be an excellent way of introducing friends and family.
THE KIDS TABLE
If you’ve decided to invite children to your wedding reception, a kid’s table can be a great way to ensure your younger guests have fun. You can put out games, treats, and coloring pencils, and plan a child-friendly menu just for them. If this appeals, seat parents at nearby tables to keep an eye out, while they also enjoy their dinner. Of course, it depends a little on the ages and how many children will be there, so talk to parents in advance to check if your plans will work for them.
TRICKY RELATIONSHIPS
When there are family feuds or friends that have split up, it’s important to consider this on your wedding table plan. In some instances, it may be okay to sit exes together while in others it’s best to separate people to assure everyone feels comfortable. Often, there will be plenty of space for them to sit far enough apart that they won’t see each other.
If the trickier relationships are affecting your top table, be sure to find a solution that means you can still enjoy yourselves. This could mean sitting with close friends instead of family. Or perhaps sitting just the two of you for your meal, then socializing with guests between courses. Emotions run high around weddings, and managing tricky relationships can be the most challenging part of planning. However, once you’ve decided what’s right for you, try to stick to your guns – it’s your day, after all.
TABLE NAMES OR NUMBERS
Once you’ve decided who is sitting with who, assign each table a name or number so it’s easy for people to find their seats. You’ll then display this both on the plan itself and on the corresponding table. Deciding table names can be a fun part of the planning, or if you opt for numbers, they’ll certainly look elegant as part of your table decor.
PLACE CARDS
These elegant cards are set in each place so that when guests have located their table, they’ll quickly be able to find their seats. There isn’t etiquette for how you present people’s names as such, but there are different styles, so consider the tone you want to set for your celebration. A traditional wedding may use a title, first name, and surname, or title, initial, and surname to be more formal. However, a relaxed wedding can be informal, using only first names or nicknames.
WEDDING TABLE PLAN DESIGN
A wedding table plan can complement your theme, and color scheme, and match the rest of your wedding stationery and table decor. This will be the first thing your guests see as they enter your reception and will be a delightful introduction to your reception dinner. There are lots of ways to get creative with it. You could present a board on an art easel, for example. Or, opt for individual cards and display them on a mirror, as Jennifer and Joseph did for their city wedding.
WHEN YOUR WEDDING TABLE PLAN IS FINALISED…
Congratulations – you’ve completed what’s often the hardest part of wedding planning. Now, you can relax and take browse through our wedding table plan designs to choose one that suits your theme. If you can’t see what you need, our bespoke stationery service may be of interest. We can customize one of our designs or create something just for you.
Get in touch to discuss your ideas, and we’ll be happy to help.
About Us
We have been doing wedding furniture for 16 years. We are professional in the collocation of all kinds of wedding furniture. We also have a 3D design team, which can design different scenes for you. If you are interested, please pay attention to our website and feel free to contact us.
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