Take the difficulty out of wedding seating plans ............

Awedding is an exciting time for everyone, both the wedding party and the guests. But, have you taken into consideration where you will seat everyone at the reception?

You’re going to want to sit next to your new hubby or wifey, but you also want to sit next to your favourite cousin, sisters, brothers, parents, friends – this is harder than you initially thought – will you and your partner’s family even get along?

We’ve put together some suggestions when it comes to writing out that table plan well in advance of the day (and not the night before).

DECIDE ON THE TABLE

There are a few shapes you can opt for, the most popular being round, rectangular, oval and square.

Your decision might come down to the venue of your wedding, but it also could depend on your guest list.

Round tables provide significant leg room, but it normally limits the guest’s communication with their seated neighbour, and someone will have their back to the MC.

Long rectangular tables are great for smaller venues as they take up less room with more people.

The oval and square tables are variations but follow similar structure rules.

THE WEDDING PARTY

A popular trend is to sit the newly weds and their wedding party at a long rectangular table at the head of the reception.

This allows all the guests to easily see the bride and groom and rebuts the need to tap their shoulder for a chat, as you can just talk straight over to the table.

If you do go for round tables, it’s best to keep the wedding party, bride and groom at the one table, so no favouritism is being had.

EVERYONE ELSE

You will want your parents and in-laws to sit together, assuming they get along – seated with your siblings and grandparents.

If there is the uncomfortable divorced circumstance, you can use that parent to seat more relatives or close friends of that side of the family.

Trust your close friends with guests who don’t know many people at a table, and don’t create a singles section, it might sound fun, but it never ends well.

Even use the amount of people per table to help you create numbers.

The venue will only take 80 guests, now you’ll have to make a list to fit that number and not feel too bad about not inviting second cousin Rachel who you haven’t seen for six years but has been messaging you lately hinting for an invite.

KIDS TABLE

By dedicating a shorter table you can make sure the flower girls and little ring bearers can colour in, chat about their favourite television show and even be given tot-friendly feasts.

NAME CARD

A name card will help guests find their spot, you can organise couples to stick together, and give those who need the best view a good spot.

This also helps with dietary requirements as the caterers will know exactly where the vegan, vegetarian, and paleotarians are.

If you aren’t fussed by seating, then just giving guests their table will be adequate.