The Buzz Guide: Seating Plans

planning

The Buzz Guide: Seating Plans

My partner: “Is a seating plan where you tell them where they’re sitting?” Me: “No it’s so much more than that…”

And it is! It’s a beautiful extension of your stationery suite, a place where you get to encourage the development of existing relationships and encourage new ones by seating the right people next to each other, and creating a seating plan also an opportunity to place yourself centre stage, surrounded by your very nearest and dearest.

But choosing how you design your chart and arranging your family and friends at the reception can be really tricky, so here’s some help with where you should seat people to avoid conflict, heartache and a whole load of frustration. Oh and some gorgeous seating chart inspiration too!

Things to consider…

The size of your wedding venue plays a significant role in deciding on a seating plan. A smaller venue will require a more intimate setting with fewer tables and chairs, while a larger venue may allow for more space and flexibility.

When creating your seating plan, consider the layout of the venue. Are there any obstructions or areas that may make it difficult for guests to see or hear speeches? If so, be sure to seat those who need accommodations closer to the front.

Always, ALWAYS work out a table plan with your venue before you even start seating people because when you chuck tables and chairs into the mix and into the space available, the whole game could change.

Guests with special needs
When creating a seating plan, you need to think about any guests who may have special needs. This includes guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues, as well as those who are hard of hearing or visually impaired.

To accommodate guests with mobility issues, make sure there is ample space between tables and chairs so that they can easily manoeuvre their wheelchair. It’s also important to seat them close to accessible entrances and exits.

For guests who are hard of hearing, seat them closer to the front of the room, where they will be better able to hear speeches and conversations.

And for visually impaired guests, consider providing Braille menus or large-print materials. You may also want to seat them closer to the front of the room so that they can better see any visual presentations or displays.

Family dynamics can play a big role in the success of your wedding reception. When creating a seating plan, it’s important to consider any potential conflicts or tensions that may exist between certain family members.

Ultimately it’s up to you who sits where (“just tell them” as my partner would say), but there are traditions to follow if you prefer. For example, you might want to sit divorced parents as separate tables, as hosts to their own closest friends and family, or you might prefer to have no top table at all. The choice is yours, and no-one upon no-one will bat an eyelid or even think about it afterwards.

Last-Minute Changes to the Seating Plan

Despite all your careful planning and consideration, there may be situations where last-minute changes to the seating plan are necessary. Whether it’s due to an unexpected guest or a change in family dynamics, it’s important to make these changes without causing chaos or confusion.

One way to avoid confusion is by creating a detailed seating chart that outlines each table and its guests. This can be displayed at the entrance of the reception area so that guests can easily find their assigned seats. If last-minute changes need to be made, simply update the chart with the new information.

Another option is to create table cards that display each guest’s name and table number. These can be placed on each table setting and will help guests find their assigned tables quickly and easily.

If you need to move guests around at the last minute, try to do so discreetly and without drawing attention. You may want to enlist the help of your wedding planner or a trusted friend or family member who can assist with making these changes.

Displaying the Final Seating Chart

Once you have finalised your seating plan, it’s important to display it in a way that is easy for guests to find and read. The display wall has become a key trend this year, with so many imaginative ways to display your plan.

Place Cards
Place cards await guests at each table, assigning them a specific seat. They can be anything from a simple tented card to something that doubles up as a favour.

Escort Cards
These cards are displayed near the entrance of the reception in alphabetical order. They usually include each guest’s name and table number. Once at the table, guests usually select their own seats, but escort cards can be used along with place cards as well to designate seats.

Seating Plan
This is the one that forms part of your stationery suite – same style, same colours… Usually displayed alphabetically or by table on a wall, in a frame or on an easel near the entrance of the reception, seating plans list your guests’ names with their designated tables. Additionally, place cards may be used at each table to assign specific seats.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to display your final seating chart in a prominent location where all guests can easily find it. This will help ensure that everyone knows where they are seated and can enjoy your wedding celebration without any unnecessary confusion or stress.