Creating a seating chart and deciding on all the details that go along with it can seem like an overwhelming task. However, it is important to create a seating plan in advance of the wedding day so your wedding planner, venue coordinator, vendor team, and guests know the seating arrangements. Trust us when we say, “It helps make things run so much smoother!”
We know it may seem like there is a never-ending number of choices and decisions to be made in the wedding planning process. To help ease any stress you feel we have created a wedding seating guide to assist you with breezing through this part of the planning.
Photo by Jennifer Juniper Photography
Seating Chart Sign Display
A seating chart sign is typically displayed at the entrance of your reception on an easel. It should include all your guests’ names in alphabetical order and include the table number.
It’s always a good idea to have a seating chart sign displayed if you have a larger guest count. Plus, it can serve as another piece of decor in your room. Further, many signs can be turned into into a beautiful memento for after your wedding day.
If you prefer to order online, Etsy and Minted have beautiful options to choose from that can go with any theme. Or consider hiring a professional sign vendor to create a one-of-a-kind piece from simple budget-friendly options to ultra-lux seating charts depending on how much you have to splurge. There are so many ways to get creative with it. One example, as pictured below, is a bookcase decorated in wedding florals displaying the seating chart. Your seating chart can be another piece of decor and act as a showstopper!
Photo by KMD Photo and Film
Decide on Layout
When deciding on the layout of your reception seating we recommend starting with the Bride and Groom first. Decide on the style of your seating arrangements. There are quite a few options to select from such as a head table, sweetheart table, or a feast table just to name a few. After you have this established you can move on to focusing on the bridal party and family.
Couples will often choose to have parents, family and bridal party members seated at tables closest to them. Determining where you would like your bridal party and closest friends and family to be seated will provide you with a great foundation to build on for the next step which is assigning tables or seats to all other guests.
It’s always a good idea to speak with your venue coordinator and wedding planner to discuss layout options and table requirements. They will be able to provide you with any suggestions and inform you of any necessary details the venue will need to know ahead of time.
Escort Cards
If you’ve chosen not to have a seating chart, then you will need an escort card display or table. It is perfectly fine to have escort cards and not have a seating chart.
Escort cards are where your guests will find their seating assignments. Escort cards include first and last names, as well as the table number. Guests will then bring their card to their table to be displayed until the end of dinner service.
Check with your venue coordinator or wedding planner as some venues will also require you to provide them with guest place cards that indicate their meal of choice for plated dinner service. The meal choice should be designated on the front of the escort card so the catering team can easily identify what each guest is eating the night of the wedding.
Many venues will also ask for you to select a symbol to be displayed on the escort card. This can be anything basic to more creative such as a symbol that means something to you as a couple.
Photo by Rudy & Marta Photography
Place Cards
Another option to be covered is the topic of place cards. Place cards are used when couples decide on assigning their guests to not just a specific table but also a specific seat. They differ from escort cards as they are not displayed during cocktail hour for guests to pick up and carry. Place cards are stationed at each individual spot.
A similarity between the place card and escort card is that the place card will display a meal choice indication and the guests name. If you do decide on having individual assigned seats you will definitely want to have a seating chart on display so guests
Some couples decide to have assigned individual seats with a place card stationed on the spot for the guest. On the other hand some guests opt to have the escort cards displayed for cocktail hour for guests to pick up and bring in with them.
Conclusion
There are many different options for you to decide on for seating arrangements. The important thing is to know what your options are, think about the layout of the room, factor in guest count and venue requirements. However, do not overlook creating a plan that will reflect the style and vision you have for your big day.
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed and need more help?
Book a consultation with Socialite Event Planning today.
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