Start your seating plan even before acceptances begin to come in.
Traditional seating plans will have both sets of parents at the bridal table which will usually face the other guests.
The groom is center, with the bride on his left.
Bride’s father left of bride, followed by groom’s mother, with the best man next to her.
Bride’s mother to the right of groom, followed by groom’s mother, followed by maid of honour or head bridesmaid.
Of course this is not always possible, and there are many modern alternatives to this plan. For example one can have a separate table for the parents and immediate family, placed close to the bridal table. This table will then include the clergyman and the MC. The bridal table then consists of the bride and groom, along with best man, maid of honour and all attendants.
A few tips to remember when drawing up the table plan:
Traditionally, the closer a guest is placed to the bridal table, the more honoured they feel.
Take into consideration recent divorces and family feuds. These people need to be placed as far away from each other as possible. Consider different personalities and from the beginning start by placing people together who you know get along well.
Place people with young children on the outer areas. Alternatively one could have a separate table for children. However one may find that without adult supervision things could get out of hand. Perhaps a volunteer or two could be found among the younger set, who would be willing to supervise the children’s table.
One can either have a diagram seating plan neatly drawn up and displayed outside the reception hall, or have ushers with guest lists to take people to their tables. Tables need to be numbered, with the number clearly displayed either on the table, or on the seating plan diagram. One could have individual place cards displayed on the tables (make sure where numbers or names are displayed on tables that it coordinates with the table decoration design!).
