Wedding Advice – Here Comes the Blog

Of all the things you’ll be doing to prepare for your wedding, the seating chart ranks right up there with a trip to the dentist. No one looks forward to planning a layout that not only matches like-minded people together but also does not offend anyone at the same time.

Where to start? Well, the good news is that technology can be your best friend here. Use your home computer and Excel to create a seating chart. Or, go online and design a seating arrangement easily with sites like Simple Seating (www.simpleseating.com). There is a free version of the program or you can upgrade and pay for services like importing your guest list to it. On this site you can drop and drag seats to arrange and rearrange table assignments to your heart’s desire. When you’re done, print it out and you’re done. There are lots of features to check out that will make your life easier.

But whether you’re doing your chart online or the old fashioned pen and paper way, you still have lots to think about. Take a deep breath and realize that you can always make changes. Just get your basic layout in place and the rest will all come together.

Do you have to seat boy, girl, boy, girl? Not anymore. In today’s blended and step-families, there are so many things to consider that the every-other seating has all but disappeared. Seat people in order that makes sense. If you have four siblings that are girls, seat them all together around the table. If you have friends from college who happen to both be male, seat them together. It’s perfectly fine, simply use your wedding placecards to lead the way.

Do you have to sit at a head table with all of your bridal party? Not at all! You can create a table for two at the head of the room and seat the rest of the bridal party with their spouses or friends. It makes more sense for everyone, especially if you have moms who want to sit with their children or spouse.

Do both pairs of parents have to sit together at one table? No. You can have your parents sit with relatives from your side and at another table your groom’s parents can do the same.

One rule you should stick to is placing the most “important” relatives nearest the bride and groom. This would include your Aunt Connie who would be offended if you put her anywhere else than at Table 1 as well as step-fathers, biological fathers, step moms and your own mom. While the step-family has created challenges, use your head. If your mom and dad are divorced and remarried, they may feel uncomfortable being placed at the same table. Ask them. If they would prefer to sit apart, make sure they do.

As for friends, you can seat them just about anywhere. If you have a fun friend who you know will liven up a quiet group, place him at that table. If you have friends who you know would rather all be together, seat them that way. Give younger people the tables that elders might complain about. If you have one that’s in a highly trafficked area or near the kitchen, give it to the younger crowd. They are less apt to care.

Use your best judgment and just get the basics down. As your wedding approaches you’ll care less and less about where people are seated and more about your exciting big day!

Get more help on seating charts:

• How to Set Up the Reception Seating
• What to Do When You Have Missing or Late RSVPs

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