Organizing the seating chart for your reception is arguably one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. Guest lists are a collection of the most important people from every point in a couple’s life making it hard to separate individuals into neat tables of 12. There are usually five main groups of invitees: childhood friends, school friends, close family, extended family, and the wedding party. Outside of these solid groups, you might find a few attendees just don’t fall into one of these categories. The all too well known “stragglers” table is never a comforting placement for your guests. Movies like “Table 19” and “The Wedding Singer” give a glimpse into the awkward feeling of being stuck at a table of random acquaintances. There is a thoughtful way to seat your guests without making them feel isolated.
After you have sorted the obvious groupings of people who know each other well, it’s time to get creative. Evaluate each guest still waiting to be seated and think about how their personality will fit at the existing tables. Have a few work friends who are the life of the party? They will fit in beautifully with your school friends who are known for taking over the dance floor. Did your mom invite her first cousin once removed who you only see on holidays? If the extended family table is full, seat them with the parents of your closest friends. Here are a few tips on how to craft the perfect tables along with a few fun ways to display these charts to your guests on your big day.
The Wedding Party Table
A couple’s wedding party is usually a mix of family, childhood friends, and new friends. Each person represents a monumental impact on your life and continues to be a source of love and support. Oddly, that doesn’t mean that they have all met! More likely than not, they all know of each other, but might not know each other. Get ahead of the game and have a casual get together with your wedding party and their partners so when your special day rolls around, everyone is already old friends. This will make the wedding party table easy and fun while you enjoy your reception.
Every Table Is The Fun Table
No matter how hard you try to mingle at your own wedding, you will inevitably be too busy enjoying your wedding day to introduce all your guests. Keep your reception flowing smoothly and do all the introductions in your seating chart! Start by grouping people by how they know each other. Inevitably, there will be a few people who may not fit neatly into a category, but don’t worry! Pair these guests with a gaggle of new friends you think they might hit it off with. Not only will this take the pressure off of you and your new partner playing host, but you might find that you’ve cultivated a totally new friend group.
Round Over Rectangle
While long communal tables are taking over Instagram with their rustic bohemian vibes, the lengthy table might not be the best solution to bring your guests together. Round tables allow for flowing conversation and feel more intimate overall. There is nothing worse than heads craning over neighboring dinner plates to grab the attention of a friend. The round table encourages guests to introduce themselves to their tablemates, relieving you of having to play the icebreaker.
Mind The Music
Having a band or DJ is essential to any good party, but some attendees might be a little more noise sensitive than others. If you have elderly guests, try to place them on the outer or back tables away from the blaring music. Those party animal school friends we mentioned earlier? Their table should be up front where the action is to get the dance floor rolling. This will keep your friends and family comfortable enough to stick around after dinner has been served.
Family Drama
Everyone has those few family members who when placed together might get a little explosive. Identify any potential powder keg moments and nip them in the bud before the match is sparked. Masterfully craft your tables to give a little breathing room between two frenemies. First, separate tables are a must. Second, make sure their seats have a table (or two) in between them. Putting distance between potential arguments will keep the party moving without any interruptions.
Displaying Your Seating Chart
Get Creative
Keep your seating chart festive by linking it to your wedding theme or something you and your partner enjoy together. Love road tripping across the country? Let a map be the canvas to display your table assignments. Instead of numbers, name each table a different city that’s meaningful to you and your new spouse. Love to surf with your fiancé? Print the reception seating on a blank surfboard to be displayed in your home after the wedding. Not only will large format table assignments look amazing, it’s better for the environment as well. Paperlust provides a handy tool for designing and ordering a seating chart to help your guests.
DIY Touches Everywhere
Your escort card display doesn’t have to be expensive to make an impact. DIY table assignment displays are easy and use objects you can find at your local dollar store. For a casual vibe, the common clothespin is your best friend. Try layering pieces of cotton yarn in a scalloped pattern, each table taking up a different string. Using the clothespins, display each escort card with a tassel in between each assignment. The finished product is playful and picture perfect.
Looking for something a little more glamorous? Scour your local antique shop for a few mismatched frames and cut a piece of wood to become the back. Paint the board with chalkboard paint and affix it to the back of each frame. Ask your calligrapher to inscribe one table per frame. Hang these at the entrance of your reception for a whimsical take on the classic escort card.
Place Cards
If you are feeling a little more traditional, embrace the power of individual place cards by making them something to remember. Display is everything. The classic tented place card is always a seamless touch, but take it to the next level by using a calligrapher to inscribe each name. Your guests will be wowed by how beautiful the print looks and will likely take the card home. Your seating chart is also a great way to give out your wedding favors. Attach a little momento or snack to the card so guests can remember your big day for years to come. For example, have splits of wine covered in a bespoke label and tied with each guest’s place card for a cute keepsake.
