Seating plans are an important part of your reception planning and should be done after all your guests are confirmed and you know exactly how many are coming. Deciding on where your guests are going to sit should be a fun task, but don't leave it till the last minute, draw up your plan about a week before the day so that you will still have time for any last minute changes.



Seating plans will help your guests quickly find their seats at the reception and will help ensure everyone has a place. Drawing up a plan means you can sit people together who will get on well or apart if you think they won't! Harmony is the key here. You don't want arguments or heated discussions breaking out in the middle of your meal!

When drawing up your seating plan, begin by writing down all the guests? names and table numbers on separate pieces of paper. Spread the table numbers out on a table and start by placing guests on each table. Move them around until you are happy with what will work. This will take time so allow an evening or afternoon to do it.

Think about where you want your top table positioned. Traditionally the top table is a long table placed so that all other guests can see it. However, you may decide on a round table in the center of the room.

Consideration should be given to any elderly guests, who may appreciate being seated away from any entertainment which you may have. Also if you are inviting children consider having a separate table for them. Whilst young children are best seated with their parents, older children may appreciate a table of their own. Cover it with a paper table cloth and pots of coloring pencils to keep them occupied.

When it comes to arranging your top table it is traditional for the parents of the bride and groom to sit with them. If for any reason this won't work you may have to consider an alternative option. Your bridesmaids and best man should also be seated on the top table. When thinking about the top table, work out what will suit you best and what will keep everyone happy, whether that keeps with tradition or not.

It is important you think of all your guests individually and give consideration as to who you think they will get along with. If you are concerned about people not getting along, sit them far apart. Your wedding should not become the time to settle feuds or force people in to getting along with each other.

Finally put your seating plan together on a large piece of cardboard. Print out each table number with a list of guest's names underneath it and arrange them on the board as the tables are laid out in the room. You can get someone to do this for you and some stationer's will provide this service. Your seating plan will be displayed at the entrance to the room where your meal will be held.