Assigned seating isn't a mandatory requirement, however most couples see the benefit of having table layout for their wedding breakfast in order to help the rest of the day run seamlessly. To begin with, it ensures that guests can easily get seated after reception drinks. It is also extremely helpful for your wedding caterers and their teams to know where all the guests are seated in order to bring the food out accurately and accommodate those with dietary requirements.
Although it is accepted that table plans are useful, there is no denying that organising a seating plan can be a tricky business. From juggling family dynamics to ensuring everyone is sitting next to someone familiar, it can become a bit of a headache trying to please everyone!
In an attempt to ease the stress, we have devised a 10 step list that will help you plan the perfect table plan for your wedding!
Step 1: Get Your RSVP's Back Early
We recommend sending out your wedding invitations 4-6 months before the big day. This is to ensure that all RSVP's can be collected well in advance of the wedding (and allow time for the inevitable chasing!). In turn, this will allow you some much needed planning time and ensure you meet your confirmation deadlines with your venue and caterers.
Wedding planning is stressful enough as it is, don't let guests slow you down when it comes to planning your dream day!
Step 2: Decide Where You and Your Partner Will be Sitting
When planning your seating arrangements, don't forget about you and your partner! Traditionally, the marrying couple sit at the head of the room on the top table along with a select group of important members of the wedding party. This can look lovely and will allow you to give credit to those who have been there for you. However, you must remember that this is your day! If this is not for you, then you can change this!
The sweetheart table is becoming increasingly popular amongst couples. This is a top table for just the two of you. This will give you and your partner some alone time to catch up on the day and revel in the momentous occasion! Why not consider having a bench instead of two chairs? This will allow you to stay close to your partner and really feel connected despite the lively environment.
Step 3: Decide Who You Want Near You and Your Partner
Traditionally, the most important guests sit on, or near, the top table. This allows those special guests to be close to the couple and give them a sense of importance.
Often the parents of the couple, siblings, and the maid of honour/best man sit closest to the wedding couple. However, dynamics of family and friends are never cookie cutter simple, so this could look very different for you. Ultimately, it is up to you who you'd like to have closest.
Step 4: Have an Idea of Your Table Layouts
When choosing your venue, you should have become aware of the different table layouts on offer to you. Some venues may only have space for a certain shape of table, therefore you will have to arrange your guests to accommodate this. However, often venues can offer couples a range of different table layouts and designs. Make sure to ask venues the right questions while scouting out the perfect location for your wedding. This will prevent any upset further down the line.
Table layouts can range from circular tables to rectangular trestle tables or a mixture of both. Figure out which layout you prefer and what would work best for your guests and venue.
There are pros and cons to each design. For example, you will be able to fit in more guests with a rectangular table layout however, guests will find it easier to talk to each other while sitting on a circular table design.
Top Tip: Ask your venue if they have any photo examples of how past couples have chosen to have their wedding breakfast layout. This way, you'll be able to see which layout you prefer in the space.
Step 5: Keep Your Venue and Guest's Needs in Mind
It is easy to get carried away with who each guest will sit next to that the location of those seats often slips the mind.
Think about the layout of your venue. Are there any obstructing pillars? Where will the band be placed? Where are the toilets? You will ultimately want to give your important guests the prime position of all the action. Additionally, older guests may not want to be placed so close to the band.
With your venue in mind, it will narrow down your seat planning to allow it to become slightly clearer where everyone should be sitting.
From the experts
Step 6: Enlist the Help of Others
Generally, it is helpful and important to include your parents and future in-laws in the table planning process. They may have some inside knowledge and understanding of the family dynamics and what would work best. Additionally, if their friends have been invited, they will likely want a say in where they are seated.
We do not recommend asking a lot of guests for their opinion. You will never be able to please everyone, and asking people's preferences will inevitably make your job trickier by trying to accommodate everyone.
Step 7: Organise Your Guests by Group
The best trick in the book is to organise your guests by group. Often couples invite a wide range of guests from different phases of their life. From childhood friends to new work buddies, they all want to celebrate this important day with you!
By grouping your guests, it will make sure that everyone is sitting next to someone they know and help a picture form in your head in how the table layouts will look.
It is important that all your guests feel comfortable with their allocated seat, but don't feel like you need to be restricted by familiarity! By grouping your guests you will be able to gather where similar interests lie. It is always fun to mix tables to allow guests to see both familiar and unfamiliar faces. This will allow for easy mingling and might potentially open up the space for new friendships to grow!
Step 8: What To Do With The Children?
If you have decided to not invite any children to the wedding then feel free to skip this step! However, if children are invited to your wedding, it may be worth considering allowing space for a children's table. Speak to the parents of the children and see if they are happy for their children to be seated away from them. Once this is decided, you can start planning whether to opt for a children's table or not.
Having a children's table is great as it can keep them occupied with the other children. Gift them little activity packs which include colouring books or other activities to keep them busy during the wedding breakfast. However, the decision to have this will depend on the age and maturity of the kids you're inviting. For many children, you may find it is best to seat them with their parents anyway.
If you do opt to have a children's table, it is important to note that you don't want to place this children's table too far away from their parents. Some children can become anxious without their parents nearby, and therefore keeping them close will prevent upset. After all, no one wants their wedding speech interrupted by a grumpy child!
Step 9: Make a Digital/Physical Seating Chart
Now you have a vague idea of where everyone is sitting, it is key to get your ideas to paper (or computer)! By designing a digital or physical seating chart, you will be able to clearly see where everyone will be sitting and the planning will become clearer to you.
If you are a Friends fan you may remember Chandler and Monica's method of working out their seating plan with flags. We love this seating plan hack we saw by Thomas Johnston Design on TikTok which really helps visualise everything.
Step 10: Convey all Table Arrangements Clearly and Aesthetically
Once you have confirmed your seating plan, it is time to start making the layout pretty in order to tell your guests where they are sitting on the day. With many incredibly talented stationery suppliers to assist you, you can create a gorgeous wedding table plan that perfectly fits the aesthetic of your wedding!
Now you've sorted your wedding table, it's time to consider how the tables will look. Check out wedding decor suppliers near you that can help you create your dream wedding aesthetic.