Seating Arrangements

Careful attention should be paid when arranging seating at the wedding reception. You want to ensure that all your guests will be comfortable.

To better assist you, we've listed some guidelines on seating at the main table, parents' table and all guest tables..

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The Main Table
The main or head table seats the bride and groom and the rest of the wedding party. This table is usually located in a central place, so that all guests may see the wedding party. The bride and groom sit in the center of the table, with best man next to the groom and the maid of honor next to the bride. The other attendants are seated, alternating man and woman.

You do not have to have a head table that includes the wedding party. You can have the head table include just the bride and groom. This especially works if you have a large wedding party.

Parents' Table
Both sets of parents may be seated at the same table or you may choose to have a separate table for each set of parents. The officiant and their spouse should sit at the host's table.

If your parents are divorced, seat them at separate tables. One parent can sit with the groom's parents and the other parent can sit with the officiant or other family members.

Tip: Ask your coordinator to place your parents' place cards directly in front of their seats (not on the reception table with other place cards). Specify that their seats should face the head table so they may have a clear view of the Bride and Groom! You may have to advise others at their table not to move parents' place card.

Guest Tables
You will need to finalize your seating arrangements approximately two weeks before your wedding day. Not sure who to put where? Well, here are a few tips for seating your guests:

Guests should be seated at tables where they will feel comfortable. Therefore, be sure to seat people with similar interests together. You don't want to put Uncle Paul, who loves animals, with Uncle Bob who loves to hunt!
Seat people of similar ages at the same table.
Seat your MA officiant with your parents.
Seat relatives that haven't seen each other (due to distance, not differences) in a long time. They would probably love to catch up on old times.
If your parents are divorced, seat them at separate tables. One parent can sit with the groom's parents, and the other parent can sit with the officiant or other family members.
Try seating an even number of guests at each table. This way there won't be an "odd man out".
Seat the guests that love to dance near the dance floor. They will get the party started!
Have a children's table. Include coloring books, crayons and games to keep them entertained.

Wedding Planning

Seating Arrangements