It’s a classic problem most couples face when arranging the finer details of their wedding reception.
Where to place the guests?
It’s a shame, really, because, by this stage, you’ve done the hard work in terms of deciding who to invite. Scratching your head on where to seat everyone doesn’t sound like a huge amount of fun, does it?
Thankfully, there are some tried-and-tested ways to create a wedding table plan without upsetting anyone. Here are some brilliant tips for doing just that.
Don’t leave it until the last minute
We’ll start with a simple tip: don’t leave your wedding table plan until the last minute. In doing so, you’ll probably rush what is a very important job.
Get started as soon as the RSVPs are in and you know exactly who’s coming. Don’t be the couple who wake up early on the day of the wedding to get the plan sorted (trust us – that happens!).
Go on – create a spreadsheet
It might sound like the least romantic thing that could be linked to your wedding, but a spreadsheet will help you immensely when arranging the seating plan.
Start by breaking down the guests by relationship. Create separate pots on your spreadsheet for friends and family on both sides. This will make it far easier to create a logical, fair table assortment while ensuring you don’t forget anyone.
Be mindful
Unfortunately, there are always a few personality and relationship niggles to navigate when you’re arranging your table plan, so be mindful of this when you seat people.
If you know, hands-down, that person A has had a spat with person B in the past, or that one of your friends really finds another friend a pain in the you-know-what, try and separate them.
You should have enough guests to manage this kind of stuff, but if you find that navigating such issues becomes a problem, it’s sometimes best to speak to those involved and see if they’re ok with the table you’d like them to sit at. The good news? Most people will let bygones be bygones for your big day!
Don’t feel pressured into having a head table
It’s customary for the bride and groom to be accompanied by key members of their family at the head table, but if you’d rather not do that (for whatever reason), remember that there are no rules.
Some couples prefer to sit by themselves for their wedding for no reason other than they want to spend that special time on their own, yet surrounded by those they love.
It’s actually rather nice to see this in action, therefore if you want to be the couple that has their own, special table to themselves – go for it!
In instances of split parents, let them take control – to a degree
Traditionally, the parents of the bride and groom sit on the same table, but you might be in a position where this isn’t possible.
For instance, if your parents have separated and don’t feel comfortable sitting next to each other, give them the option to host their own tables. This is a great way to give them just enough control in order to make them feel comfortable and also take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Just be careful not to give them too much control. Warring parents may cause unintentional havoc on your big day if left to their own devices.
Wrapping up
Family feuds, simmering past vendettas and difficult personalities shouldn’t get in the way of the biggest and most exciting day of your life so far.
Use our tips above, and the seating plan will be something you quickly forget was ever an issue.
