Wedding Table Plan Etiquette: A Guide For Beginners

Is the big day coming? Of the wedding, that is, and you'll have relatives and friends from all over arriving. Everything has been planned to the tiniest details, but perhaps not.

Especially as some relatives might not be on good terms with each other, or you have friends who broke up with who last year. Then there's your single cousin who doesn't want to feel like the odd one out.

These are just several of the reasons why you have to employ table plan etiquette. Through the proper seating arrangement, you'll be able to situate your guests accordingly on their reception tables.

This article will elucidate the aptest etiquette for a wedding table plan.

A Wedding Table Plan: Why Is It Important?

You think that having a wedding table plan is too tedious, but there are plenty of good reasons for having it. For one thing, when your guests arrive, they will know where to go to. In return, you'll have no worries about your dinner arrangements. Everything will run smoothly and easily in this aspect.

A wedding table plan will also help to make your visitors comfortable, particularly if they prefer to be seated with their friends.

One of the best benefits of having a table plan for your wedding is that you'll be able to manage who is going to be seated where. Consequently, your kith and kin will be able to mingle, and everyone will have a good time.

What Is The Traditional Top Table Plan?

Modern wedding plans tend to be flexible and more adaptable, so you wouldn't have to be pernickety about the rules. However, as a starting point, you should stick to the traditional layout. If it works well for you, then good. But if you want to mix and match the arrangement, it is your prerogative.

At the long table, you'll find the bride and the groom at the centre. Congruently, the historical arrangement would be:

The Chief Bridesmaid ---- The Father Of The Groom ---- The Mother Of The Bride ---- The Groom ---- The Bride ---- The Father Of The Bride ---- The Mother Of The Groom ---- The Best Man

Family set-ups differ nowadays, so adaptations may be applied to suit. For instance, if there are step-parents, they can be seated on chairs on each end.

The couple can also sit with their nearest friends while their families are positioned on two tables at hand. If you don't want any implications of hierarchy or to prevent any seating disputes, you can utilise round tables.

What About The Room Layout?

Some venues have arranged table layouts, while some are adjustable. Carefully weigh your options in this regard so that you can ensure the wedding table plan.

If you happen to choose a long table, your guests will be seated alternatively compared to having round tables. The location of your top table should be considered as well- you'll want everyone to see the speeches.

If you want to adhere to the traditional wedding table plan etiquette, then you'll have to set long tables where couples sit across one another.

As for round tables, males are usually seated alternately with females. Another option is the male-male then female-female scenario to juggle things up.

How To Arrange Your Guests

Allow your guests to mingle when it comes to arranging their seats. This way, you'll have no qualms about seating who next to who. Single friends should not be out of place or give the chance to someone to avoid their ex. Just see to it that your guest knows at least one person at the table.

A fantastic idea is to categorise your visitors, such as family, work colleagues and university friends, among others. The same interests or age groups can occupy their tables.

Nevertheless, you can combine young and old folks, too. This gives an opportunity for family and friends to be introduced among themselves.

Managing Tricky Relationships

Emotions tend to run high during weddings- where relatives at feud would meet, or that uncomfortable instance when somebody meets their ex again.

In these scenarios, it's best to have these pertinent people seated far from each other. Have them seated with familiar guests instead of those they are awkward with. Indeed, taking care of tricky relationships is one of the most challenging aspects of a table plan.

Assigning Table Names Or Numbers

Once you have determined everyone's seats, place names or numbers on every table so that they won't have to scamper to find them. You position these on the plan together with the table.

It's quite fun to decide on the names for the plan, or the table numbers which look elegant. These make attractive table decor.

Positioning Place Cards On The Table

Place cards look classy, and they are printed with the guests' names so that they will know where to sit. The etiquette hasn't been specified, but you can present names in various styles depending on the tone of your occasion.

If you have a traditional celebration, you can indicate the title, the name and the surname, or else the title, the initial and the surname. These appear rather formal. If you opt for a relaxed mood, you can use only your attendees' first names or nicknames.

How To Design Your Wedding Table Plan

Your wedding table plan can be arranged to match the theme, the colour motif, the wedding stationery and the table decor. Upon arriving at the venue, your guests will see the reception set-up, and it will be a splendid introduction to the ambience of the event.

How about presenting a board over an art easel, or displaying cards on a mirror? These are just two interesting examples.

When Your Wedding Table Plan Has Been Finalised

Good job! You have just accomplished the most challenging part of planning the wedding. After you've had it carefully set in place, you can work with us to do the final touches.

We can recommend the best wedding table plan and bespoke stationery design and services, or you can consider your personal preferences.

At Apprintable, we deliver fast, efficient and state-of-the-art service. Contact us now.