close
  • Affordable Wedding Ideas
  • Colors & Themes
  • Real Couples
  • Wedding Stationery
  • Q & A
  • SHOP
Ann's Bridal Bargains BlogAnn's Bridal Bargains Blog
  • Menu
  • Affordable Wedding Ideas
  • Colors & Themes
  • Real Couples
  • Wedding Stationery
  • Q & A
  • SHOP

Helpful Seating Arrangement Tips and Etiquette for Weddings

By Carynn,

May 18, 2010

Tips for creating a proper wedding ceremony seating arrangement:

• The groom’s family and friends sit on the right side of the church or venue

• The bride’s family and friends sit on the left side of the church or venue

• Always seat parents in the first row on their appropriate side.

• Reserve first few pews or rows of chairs for guests of honor, such as grandparents, godparents, immediate family, etc. (Pew bows are a great way to indicate reserved seating.)



Tips for creating a successful wedding reception seating arrangement:

• It is customary that the bride and groom determine seating arrangements

• Ideally, all guests should feel as though they’ve been seated in a special spot

• Remember to think in terms of compatible dinner partners

• Use wedding place cards to show guests where they will be seated

• Find wedding place cards that coordinate with your wedding reception table decorations

• Traditionally, there is a separate table for the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom. Other close family and friends may be seated at these tables, as well.

• It is not advised to seat divorced parents together, even if they have a good relationship. Each parent has extended family and friends that make seating them all together difficult.

• At the head table, the bride and groom sit in the middle with the bride to the right of the groom. The rest of the head table may be arranged however the bride and groom prefer.

• Wedding place cards are used on all tables, including the head table. Add a special touch to your head table with wedding reception table decorations that coordinate, but are slightly unique.

Bright White Place Card with Design  Pearl Panel Place Card

Most importantly, keep guests comfortable! Take into consideration good table partners and easy seating access for the elderly and handicapped.

With so many things to consider, start creating your seating arrangement early!

Tagged:wedding reception seating chartwedding seating chart

Post navigation

← PreviousThe Unity Sand Ceremony….and Other Fun Ways to Use Unity Sand!
NextCreate a Coordinated Wedding Look with Your Single-Initial Monogram →

2 thoughts on “Helpful Seating Arrangement Tips and Etiquette for Weddings”

  1. Toptableplanner says:
    May 20, 2010 at 5:27 am

    There’s some great advice here! It’s definitely a good idea to start thinking about your seating arrangement early. There’s bound to be certain family and friends that you’re sure will be coming and you can work out where they’re sitting even before any RSVPs are back.

    Reply
  2. Victoria Mische @ Your Chair Covers says:
    April 15, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing this helpful tips! Appreciate the recommendation!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Categories

  • Affordable Wedding Ideas
  • Bargain Challenges
  • Ceremony Ideas
  • Color Inspiration
  • Colors & Themes
  • Destination Weddings
  • DIY Wedding Ideas
  • Dress Up Your Invite
  • Engagement Stories
  • Favorite Themes
  • Invitation Tips & Trends
  • Press Releases
  • Q & A
  • Real Couples
  • Reception Ideas
  • Tips for the Bride
  • Uncategorized
  • Wedding Planning Checklist
  • Wedding Stationery
  • Wedding Stories
  • Wedding Trends
  •  Facebook
  •  Pinterest
  •  Instagram
  •  Twitter
  •  YouTube
© Ann's Bridal Bargains · · All rights reserved.