Tips and techniques to create a formal seating plan for your wedding

There is no doubt that creating a formal seating plan is a challenging and somewhat time consuming endeavor. With many other responsibilities and projects competing for your time during the lead up to your wedding, you may decide that assigned seating for your guests just isn't that important. Here are a few things to consider before reaching this conclusion:

1. In their rush to secure "a good seat" your beautiful table decorations have been obscured by guests' coats and tipped chairs designed to save a spot.
2. Your elderly Grandparents have ended up seated next the loudspeakers and accompanied by your alternative lifestyle friends with purple hair and multiple piercings.
3. Long after your guests have been asked to take their seats, a couple of stragglers continue to circulate desperately looking for a receptive table willing to "take them in from the cold".
4. Your darling nieces and nephews have claimed the head table because it has such a great view!
5. After traveling across the country to attend your wedding, the only spot left for your favorite Aunt and Uncle is at the back of the room beside the swinging kitchen door.

All right, these are extreme examples but nonetheless real life stories. If you do not feel these situations would put a damper on your day, you can stop reading now.
On the other hand, if you would prefer your event run a little more smoothly, you will want to build in the time required to create and implement a seating plan. Your Guests will be truly thankful and you will help to ensure everyone has a wonderful time.
Once you have a final list of guests that will be in attendance commence developing your plan. Prepare a map of the Reception Venue indicating the locations of the Head Table, Podium, Guest Tables, Cake Table, Receiving Table for Guest Book and Escort Cards, Gift Collection Table, Band Stand/DJ and Dance Floor. Your Caterer or Facility Manager will be able to provide guidance based on their past experiences as to how to best utilize the facility you have selected.
Traditionally, the Head Table is elevated and situated in a focal point in the room. The Bride and Groom are seated in the center with the Maid of Honor to the Groom's left and the Best Man on the Bride's right. The other attendants make up the balance of the table alternating male and female. Alternatively, some Bridal couples are choosing to sit by themselves at what is referred to as a "Sweetheart" table. This allows the attendants to be seated separately along with their respected significant others that may not be part of the Bridal Party. Another option is to have the Bride and Groom sit at the head table along with their parents. This can present some difficulties if there has been a divorce and hard feelings persist. Choose whatever arrangement seems to feel right in your situation.
Begin the process of assigning guests to a specific location by creating a "sticky note" or small card with each guest's name. To help create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere at each table, try to create groupings based on the following:

1. Combine people similar in age and interests.
2. Don't plan to force people to make new friends. Guests are much more comfortable if they are seated with people they already know.
3. Seat work colleagues together.
4. Locate more elderly guests away from the Dance Floor and/or sound system speakers.
5. Seat disabled guests close to an accessible exit.
6. Family and close friends should be close to the head table.
7. Seat guests that may be giving a speech in close proximity to the podium to avoid long delays during the program.
8. Avoid seating guests together that have a known conflict. If parents are divorced or friends have had a falling out, don't force them into an uncomfortable situation. Simply select tables that allow some "personal space".
9. Very young children should be seated with their parents so they can be closely supervised.
10. Slightly older children can be assigned to a table at the back of the room. Be sure to supply this group with colouring books,crayons or games to occupy their attention. They definitely will not be interested in the speeches.

Invariably you will end up with a smattering of individuals that don't seem to fit. Avoid putting all these strangers together at one table out of desperation. Try to re-shuffle and insert these people into table groupings with outgoing individuals that embrace the opportunity to make new acquaintances.

Once you have finalized the seating assignments, you will need a method to convey the information to your guests. To begin, mark each Guest Table with a Number or Name. Create a Seating Chart that can be displayed near the entrance to your Reception for a quick reference by arriving guests. Alternatively, prepare Escort Cards. Included should be the name and table assignment for each guest. Have these displayed in alphabetical order in a location where they will be visible as your guests arrive. These can take many different forms and can even be combined with a small favor for added appeal.
If you wish to follow an exact seating order at each table, you will also need to prepare place card markers. These markers will display the name of each guest and will be incorporated into each place setting. Traditionally, place settings alternate between male and female, however, there are always going to be exceptions. Most importantly, try to seat people in a way that will promote conversation and a friendly atmosphere.
With your lists complete and guests assigned, sit back, relax and enjoy the Celebration . . . your Guests surely will!