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Once your guests arrive at the reception, they need to know where to sit. Keep everyone happy--and your wedding well-organized--by skipping these nine mistakes.
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Skipping The Seating Chart
"One of the biggest mistakes I see with seating charts is assuming that you don't need to have one at all. We're seeing across the boards that weddings are far less formal when compared to other generations of weddings, which leads couples to believe that the reception seating can be a free-for-all," says Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting. "At the end the day, however, the formality of a reception and the use of a seating chart don't have to walk hand in hand. In fact, most guests really don't want to have to put any effort into trying to find a seat among friends, so do the heavy lifting for them."
Organizing The Chart By Table
Make sure you do it alphabetically and not by table number, says Heather Grabin of Fell Stone Manor. There's nothing worse than a line at the table!
Not Taking Age Into Consideration
Seating charts are as much about who is sitting next to one another as it's about where the tables are placed in the room, says Ely. When assigning tables for older guests, as an example, make sure that you don't place them too close to the dance floor or by any speakers.
Making Young And Old Sit Together
You want guests to have some fun at their tables, so sitting your college pals with your parents' friends might not be the best idea.
Letting Parents Take Control
Don't let your parents dictate where certain guests will be seated. Even if they feel grandma should be sitting near your table, if it's too close to the music or table with loud, younger guests, she probably won't be very happy there.
Having A Huge Bridal Party Table
There are plenty of issues with having the entire bridal party sit with you and the groom. First, it might interfere with them sitting with their spouses or dates. In addition, it can create a huge table that becomes an eyesore in the room or even causes some at the table to sit with their backs to the rest of the guests. You're better off having a sweetheart table and letting the bridal party sit at a table next to you.
Sitting The Wrong People Together
Be mindful of any relationship sensitivities that may be in place, says Ely. "Former couples are not going to want to sit near each other, even if you have the attitude that everyone has to get along for the day of the celebration. Likewise, if you have sensitivities among family members, give everyone a break and put a few tables between them."
Seating Strangers With One Another
You might think it's fun to mix guests with one another as a way to encourage those who don't know each other to mingle. Don't do it. People will be unhappy and uncomfortable sitting with strangers, so you're better off figuring out other ways to get your guests to engage.
Separating Families
You don't need to stick with the old fashioned way of having the bride's family on one side of the venue and the groom's on the other. You can feel free to mix up those tables a bit so guests can get to know each other.
