ADVICE ON: THE SEATING PLAN


Top Table

While the traditional top table (Bride and Groom seated at a long table flanked by the Wedding party) is still favoured by most, alternatives are often being introduced as family structures get more complicated. The traditional layout is as follows:

Groom's Father-Bride's Mother-Best Man-Groom-Bride-Chief Bridesmaid-Bride's Father-Groom's Motherwedding glasgow wedding suppliers reception venue planning advice guide

There can be many other arrangements - which may be useful when parents have split up and are possibly with a new partner and you may have to arrange the seating to fit your family permutation. Alternatively, you may want to avoid the top table altogether and have a romantic table for two, called a sweetheart table, or sit with other friends/family.

Tips For Other Tables

  • Find out from the venue if the reception will be seated using round or long tables and how many guests can be accommodated at a table before you do anything.
  • Seating tables with just one family group will let them relax, but won't do much to encourage mingling. However, a table where no one knows anyone else might be a bit daunting for most people! Try and arrange a mix on each table - so everyone knows a few people. By thinking about guest's ages and interests you can make sure that each table is likely to get on and have fun!
  • Where to sit singles can also create a dilemma. On one hand you might want to try out a little matchmaking, but on the other, this could be rather uncomfortable and awkward for your guests, and possibly a might be very obvious too!. You could choose to have a 'singles' table but consider wisely whether some guests might feel a little offended by this arrangement.
  •  If you are using round tables, the general etiquette is to seat males and females alternately around the table. If you are using long tables, seat couples opposite one another and then alternate male/females along the table.
  • The tables closest to the Bride and Groom should be reserved for the closest friends and family.
  • Give each table a name or number. Table names could be themed - for example people, objects, songs or places that are relevant to you as a couple. Names also remove the perceived hierarchy of tables. You should create a name card for each table (your venue may do this for you) so that guests can easily find their table.
  • If you are assigning guests to specific seats you should create name place cards.

 

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