Your wedding guest list is made up of a bunch of people who don’t know each other. Finalising the seating plan isn’t just about placing them at random spots – unless your goal is to make it an awkward party. Getting the perfect seating plan takes more thought and strategy than that. Here are some pointers in starting the planning process:
1. Start early
You will need weeks before the wedding to sort this out. Sure, you have more important things to think about. But seating plans cannot be done in just one day! Give yourself at least a week to figure this out.
2. Categorise your guest list
Split your guests up according to relations: bride’s family, groom’s family, bride’s friend, groom’s friend, bride’s family friend and groom’s family friend. Once this is done, it is easier to break the list down into logical table assignments (in other words, it’s not going to be an awkward party!).
3. Draw it out
Use a computer program or the old-school paper and pen to draw the seating plan draft out. This way, misplacements will be much clearer to you. If you’re using paper and pen, use post-it’s for the names so you can switch them around.
4. Deciding on the top table
The top table is usually where the bride, groom and close family are seated. But what if your parents or your partner’s have separated? If the tension is high, it is best to sit new partners in a table close by and birth parents at the top table.
5. Separate the tension
If you know that friend A hates friend B, you can’t have them sitting at the same table, can you? Try to put them at opposite ends of the room (the key is to remember that there are four corners in a room). The same goes for relatives who can’t get along.
Jehanne: Tech, Travel and Careers writer.
