Can’t We all Just Sit Down

Sometimes in the midst of all the planning for their big day, couples may forget the very obvious simple task of planning exactly the logistics of how to actually seat all their guests in the reception area and they ask, can’t we just have an open seating plan?  We always smile and remind them on average it takes about 15 minutes to seat 100 people if you have planned seating and since you don’t want to waste one minute of your fabulous party time with people milling around confused, let’s go ahead and have a good plan in place, this usually convinces them!

The following are several methods that can be used to seat your guests at your reception, and if you have designated seating, you will use a combination of some of these: (To see examples of some of these methods below in action go to Weddepot.com for inspiration)

Maitre d’ or Directed Seating: In this style of seating, a captain is stationed at the entrance to the reception area and guests inquire or are directed by the captain to their table assignment by the list he/she has in hand.

Seating Chart: A chart/paper that is located near or outside the reception area that lists the tables by number and the names of the guests seated at those tables in alphabetical order usually or some type of organized order.  You may also have a second chart which lists the names of the guests in alphabetical order with their table assignment following their name so that guests could use either chart to locate their table assignment.

Escort Cards:  Like the example to the left used at a wedding for one of our clients where the Bride cleverly pinned each card to a picture frame and then hung these outside the tented reception area on several trees on her family’s acreage, are usually inserted in a small envelope and the card then lists the table number assigned to the guests with their name on the outside of the envelope.  The envelopes are  arranged alphabetically by guest name.

Place Cards: Are located at the table and contain the name of the guest on both sides so it may be read by each member at the table and it designates where the guest is to be seated at the table.  You will normally find it placed near the top of the dinner plate.

Table Cards: Is some form of a card, paper, or symbol that identifies the table, often this is a number but this may be a theme or some sort,  a favorite past-time, hobby, memory of the couple etc.

For overall self-help with your seating chart use weddingwire.com.

Now let’s sit down and get this party started!

If you need help planning your next event, please call Party of 2 at 916-479-3093.

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Party of 2

prtof02@gmail.com