Seating your Guests at the Reception

Draw a map of the room where the reception is taking place. You will find that most reception venues will have one available.

Just in case your guest list grows from the time you book the venue, be sure you know the maximum number the room can seat comfortably. Ask when the final numbers of guests must be in, and remember that in most cases, that is the number you will be paying for - so make sure that each guest who is coming does not opt out at the last minute, or you will have to pay for the empty place!!!

Think about where you are going to have your entertainment set up before you make seating arrangements. Putting your grandparents at a table closest to the speakers might not be such a good idea. Younger people do not seem to mind as much about sitting near the speakers. It gives them the opportunity to get acquainted with your entertainment.

Plan ahead where your entertainment is going to be seated. It works better for them and there are no last minute surprises. A ten piece band would look funny sitting at a table for four.

If your parents are divorced then use your judgement on how close you want them to sit to each other. Ask them for their preference. You want everyone to feel comfortable.

Place cards work the best. When there are no place cards, you take the chance of a couple being split up for dinner. Handmake your own place cards....mosts guests really appreciate your special touch on such an important day!

Are you going to have a special bridal table...or are you just going to be on a table with the guests? Today, this is your choice!

Decide ahead whether you want them to sit boy/girl/boy/girl, or all the men on the left side of the groom and all the woman on the right of the bride. There is no rule for this but a lot of time and confusion will be saved if you decide ahead of time.

Seating little ones at the same table with a few hired teenage adults works well. Have some coloring books on hand. This will keep them busy and will allow them to make friends.

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