The Best Wedding Seating Arrangments

If you are like me, you know that there is a certain need for seating arrangements, but you just don't know where to begin or even if this is a challenge that you want to take on. Many people are familiar with the seating arrangements for the actual wedding ceremony, so for this entry we will focus on the seating arrangements for the reception only. If you are interested in seating for the actual wedding ceremony please visit www.doityourself.com/stry/wedding-seating-arrangement.


Below you will find an exert from the article written by Amy Hicks.

"While the bride’s table and the parents’ table will have place cards, they are optional for the other guests. For a seated dinner, you may choose to create seating arrangements for your guests. This is best done by giving each table a number or a name, and letting each guest know ahead of time which table they will be sitting at. If you choose to have place cards for your guests, they should be handwritten and match your wedding invitations. The best way to organize your guests’ seating is to:

* Put couples beside each other
* Put children under 7 with their parents
* Create a children’s table for those between 7 and 14 years of age
* Seat guests with disabilities near bathrooms, beverage stations, etc.
* Arrange guests by common interests (like seating coworkers together)

You should always be sensitive to your guests’ likes and dislikes. Don’t put divorced couples at the same table, nor should you seat same-sex couples with people likely to insult them. Traditionally, your closest relatives and friends should be seated close to the bride’s table, but you may choose to seat your guests however you like. For buffet dinners, you may have a seating arrangement, but it is usually best to allow guests to choose their own seats.

Traditional seating arrangements are designed to honor your close family and friends and make sure that they have the best view of your ceremony. Also, seating arrangements allow your other guests to identify your family members. Your overall goal in seating your guests during the reception is to make them as comfortable as possible, so that they will have a good time. Since you know your friends and family best, it is up to you to decide whether or not to have a seating arrangement outside of the parent’s and bride’s tables."



After reading this article, I think that I will suggest that we pass on creating escort cards, table numbers and place/seating cards although she will be having a seated dinner. That is, unless she wants to champion this aspect of the reception.



What do you think??? I know that it adds an element of sophistication and personalization {is that a word?}, but is it worth the headache?