You've spent months planning the perfect wedding day, and now the final touches are just weeks away! Although that's largely true, there's one more item on your to-do list, and that's creating the seating chart, which directs guests to their seats at the reception. Most often, the couple is responsible for creating these table groupings.
Here at Dantela Bridal, we know how important it is to put together a seating chart for your wedding day. It really is the backbone of a solid reception and can make a huge impact on how the evening goes! It might seem like the easy way out to let your guests sit wherever they want, but it can actually be overwhelming for guests to have to figure out where to sit if it’s a free for all situation. And the last thing you want is anxious guests!
To help you create the perfect seating chart, we’ve put together a list of our top tips to ease your mind and move you in the right direction:
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WHERE TO START
First of all, you’ll want to start putting together your seating chart around 2-3 weeks out from the wedding date. This might seem like it’s too close to the big day, but it’s important that you have a complete guest list before planning the seating chart. Search through your RSVPs and put that list together. Then it’s time to figure out what seating layout you want: what type of tables will you have? How will you arrange them in your reception area?
You can always consult your wedding planner or ask for help from a family member if you're having trouble answering these questions. You can also take other factors into consideration, such as budget and venue, to determine what will work best for you in terms of furniture rentals!
The shape of the table is important. Rectangular tables are better for chatting, but round tables are easier to organize.
PAIR UP PEOPLE WHO KNOW EACH OTHER
Not every person seated at the same table needs to be buddies, but you don't want to strategically break up friendship groups or seat people who don't know each other together in hopes of making new friends. While romance may be in the air, refrain from playing matchmaker by seating all single guests together. This is an outdated tactic that we’re not big fans of!
Instead, intersperse singles among couples based on their common interest, not their relationship status.
DON’T ASSIGN SPECIFIC SEATS TO GUESTS
It's smarter to assign everyone to one table and let them choose any seat they like rather than use place cards to direct guests to specific seats. Tables are great for telling guests where to sit, but they might not appreciate being told which seat to take. And anyway, if a guest doesn’t like their seat, they’ll just move either way. Save yourself the time and not worry about it!
DON’T OVERFILL YOUR TABLES
In addition to making everyone more comfortable, keeping tables smaller is also practical. Occasionally, plus-ones might show up unannounced or they might forget to RSVP, so having extra room at the tables is always helpful.
COMPLETE YOUR CHART IN A TIMELY MANNER
Whatever you do, make sure you stick to a timeline and get the seating chart done with time to spare. Once it’s complete, the seating chart will be sent off to printers or calligraphers. If you’re behind on schedule, you might have to deal with rush fees, errors, or not receiving the placecards in time for your wedding day. If you stick to the timeline, this ugly domino effect will not occur!
We hope these tips help ease your mind about putting together seating charts! If you’re preparing for your big day and still need a wedding gown, book an appointment with our bridal experts at Dantela Bridal today!