wedding table seating list

How to Create a Wedding Seating Chart

Don't let creating your wedding seating chart stress you out. Keep it simple with Zola's rundown of exactly how and where to place all of your wedding guests.

By Emily Forrest

The First Look ✨

• A wedding table seating chart isn’t mandatory, but it can help you, your guests, and your catering staff maximize your reception venue space.
• Consider your venue size and decide, based on your desired reception vibe and your guests, the type of tables you need and the floor map that best suits them.
• Start your seating chart with the head table then seat your relatives, friends, coworkers, and others. Make sure you consider guests' relationships and personalities when you sketch your plans.

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Where your guests will sit at your reception probably isn’t the first thing on your wedding planning checklist —and it doesn’t have to be. Once you receive those RSVPs , though, it’s time to start mapping out your wedding seating chart. Like lunch tables in high school, seating arrangements can carry a lot of weight. There are plenty of variables to consider, but making a chart for your wedding seating doesn’t need to be overwhelming—and can actually be fun. Here’s everything you need to know about your wedding table seating chart.

Why do I need a wedding table seating chart?

Well, you technically don’t. While open seating is always an option, many couples will create an assigned seating chart for their wedding. It’s traditional, sure, but a clear seating arrangement benefits everyone from the guests to the catering staff and helps you maximize your reception venue space . Assigned seats just tend to make things simpler. (You can always assign tables and let each guest choose their individual seat, too.)

Here are a few reasons to create wedding seating charts:

• It ensures each table will be filled to its maximum capacity.
• It makes it easy for servers to locate guests and provide them any previously requested meals or meal substitutes. (Some wedding venues may even require reception seating assignment for this reason.)
• Wedding guests actually like to know where they’re sitting—it cuts confusion and any potential awkwardness.

How do I even begin making a guest list seating chart?

Before you even think about each wedding guest and their needs, first you need to consider the size of the space and of your tables. The size and shape of the tables will tell you how many guests can sit at each table. Wedding tables come in four basic shapes: round, rectangle, oval, and square, which should be discussed during the wedding planning process.

Square and rectangular tables make it easier for guests to chat across the table and next to one another. You can also typically fit more of these shapes into the space. Round tables, on the other hand, provide guests more legroom. These tables also may make your job easier as you’ll only need to pay attention to who’s sitting directly next to one another.

Once you choose your tables, map them out in the space, and know how many each will hold, then it’s time to start filling in your wedding seating chart with your guest names list.

How To Make Wedding Seating Charts

Now the fun begins. Whether your wedding venue is big or small, organizing your wedding guests into tables comes with a number of considerations. So, before you start making your name cards, consider these factors. Here are some things to think about as you create your wedding seating plan.

1. Start with the head table.

It’s a good idea to seat the two of you first at your wedding table. Decide if you want to sit at a traditional head table made up of your wedding party or if you would prefer to sit together as a couple at your own private sweetheart table.

Traditionally, a head wedding table is long and straight. The couple sits in the center and the wedding party (and sometimes their dates) fills in the rest. If you go the sweetheart table route, you can place the wedding party at one or two other tables nearby. It’s up to you, but be sure to place yourselves first.

2. Place your parents and grandparents.

Next, it’s a good idea to figure out where your parents and grandparents will sit. If they’re not sitting with you (some couples will include their parents at the head table), be sure to keep them close. It’s common for both sets of parents to share a table at the reception so they can bond and bask in their children’s newly wedded glow. This table will also typically include both sets of grandparents and any siblings that aren’t in the wedding party.

In the case of divorced parents, things can feel a little more sensitive. You likely know the situation best so proceed with care. If things between your parents are comfortable—meaning, they can spend quality time together without any palpable tension—you may feel fine placing them together at a table.

If things are a little more strained, be sensitive. Consider letting each parent host their own table (if space allows) of close family and friends. Be sure to keep these tables equally close to yours so everyone feels included. Depending on each family’s situation, this could mean potentially four parents’ tables. If you feel unsure, talk to your parents. They most likely want what's best for you and will do what it takes to help you figure out a solution that works for everyone.

3. Figure out your family and close friends.

Once the key players and planners involved in your wedding are situated, it’s time to move on to your extended family and friends. Barring any significant unrest, your family should be pretty easy to place. Traditionally extended family members sit together with their immediate family members. So, your aunt will sit with her partner and their children, grandchildren, etc. Each family group can cover a full table or, depending on family size, you can, of course, combine families into one table.

It’s more common to place members of your respective families together, but feel free to mix it up if you want. Why not set one of your extended family groups with one of your partner’s? You’re all family now after all.

You know the saying “keep your friends close.” Well, that same sentiment works at your wedding. Simply put, sit your close friends together—and definitely mix them in with your partner’s BFFs, too. More likely than not, many of your friends already know each other and are eager to reunite to celebrate your fresh union.

4. Categorize the rest of your guests by groups.

Beyond your family and best friends, weddings also usually include other attendees from the various parts of your life. This mix is a little more random and, therefore, can be a bit more challenging to place in your wedding seating chart. The easiest way to handle the last handful of guests is to separate them by groups. For example, these wedding guests may fall into the following categories:

• Your boss and colleagues
• Your parents’ friends
• High school friends

When seating your remaining guests, it’s nice to consider things like backgrounds, personalities, and interests. Many of these people will end up at tables together so it’s best to always take a moment to think about who could really mesh well together. Here's how we recommend handling each of these groups.

Boss and Colleagues

This group is totally dependent on your relationship with your boss and coworkers. It’s also important to consider your coworkers' relationship with your boss—they may or may not want to spend the night sitting next to their daily manager or colleague. Hopefully, though, if you invited people from your work life, you did so because you know they’ll have a fun time together and with the rest of your wedding guests.

If that’s not the case, you can seat your coworkers with a group of your close friends or high school friends. You can place your boss with a group of your parents’ friends or even with members of your extended family, depending on how the tables work out.

Parents’ Friends

Instead of stressing over this as a couple, let your parents take the reigns here—they’ll be happy to be involved. Trust us. They may even invite some of their closest friends to join them at their table. Either way, they’ll be the best judge of where to seat and how to group their attendees.

Additionally, you should also include your parents in any decisions about placing non-family members at family tables. If there are seats to fill at tables with your families, they’ll likely have an opinion about who should fill those places.

High School Friends

Depending on how many high school friends you invite to your wedding, they may take up a table of their own or you can likely combine forces with your partners’ friends from back in the day. However, if you don’t have enough old friends in attendance, find seats for them at tables with your college friends or even your coworkers. As always, consider personalities and interests. Presumably, though, anyone you put on your wedding guest list is there to celebrate you and your new spouse so there shouldn’t be any weirdness regardless of their setting assignment.

This group can go a number of ways. Typically, the vendors you'll include and feed at your reception include the DJ or band, your photographer(s) , and your wedding planner. Depending on your relationship with any other vendors, though, that could increase. If your wedding florist is a family friend, for example, you’ll, of course, include him or her, too.

In the case of vendors who don’t qualify as family friends, it’s best to simply ask each vendor what they would prefer. Many DJs will eat at their station because they usually play music during the cocktail hour and dinner. Similarly, wedding photographers are still on the clock. They may also prefer to grab a plate and eat somewhere quickly before getting back to work.

However, if you have a group of vendors that you would like to include in your wedding seating chart, offer them a table. If you are tight on space and need to fill in remaining seats, seat some friends or colleagues with them. Maybe you have a friend with an interest in photography or floral design—he or she could enjoy discussing these crafts with the experts behind your big day.

If you choose to include children at your wedding reception—and many people do—it’s best to consult your parents and the kids’ parents. These kids are likely your cousins so you can sit them with their parents at family tables. Alternatively, if you have a large number of kids in attendance, consider setting up a designated kids’ table. Have some crafts or activities at each place to keep everyone occupied.

Wedding Seating Chart Etiquette

As you plan your wedding seating chart, there are a few considerations to keep in mind while you’re placing all of your guests for your wedding day.

Think about past relationships and histories.

There will undoubtedly be a few wedding guests that share some kind of tense history—exes or old frenemies or even family members who don’t get along. Stay cognizant of these past relationships and be considerate when making your seating plan. Yes, it’s your day, but don’t throw people together who really don’t mesh. It will only create an awkwardness that you don’t want at your reception.

Avoid the singles’ table.

It’s tempting to throw single guests into a table with the hopes that they’ll mingle and maybe even match up throughout the night. However, try to skip the singles’ table altogether. It could be embarrassing for your guests once they realize where they landed on your wedding seating chart. Similarly, don’t place your unmarried friend at a table of married couples. Try to use your best judgment and make everyone feel comfortable.

Consider personalities and interests.

We touched on this before, but keep your guests’ personalities and interests top of mind as you create your wedding seating chart . Don’t sit your more subdued coworkers with your rowdy college friends, for example. It might take some more thought and a few last-minute shuffles to really accommodate all of your wedding guests, but, again, it’s all in the name of a stress-free and fun reception.

Ultimately, your wedding seating chart should create a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Don’t let the seating plan drive you crazy, though. This is your celebration, and your wedding guests will treat it as such, regardless.

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How to Create Your Wedding Seating Chart

It may feel a bit daunting, but once you figure out how to make a wedding seating chart, the process is sure to be a breeze!

Lena Mirasola Photography

It’s one of the biggest issues you’ll face during wedding planning: how to make a wedding seating chart. The task of creating a seating chart for your reception, which you should tackle once your RSVPs are in a few weeks before your big day, may seem quite daunting at first, but once you get started, you’ll find that the process actually isn’t that time-consuming at all. Yes, you and your future spouse may get into a table-related tiffs along the way, but that’s par for the course.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to how to make a wedding seating chart that is clear, organized, and makes everyone happy.

Find a seating chart tool.

If you’re trying to figure out how to make a wedding seating chart, sign up for a free online tool to easily design your floor plan without covering your entire apartment in Post-It Notes. You’ll be able to easily create a floor plan of your reception venue (including noting details like where the band will be set up, the cake table, etc.), sync the tool with your guest list to ensure everyone’s accounted for, and then share the completed seating chart with your vendors so that you’re all on the same page.

Learn Table Shapes and Sizes

You’ll also need to decide what types of tables you’ll have at your reception – round tables that seat eight to ten guests are the most common, but more and more couples are choosing long or square tables. Talk to your venue, caterer, and/or rentals company to choose the tables that would best fit in your reception venue’s space. You can customize the shape and capacity of your tables on an online seating chart tool .

Start with Yourselves

When figuring out how to make a wedding seating chart, think about where you and your future spouse would like to sit —it’s totally your call, but an important detail to work out. You can sit by yourselves at a sweetheart table, or with your wedding party, or with your immediate families. Once you’ve decided on your seating situation, you can move on to everyone else.

Consider Your VIPs

If you choose not to sit with your immediate families, ask both sets of parents who they would like to sit with (you may be surprised by their answers, so don’t assume you already know!), and create their tables next. Your wedding party members should sit together, with their significant others and plus-ones – though you can have separate tables for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Seat Everyone Else

From there, you should be able to group the rest of your guests into table “categories” based on something they all have in common. For example, “relatives on Mom’s side” or “college friends.” If your groups are too big to fit at your tables, split them into multiple tables.

Remember Special Needs

When it comes to how to make a wedding seating chart, there are certain groups of people who may require some extra thought and care. Pay special attention to elderly guests, who should not be seated close to the band or any speakers (too loud!), but perhaps closer to the exit so they don’t have far to walk to the restroom. Also, remember that children should be seated near their parents—or at a kids’ table if they’re old enough and if there will be enough children present. And when it comes to single friends or family members , don’t create a “singles table”—it will feel like awkward forced matchmaking. Instead, seat single guests next to people they already know.

Related WeddingWire Articles

Learn how to create a digital seating chart for a wedding:

Digital seating charts are a must-have for all wedding planning. Having a visual tool allows everyone to picture the final setup.

Writing one by hand might lead to more problems than it solves. Paper and sticky note charts just don’t have the same features and capabilities as digital ones. A digital seating chart for a wedding can be shared with key decision makers for better communication. It can automatically clean up messy guest files. And it allows important details like special needs and meal preferences to be added on. Plus, last-minute changes can be made, and updated versions can quickly be sent out so everyone stays on the same page.

Step 1: Select a great tool.

A great digital seating chart will have a few key features. Robust seating solutions will always be easy to use and offer clear instructions. They’ll also be collaborative, making it easy to invite other key decision makers to view the chart in real time so they can weigh in on placement of guests and seating. A great seating chart tool will also be adaptable. Updating guest lists and editing meal preferences should all be quick and painless, and help to keep you organized. Here at Social Tables, we offer all of this and more with our collaborative seating software .

Step 2: Perfect your layout.

Input the dimensions of the space into your diagram, upload a PDF of the venue’s floor plans, or choose from over 5,000 venues floor plans already in Social Tables. Add tables and their relative sizes. Play around with alternative wedding layouts to see how to arrange the band, buffet, and dance floor. Now is the time to experiment and see which layout feels the best. With a digital seating chart, you can create as many different versions as you like without having to start from scratch every time.

Step 3: Adjust the tables.

Add in table shapes, dimensions, and positioning. Number the tables by clicking and dragging across the tables in your diagram. You can skip numbers, clear your choices, and even skip numbers containing certain values as you go. You even have the option of using only even or odd numbers.

Step 4: Import the attendee list.

Upload the guest list in a few clicks, and choose whether you’d like to merge duplicates to clean up any messy info. Manage attendees by adding their organization, email, tags, meal choices, and more. Here you’ll also find information on what group number they are as well as their table number and seat after they’ve been assigned one.

Step 5: Add VIP and other customizable tags.

Tagging the in-laws and the bridal party as VIPs is easy. Just create a new tag and assign it to each name on the list. Later on you can sort your list and chart by these tags if you need to check on something. Viewing this list in spreadsheet form also makes the planning process easier so no one gets left off by accident.

Once your tags have been added, you can zoom in on guest information on the seating chart to do a final check that everything looks right.

Step 6: Drag and drop imported attendees to their seats.

You can also assign attendees by group or auto-seat everyone in a single click. Use the spreadsheet version to view your guests, and double check to make sure you’re not missing anyone.

Step 7: Add meals and make note of individual dietary restrictions.

There are several ways to edit attendee records at any point during your digital wedding seating chart creation process. Whether it’s clicking on their seat, the side panel, or on the chart itself, inputting guest details is a snap.

Step 8: Share with caterers, venue, rental, and other important decision makers.

They’ll be able to quickly gather information on the party and the space. If any changes need to be made, you can be confident that the whole team will be on the same page at all times, as your diagram will automatically update. The catering team can even sort guests by their meal preferences. Florists can plan out the number and positioning of their arrangements. And day-of coordinators can stay in the loop without missing a beat using real-time collaboration to see instant updates.

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That’s how to create a wedding seating chart, simplified!

At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as a bad seating chart for a wedding.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but making a seating chart doesn’t have to be when you use free table planning software . No matter how you plan to arrange guests, keep these main ideas in mind:

• Start with what you know. If there are religious elements to the wedding, there will be some helpful guidelines as to who sits where. Or if you’re certain grandma likes to boogie, make sure she gets a seat next to the dance floor.
• Not everyone will be happy. But as long as the couple is happy with the seating arrangement, that’s all that really matters.
• Choose safety over style. Keeping the tables a certain width apart or adding space for wheelchairs ensures that everyone is comfortable and well taken care of no matter what.

Don’t forget to check out Social Tables’ 3D wedding design software !

Quick answers about wedding seating charts:

First get the floor plan. Then, plot out how many tables you need and where they will fit. Pick the seats for the VIPs and arrange groups for everyone else. Make sure you are creating an accommodating environment for everyone.

We certainly recommend one! It doesn’t necessarily need to be super in depth, but a seating chart makes sure everyone is on the same page, and will help everyone to visualize the logistics of the event.

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Wedding   Seating Chart Maker

Streamline your seating layout. Use modern tool to plan where your guests are seated.   Create your personalized wedding plan. No hidden fees!   No sign-up required!

How a Wedding Seating Chart Maker Can Help You Create the Perfect Floor Plan

Ask any married couple what the most stressful part of wedding planning was, and they’ll probably say putting together the seating plan and deciding on the guest list. And you can understand why! It can be an emotional, stressful and painstaking task that typically takes up many an evening. Thankfully, now, couples have the opportunity to make the whole process much easier and more efficient by using a wedding seating chart maker such as ours!

By using an online, customizable template , you can now effortlessly find the perfect place for all of your guests within minutes. Leaving you plenty of time to drop and drag the rest of your reception into place! Where’s the perfect place for the dance floor? Should we have a permeant table for desserts? Before you know it, you’ll have finished your whole floor plan and will be moving onto the next critical task in the wedding planning process.

How a Wedding Seating Chart Maker Will Save You Time & Stress

If you’re searching for a wedding seat chart maker, and you’ve come across this page, it’s probably because you’ve already put together your guest list – and that was tough, right? Well, stick with us, and we’ll ensure the rest of the planning process is pain-free.

Instantly Upload the Guest List Onto Our Wedding Seating Chart Maker

One of the major benefits of using a wedding seating chart maker is that you can swap and change things as you like. And as someone who’s recently put together a guest list, you’ll know this could get a bit messy if you’re doing things by hand.

But with an online tool such as ours, you can instantly upload your guest list from an Excel file , and quickly start placing people in their positions. Need to move them somewhere else? No problem, just drop and drag guests around the room until you’ve found the perfect place for everyone.

Find the Perfect Table Arrangement

Our free wedding seating chart app makes it easy to work out which type of table design you should be using on the big day. By inputting the exact dimension of your reception space, you’ll be able to play around with multiple table shapes and configurations to see which works best.

We eliminate any guesswork involved in the process of arranging your guests, and allow you to quickly get an accurate overview of the full floor plan, as it will look on the night. In a way that paper and pens could achieve… But would take many, many more hours, plus demand a lot more skill, and patience.

Add Guests to the Reception as Soon as they RSVP

Your wedding will be one in a million if all of your guests RSVP as soon as they receive the invite. Some loved ones are real heroes, and they’ll reply as soon as possible. Whereas others will certainly leave you hanging… Waiting until your seating scheme is complete before sending back their invitation. For those couples with neatly hand drawn wedding seating chart boards, this can be a real issue. As they’ll need to re-draw the whole thing from scratch.

But with an online wedding seating chart tool such as ours, this kind of last-minute alteration is so easy to update. In just a few clicks, both your guest list and seating plan will be up-to-date and ready to be sent to relevant suppliers.

Collaborate with Family & Friends

There will be plenty of people on your guest list you don’t know that well. Many of us have family we don’t see often, or have a partner whose family we haven’t gotten to know yet. This can be an issue when putting together a balanced seating plan for a wedding. As guests should be paired up, or seated in groups that work in harmony, according to their personalities and interests.

Take away the guess-work, and match up guests easily, by inviting friends and family to collaborate on your seating chart. Together, you can work how best to organize tables as a whole, or maybe give certain sections of the reception to your mom or mother-in-law, for example, and allow them to decide those groups. They’ll probably know certain people best, so who better to decide where they should sit.

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Andy Hammond

Wedding expert and writer working for wedding industry

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Deciding who’s going to sit where can be overwhelming, but our wedding Seating Chart tool makes it easy. We’ll help you set up a floor plan, seat your guests and share the chart with your VIPs.

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Foam boards and thumbtacks won’t be needed. With our wedding guest seating tool, you can drag and drop tables to mimic your reception layout. This will help you visualize where the tables will be, and where guests will sit at each table.

Create the seating plan

How do you make sure all your guests have seats? Our Seating Chart tool lets you sync your Guest List with the floor plan. Watch your seating arrangements take shape by placing everyone in the seat of your choice.

Spread the word

Lots of people will want to glance at your wedding guest seating plan. Easily print, export or email everything to your partner, planner, venue, or anyone else who may need it. They’ll have it in their hands in a few clicks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your Wedding Seating Chart questions, answered.

Is your wedding seating chart tool free.

Yes, the WeddingWire Seating Chart tool is totally free! It also integrates with your Guest List so it's easy for you to pull in everyone who is planning to attend and place them into your custom floorplan. You can even export or print it to share with your vendors.

How do you create a Seating Chart for a wedding?

It's a good idea to group wedding guests based on what you think they'll enjoy the most during your reception! For some people, that's sitting by family or friend groups, while for others it's pairing people together who may not have met before but have a lot in common. Our Seating Chart tool is easy to use to create a custom floor plan based on your venue size and layout. You can import guests from your list or add them individually.

Is a Seating Chart necessary for a wedding?

A Seating Chart isn't required, however it is incredibly helpful in making sure you are able to provide clear direction to your wedding guests and ensure everyone has a seat at your wedding reception.

How do you make a Seating Chart?

Our Seating Chart tool makes it simple! You can create your layout digitally with circular or square tables, the right number of seats, and even custom areas for the bar(s), dance floor, and more. Then, drag/drop your guests to be placed at each table and customize until you are satisfied. Finally, easily export or print to share with your wedding planner and venue!

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Wedding Planning Guide

How to create your wedding seating chart.

Everything you need to know about wedding seating chart etiquette and how to seat your guests at the reception.

• How to Create

By Minted | Last Updated: March 14, 2024

Congratulations on making it this far! You must have sent out your save the date cards and your elegant wedding invitations , checked and rechecked your budget spreadsheet, updated the details on your wedding website and so much more. You should be proud of yourself. While letting the guests’ responses trickle in, you can start thinking about the seating chart.

Creating a wedding seating chart may feel like a quick and easy task, but finding the right spot for each guest and a table arrangement that works well for your venue can be surprisingly time-consuming. In this article, we'll try to help clear up some wedding seating chart confusion and provide you with some tips to make this aspect of event planning a breeze!

Seating chart: "Someone Like You" by Design Lotus

How To Create Your Wedding Seating Chart

1. seat yourselves.

You and your new spouse will be the center of attention all evening, so seat yourselves in a central location where all your guests can see you. This is the first wedding seating chart etiquette to note.

One option would be to sit at a table with your wedding-party members (often called the "head table"), with your seats in the middle. Or, you could sit with your parents and let that be the head table, with the wedding party scattered at different tables with their dates.

Another popular option is to sit with your new spouse at a table reserved for just the two of you. This arrangement is often called a "sweetheart table."

Photo: Lauren Gabrielle

2. Seat the Wedding Party

Figuring out where to seat your wedding party members depends on how big your entourage is and how many of them attended the wedding with dates. Depending on your wedding party's size, one option would be to place all members at a long head table with the newlyweds positioned in the middle (as described in the previous step).

A drawback of this seating arrangement is that attendants' dates and spouses will have to sit at separate tables, which might not be ideal (separating dates and partners is never a good idea). A more preferred option would be to place wedding-party members at several VIP dinner tables near you and your new spouse.

Do you want to seat your guests based on how you know them or according to their interests? There is nothing wrong with placing your bridesmaids and groomsmen at tables with other guests around the reception. They'll have spent the first part of the day together, so it will be great for them to socialize with others.

3. Seat Parents and Grandparents

Wedding seating chart etiquette states that you and your partner's parents will share a table at the reception, along with grandparents, siblings not in the wedding party, and the officiant and their spouse if they're attending the reception. However, if either of you have divorced parents who would prefer to sit separately, a solution would be to have each parent host their own table of close family and friends.

This arrangement could mean up to four parents' tables, depending on your situation. You can also try seating them at the same rectangular table, but at opposite ends. If you're unsure of how to proceed, it's probably best to talk to your parents about what they might prefer before you make your final seating decisions.

4. Make Family Tables

When planning the seating assignments, consider placing geographically spread-out family at a table together. If you or your partner have large families that don't get together often enough, it might make everyone's night to sit together and catch up over food, drinks, and dancing. Family tables are also great for guests with multiple kids.

Photo: Vicki Grafton

5. Make a Kid's Table

Children are much more comfortable around other children (as opposed to adults), so if there will be kids at your wedding, seat them together at a separate kids' table. Provide activities and crafts at their table to keep them occupied. Entertaining the children means their parents can take a break and enjoy the festivities. If your flower girl and ring bearer are the only children present, seat them with their parents.

6. Mix and Match Guests

Weddings are for bringing people together and are the perfect opportunity for you to introduce friends and family who may not have met before. Mixing and matching guests in your arrangements can encourage friendships you've wanted to happen.

A bonus is that they'll already have common ground to bond over; you and your partner! Of course, if you're going to encourage connections even more, you can set out getting-to-know-you games or prompts at each table.

One of our favorite event planning tips is if you aren't sure where to place someone, ask. Do you have no idea where to seat your parents' friends? Let your folks arrange those tables. They'll be happy to be included in the process and to have a say in seating their pals.

Tips on Creating Wedding Seating Charts

1. start early..

Before all the RSVP responses come in, you can find inspiration from wedding blogs, social media, and your vendors for a seating chart design and layout that will fit your theme, colors, and venue.

You'll need to set your RSVP deadline for at least two to three weeks before the wedding. Once you have a better idea of how many guests you will have (and who they will be), you can start using a wedding seating chart website or app like Allseated . This tool is one of our favorite wedding planning services. It allows you to design your wedding layout to scale so you can envision where your guests will sit during your ceremony, or at your wedding reception.

2. Spreadsheets will save your life.

Use a spreadsheet to track RSVPs as they come in. If you are using Minted’s online RSVP on the wedding website , export the list from the website. Next, insert a column into your RSVP spreadsheet categorizing and color-coding all guests by relationship. Color coding is an easy way to visually sort your guest list and break it down into more logical table groupings.

If you work based on the invitation list, don't forget to remove the guests that can't attend from the spreadsheet who can't attend, and make sure to add in plus-ones!

"Love Story" escort cards by Liz Conley Photo: M Place Productions

3. Finalize the reception layout.

Once you have a finalized headcount and the square footage of your dining area, it’s time to start drawing up your layout. Work with your caterer/venue to figure out the most optimal table layout, so guests won’t be bumping into each other and servers can easily cater to each guest. Maximizing the space means guests won't feel crowded, and servers will have enough space to cater to each guest efficiently.

Another consideration is the table shape. Round tables are the standard option. This shape is also the easiest to work with since you'll only need to consider who each guest will sit next to on their right and left sides. Longer rectangular tables take a bit more planning to figure out how to seat guests, as there are guests to the left, right, and across from you.

4. Physically Map Out Wedding Seating.

If you are struggling with settling on a layout or would prefer to plan on paper rather than using a wedding seating chart app or website, physically mapping out your wedding seating using sticky notes on a piece of paper is a great alternative.

You can color code them using the method described above (and start making them as you send out invitations). Pro tip: use scaled paper cut-outs to visualize the tables. This way, you can move everyone around the room as you consider space, photography, and aesthetics.

"Field" table number by Toast & Laurel Photo: Ryan Ray

5. Bring Seating Charts.

The final step is to figure out how you'll tell guests where they're seated. Tented escort cards—individually printed with each guest's name and table number—is a simple way to do it.

Carefully arranged escort cards are a great photography moment, too! Or, you could get creative with more prominent seating-assignment signs or charts. Use your creativity to look for some escort card inspirations .

Arrange guests' names in alphabetical order by last name, so folks can easily find their table assignment. Also, be sure to use a large, readable font, so there's no confusion.

Do you want to ensure that each of your guests gets a nice photo at your wedding? Set up a station with your photographer so guests can collect their cards and have their picture taken before the festivities begin.

Check out our favorite seating chart ideas !

Photo: Jessa Schifilliti

6. Share Your Wedding Seating With Your Vendors.

Event planning can be stressful, but that is why it is critical to work with vendors to help you achieve your goals! Keeping everyone in the loop is essential as you set seating assignments, so be sure to share your wedding seating chart with the vendors working on catering, music, location, and photography. Once you have physically mapped everything out, share it with your team. If you have a physical drawing, take a picture or scan it. If you're using an app or website, you can share the link with your team or invite them to view it with a few clicks.

No one knows the space better than your venue hosts. Ask your venue about what has previously worked in the space, or what definitely won't fit, check with them.

Photo: Jenna Greenawalt Photography

WEDDING SEATING CHART FAQs

Should a seating chart list names alphabetically by guests' first names or last names.

For clarity and ease, it's best to arrange guests’ names in alphabetical order by last name, followed by his or her assigned table number. Resist the urge to group guests by table, that will take guests a very long time to find their name and will result in a bottleneck as guests crowd around to get their table assignment.

Who sits at the head table at a wedding?

The "head table" refers to the table where the newlyweds will be sitting. You could decide to sit with your new spouse at a table just for two, which is sometimes called a "sweetheart table." If you prefer to sit with your guests, you could sit with your wedding-party members (with you and your new spouse positioned in the center) and designate that table as the head table. Or, you could opt to sit with your parents and let that be the head table.

Does the bride sit to the right of the groom?

Traditionally, the bride sits to the right of the groom. However, if you are not worried about keeping things traditional, you and your partner should feel free to sit however you want to! Chances are, you won't be spending too much time seated anyway.

Do the parents of the bride and groom sit together?

This all depends on your family situation, but traditionally, your parents and your partner's parents would share a table at the wedding reception. Additional VIPs would also be seated at the same table, like grandparents, siblings who aren't already in the wedding party, and other close family friends.

However, if your or your partner's parents would prefer to sit separately, then each set of parents could host their own table of close family members and friends; the same applies if your or your partner's parents are divorced—each parent could similarly host their own reception table. But if you're truly stumped about where to seat your parents, it's best to talk with them directly to find out what they would prefer.

Do the bridesmaids and groomsmen sit together?

At many weddings, the wedding party sits together, either at a table with the newlyweds or nearby (this also depends on how big your wedding party is!). In the end, you know your guests best, and there are no hard rules for where everyone should sit.

What's the difference between an escort card and a place card?

These small, tented cards look very similar but serve two different purposes. Escort cards are printed with a wedding guest's name and their table number assignment. This card lets the guest know which table they will be sitting at. Place cards are printed with just the guest's name and indicates which seat at the table has been assigned to them.

Related Articles

HOW TO CREATE UNIQUE ESCORT CARD DISPLAYS

Creative ways to display your escort cards to help direct guests. Read more .

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING VENUE

A comprehensive list of questions to ask a wedding venue. Read more .

WEDDING SEATING CHART IDEAS

Creative ideas and beatiful templates for your wedding seating chart. Read more .

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30 Wedding Seating Chart Ideas That Will Impress Your Guests

Replace escort cards with a seating assignment display that shows off your personality.

Emily is a former editorial assistant for MarthaStewart.com.

While escort cards suit some wedding aesthetics, a single, seamless chart can often be a better fit for your vision (or venue). If you use a single diagram, map, or list to direct guests to their tables, then custom menus or personalized favors placed at each setting can indicate specific seats (you can also allow guests to choose their own spots as they get to know their seatmates).

A seating chart can also add a memorable statement detail to your wedding décor. Your shared hobbies and interests—sports, sailing, and favorite cities—can all provide inspiration, and so can a color palette, mixed materials, or unique textures. See how real couples incorporated glass, copper, wood, fabric, and a variety of other elements into creative wedding seating chart ideas.

Copper Pipe Wedding Seating Chart

A couple who were introduced by a mutual friend beside a school water fountain included a cheeky nod to the location with a seating chart made from copper piping (prettier than any piping we've ever seen inside a wall).

Nautical Wedding Seating Chart

The couple's favorite song and waterfront venue inspired their seating chart, which included guests' names calligraphed onto the sails of small, vintage model sailboats.

Rainbow Wedding Seating Chart

At a "retro beach rainbow"-themed wedding, guests found their seating assignment according to color, not number, on an installation designed by the bride and built by the groomsmen.

Mountain Wedding Seating Chart

After reaching this couple's mountaintop ceremony site by chairlift, the seating chart—which read "The mountains are calling"—was an appropriate touch.

Etched Glass Wedding Seating Chart

This double-layered seating chart, which included a frosted panel in front of the etched panel for depth, was decorated with trailing greenery.

Textile-Inspired Wedding Seating Chart

Small blue leather triangles, each etched with a guests' name and table number, were arranged to mimic the layout of a classic Pendleton blanket at this Nebraska wedding .

Black Wedding Seating Chart

This couple used three different tents for their cocktail hour, reception, and after-party, purposefully incorporating every color of the rainbow into the layout. A sleek black seating chart let the florals and lighting shine.

Full-Length Mirror Wedding Seating Chart

Ornate full-length mirrors surrounded by lush florals—and calligraphed with the guests' table assignments—were an opulent accent to the rustic exposed brick and gravel pathways at this venue.

Potted Plant Wedding Seating Chart

A backyard wedding may not offer space for an expansive escort card display, but a shelf of potted plants—with each pot displaying the guests assigned to a different table—looks right at home.

Glass Jug Wedding Seating Chart

Rich wood tones, seaglass-inspired jugs, bright fruit, and casual handwriting lent a vacation vibe to this beachfront wedding.

Blue Floral Wedding Seating Chart

These brides kept their seating chart simple and chic with a bold blue shade, which they repeated throughout the decor, a line-drawn floral element, and contrasting white text.

Golden Gate Bridge Wedding Seating Chart

At a venue surrounded by views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the iconic structure inspired many of the day's illustrations—including the seating chart, where acrylic panels with guests' names sat atop a custom image.

Handmade Wedding Seating Chart

The bride's father crafted this handmade seating chart from wood salvaged from his North Carolina farm.

National Park Wedding Seating Chart

Tables at this wedding were named for the couple's favorite national parks, and guests' names were calligraphed in copper on dark leather by Jessica Lee Calligraphy .

Greenery Wedding Seating Chart

This simple seating chart gets an extra dose of elegance thanks to the surrounding boxwood greenery.

Rustic Arrangements Wedding Seating Chart

This wood and lettering seating chart at this couple's rustic, outdoor wedding reception was decorated with lanterns and floral accents.

Mirror Display Wedding Seating Chart

This display—which was inspired by Snow White —featured gold-rimmed mirrors stuck in a wall of greenery and blooms.

Scroll Wedding Seating Chart

Inspired by a classic, regal scroll (with paper swapped for fabric), this seating chart was comprised of a rich velvet base and held gold assignments calligraphed by Perfect Fête Designs .

Lucite Wedding Seating Chart

Four elegant Lucite slabs lit by votive candles displayed the seating arrangements at this reception.

Illustrated Wedding Seating Chart

Hand-watercolored artwork by Emily Baker Studio topped seating-assignment cards with illustrations related to the wedding's venue and the groom's heritage.

Record Wedding Seating Chart

LB Events owner Hallie Slate fulfilled a bride's request for a music-inspired seating chart by using spray-painted, vintage records. The bride's sister (Kenzie of Details, Darling ) then calligraphed each with the guests' names.

Transparent Wedding Seating Chart

Martha's niece used this floating display for her wedding. The chart itself was made from Plexiglas and was held from barn rafters using barely-there fishing wire.

Window Wedding Seating Chart

A father of a bridesmaid made this seating chart by placing a piece of glass in a window frame, while the bridesmaid added the details using a white paint marker.

Sporty Wedding Seating Chart

This tennis-loving couple turned their seating chart into sports brackets. The fun display was printed on navy vinyl.

Album Wedding Seating Chart

Album sleeves from some of the couple's favorite bands made this casual seating chart pop. Guests could hear the albums, too, since they were played throughout cocktail hour and dinner.

Milled Wood Wedding Seating Chart

This calligraphed cut of locally-milled wood served as an eye-catching seating chart (and decoration, too).

Citrus Wedding Seating Chart

This white structure—complete with greenery and lemons—made a statement in this outdoor space.

Easel Wedding Seating Chart

Grit & Grace made this formal blue-and-white seating chart, which was supported by a clear easel. "Having the seating chart was a last-minute decision," said the celebration's bride, but "it turned out to be a really cool addition to the wedding."

Simple Wedding Seating Chart

This wooden seating chart features tables named after Hawaiian islands (perfect for the couple's island celebration) and a welcoming pineapple illustration.

Chic Wedding Seating Chart

The bride designed this seating chart by borrowing elements from her invitation suite.

Your Guide to Wedding Reception Seating Chart Etiquette

• Kim writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in etiquette and planning advice
• Kim manages freelance writers for The Knot Worldwide
• Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Kim was Associate Bridal Editor at Washingtonian magazine and Associate Fashion Editor at Conde Nast’s Brides Local magazines

Your parents are divorced, your last unattached friend is hypersensitive to being seated at the "singles" table, and you have one couple coming in from out of the country who only know you and your partner. What should you do? With a little tact, diplomacy and common sense, you can create wedding seating arrangements that will make everyone happy.

Creating a wedding seating chart is a task that you can start thinking about early on in the planning process , but you can't complete until all of your RSVPs have come in (usually less than a month before the big day). You'll also need to work with your wedding planner and wedding venue to determine the reception venue's layout, including the shapes and sizes of your tables, where the dance floor will be located, and more. Once you have all of this information at the ready, it's time to create your seating chart. Here's everything you need to know to figure out the seating chart etiquette of who sits with whom at your wedding.

In this article:

Do We Really Need a Formal Wedding Seating Plan?

What should you keep in mind when assigning seating, who sits where, what other factors should we take into account when choosing wedding seating arrangements, should we seat all of our single guests at the same table, where should we seat young children, what are place cards, escort cards and seating charts do we need all three.

You may feel like developing a formal seating plan isn't really necessary, and that your guests are intuitive and go-with-the-flow enough to figure out where to sit. The logic: If you provide enough seats, can't everyone just figure it out on their own? The answer is: Yes...eventually. If you've ever been to a wedding without a seating plan before (and survived the riptide of guests trying to find their places, or seen the bottleneck after they've been through the buffet line trying to figure out where to sit), then you know why making one is a great idea. Taking the time to develop a plan will reduce your guests' anxiety of trying to find a seat (whether it's family and friend dynamics, not knowing if some tables should be reserved for VIPs, and not wanting to exclude anyone in a group or without a plus-one) and your involvement in mediating issues.

On the other hand, if you're having fewer than 50 guests, you may not need a detailed plan if you don't want one. You could also choose to designate the head tables (including you two, your wedding party and parents) with place cards , and allow the other guests to seat themselves. Some couples opt to have a cocktail party or buffet with a few tables, so guests can alternate sitting and eating. If this is what you plan to do, make sure your elderly guests have a place to sit down, possibly even by designating a separate table for them. But the bottom line is we always recommend having a seating chart—your guests don't want to make any mistakes and they simply like knowing that you thought of them and where to place them.

Relationships, and possible tensions , between guests should be kept in mind when creating wedding table assignments. If your wedding is going to serve as a reunion for many college friends, seat them together so they can catch up. If a friend is attending alone and won't know many people, put them at a table with strong conversationalists and naturally amicable people who will make them feel comfortable. Leah Weinberg of Color Pop Events shares that when she was planning her own wedding, "as soon as I sent out my invites, I started grouping guests into tentative tables and thinking of what groups folks would naturally fall in—my mom's family, my dad's family, work friends, college friends, family friends, etc. Then, as RSVPs came in, I was able to make modifications. But I had the bulk of the work done about two months before the big day, so that made it a much less stressful task once I did have my final numbers."

Adds Natalie Good of A Good Affair : "Don't procrastinate in preparing your seating chart. Often this is where the drama comes out within families so it is best to work on it early and hear your parents requests so you have time to come to an agreement without the pressure of a deadline."

Find your kind of venue

Trying to figure out where to put all of your guests? We've got the answers to all of your wedding seating chart etiquette questions.

The Head Table or "Table One"

Before we settle on who sits at the head table , let's define exactly what it is. Planners often reference head tables, estate (or king's) tables and sweetheart tables, all of which are different but can serve as table one, depending on your needs.

The newlyweds may sit at a long rectangular head table or round table at the focal point of the room, or alternatively, at their very own sweetheart table. Some couples choose to have no table at all, but to leave a few seats empty at every table so they can mingle throughout the reception.

Classically, the groom sits to the bride's right and the best man sits to her left. The maid of honor sits to the groom's right. Depending on how large the table is, the other attendants can also be seated near the couple. Back in the day, spouses and significant others were relegated to different tables, but this tradition is now generally ignored. If you can only fit the best man and maid of honor along with their dates at your table, do so. Seat remaining attendants and their plus-ones at another table.

While table one most frequently includes the couple, their wedding party and the wedding party plus one's , "a head table can really be constructed in whatever way makes the most sense for the couple and who they want to sit with," says Jamie Chang of Passport to Joy . "Table one could be the couple and their wedding party and their partners, it could be the couple and their family or parents. There is no right or wrong way to construct the head table as long as it's created with everyone's enjoyment in mind."

Karese DeHaan of Detailed Floral Design agrees that you and your partner's preferences should be the guiding force behind the decision of who sits at table one at the reception. "One fun decision to make early in wedding planning is who you would like to sit with at the reception. Do you prefer to sit with your friends at a head table or would you like to sit at a sweetheart table just the two of you? There is no right or wrong, and the decision often comes down to your unique personality and the feel you are going for at your reception. However, this decision will be integral in the layout of your whole reception and will determine your course for details such as which tables to rent and the florals to order. A head table generally seats the couple, their wedding party and often the wedding party's significant others. This can create a more energetic and fun atmosphere as the large group interacts. Seating so many often requires a very long table. A sweetheart table will create a more romantic feel, designate a little time alone, and feature you as a couple. This allows the wedding party to be with other guests they know and are closest to. Choosing who you will sit with at the reception is an opportunity early in the planning process to create the mood you envision for your wedding day."

Family Tables

The parents of the couple often sit opposite each other at a large family table, with grandparents, the officiant and other close friends. Another option is for the parents to head their own tables, with their close family members and friends. In the case of divorced parents, each parent may also host his or her own table, smoothly diffusing any awkwardness or discomfort.

Mix and Match

As for the rest of your wedding guests, should you put friends together or seat them with people they haven't met? While it's may seem like a great idea to mix in a few new faces at each table (and totally okay to do so sparingly), remember that people are most comfortable when they know some of their dinner companions. Ashley Thompson of Ashley Creative Events suggests to-be-weds "group your guest list in ways that will maximize the fun they have at the wedding! For instance, designate a table of college friends or work friends."

As you seat guests, be considerate. Not even your most gregarious friends will want to sit at a table full of complete strangers, so put acquaintances together when you can. If you have guests who don't know anyone, seat them near guests with similar interests. If you have a group of friends that can't fit at one table, split them down the middle, and fill in each table with other guests. Whatever you do, don't leave one of the crew out.

If you have no idea what to do with your parents' friends, let your parents and future in-laws arrange those tables. They'll be thrilled to be involved, and this may keep them from trying to control the rest of your seating plan.

It's important to consider the layout of your reception space when determining your table arrangements, and consider guests with disabilities and other needs. For example, older guests should not be seated too close to the music (live band, DJ, speakers, etc.), but should have clear lines of sight to the dance floor. Make sure that guests in wheelchairs or with other movement concerns have clear and easy access to both the dance floor and the exit. And for guests in wheelchairs, make sure their chair at their table is removed in advance.

Immediate family and wedding party members should be seated closest to the dance floor, as they'll likely be the ones to hit the floor first—and most often—and will need to easily see and participate in toasts, speeches, special dances and more.

According to Thompson , "nix the idea of a 'singles' table. You may have been playing matchmaker behind the scenes to see if you could set your old co-worker with your cousin, but this may embarrass your guests or make them feel uncomfortable. Instead, you can sprinkle the singles in with their married or couple friends to give them a sense of comfort."

If young ones will be attending the wedding , a kids' table is a good idea, so long as it is located near where the children's parents will be dining. Consider placing some coloring books and other activities at the kids' table to keep youngsters entertained.

Now that you've figured out where to put everyone, decide how to lead them to their seats.

Place Cards

Place cards await guests at each table, designating their specific seats. They can be anything from a simple tented card to a tree leaf with gold calligraphy.

Escort Cards

These cards are displayed near the entrance of the reception in alphabetical order. They usually include each guest's name and table number. Once at the table, guests usually select their own seats, but escort cards can be used along with place cards as well to designate seats.

Seating Chart

Usually displayed alphabetically or by table in a pretty frame near the entrance of the reception, seating charts list your guests' names with their designated tables. Additionally, place cards may be used at each table to designate assigned seats, if you wish.

Note: Guests should never alter seating assignments or switch assigned seats at a wedding reception, but it's perfectly acceptable to mingle at different tables after dinner.

Before creating your seating plan, it's a good idea to obtain the floor plan and make several copies. This way, you can experiment with various different arrangements before making your final decision. When in doubt, trust your instincts. And no matter how perfect your final seating plan seems, you'll undoubtedly receive at least one last-minute phone call begging you to change something to make a guest happy. Try to be accommodating, but don't let it stress you out. Chances are, after dinner, everyone will get up and mingle anyway.

Hannah Nowack contributed reporting to this article.

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When preparing for your wedding, seating charts may just seem like another thing you can’t be bothered with, but we’ve made a one stop shop for your seating chart for a wedding, so sit back and relax as we tell you everything you need to know and some great seating chart wedding ideas, to help you get this job ticked off the list ASAP. If you’re wondering who makes a wedding seating chart, which design to choose or even why to have a wedding board at weddings, we’ve got the answers.   

Why have a wedding seating chart?

Why are seating charts important? Let’s discuss a few ideas for and against wedding seating charts. The downside to using seating charts for a wedding is that they are usually time-consuming, stressful and complicated to organise (by that we mean deciding who sits where). A wedding table seating chart can also seem a little bit formal for a small, afternoon, casual or cultural wedding.

However, we firmly believe that the ‘fors’ outweigh the ‘against’ when it comes to the wedding table seating chart. Here are some of the reasons why you should strongly consider table seating charts at a wedding:

• They prevent awkwardness (especially for single people) and confusion.
• If your reception has a buffet, they help avoid a bottleneck at the end of the food table when people can’t decide where to sit - or with whom.
• Efficiency - getting everyone seated is far quicker when chairs (or at least tables) are assigned. This saves time for more important things and your day runs more smoothly (i.e. bridal party and ushers aren’t answering as many questions).
• Wedding Seating charts help when a large number of guests have dietary requirements or the reception provides multiple courses/meal options.

Wedding Seating charts on a budget

Free printable seating charts may seem like a good idea initially, but in reality, printing in a large format is too difficult to manage without the help of professional printers. Smart wedding planners choose a stress-free wedding seating chart template with Paperlust. Simply pick the style and type (including round table wedding seating chart templates), add in the guest names, and we’ll do the rest. Maybe you’re an artist yourself and are wondering where to get seating charts printed. With Paperlust you can print your own design and see it come to life on this most special of days. 

DIY Wedding Seating Chart

For those who have time and resources on their hands, there are plenty of ways to make a cheap DIY wedding seating chart. One popular way is to print wedding seating arrangement cards and organize by table number or in alphabetical order in each card, string them up, frame each chart and display them at the entrance to your reception to guide your guests to their seat! If you have picked up some calligraphy skills somewhere along the way, here’s a chance to put that skill to use, you can write out your seating chart on a chalkboard or even use a mirror with the right tools! Be warned however, wedding seating chart diy isn’t for the faint hearted and can end up much more time consuming than using a professional printer. 

Wedding Seat Signs

Wedding seat signs are normally placed at the entrance of the wedding ceremony but not before the Wedding welcome sign. It is there to let guests know which side they should be seated as traditionally the groom’s guest and the bride’s guest are separated. But in the modern day, it is much more common for all guests to mix and mingle among each other. Alter any wedding seating chart or welcome sign design into a wedding seat sign to let your guest know the seating arrangements during the wedding ceremony. If there is no traditional seating plan, use cute phrases like “Choose a seat, not a side. We’re all family once the knot is tied” or “Pick a seat, either side, you’re loved by both, the groom and bride” allowing your guests to get the idea!

Wedding Seating Chart Etiquette

Arranging family and friends at the wedding reception is simpler than most think, simply follow the basic wedding seating chart etiquette to get the rundown on where everyone should sit. There are two ways to display your guests names, either alphabetically or by table numbers. If you have a bigger wedding it's best to display each guest's names alphabetically starting with surnames, this ensures that your guest finds their table fast and it won’t gather a crowd at the sign. Arranging your guest by table numbers is a fun way for your guests to mingle while looking for their seat and if each guest has designated seats, be sure to add a place card there to avoid any awkward collisions!

A note on reception seating etiquette

Seating charts for your wedding don’t have to be overly stressful if you pick up a few tips on setting etiquette. Here are some do’s don’ts for reception venue seating charts that will help you avoid any social minefields on such an important day:

• Position parents and immediate family in a place of prominence (usually close to the bridal table) and be considerate of grandparents, especially if they need someone to take care of them.
• Don’t force anyone to sit with a table of strangers unless they literally don’t know anyone else present. If you have guests from out of town or who don’t know anyone except you and your spouse at the wedding, ask a friend or family member around their age or who share similar interests beforehand to look out for these guests and introduce themselves as early in the day as possible (or better yet, at the rehearsal dinner) and then place them at the same table.
• Seat divorced parents separately where they can each host a table of family members you know they will get along with.
• If you choose not to include plus ones, try to avoid a singles table and instead mix two or three single people into each table (the exception to this would be a teenager table).
• When it comes to parents’ friends, if you’re unsure about where to seat them, let your mum and dad arrange those tables.

There are some seating charts templates that you can print off or photocopy so that you allow yourself a few practice runs at the layout. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. The other option is to write every guest name on a separate piece of paper then place them on a practice seating chart and you can shuffle them around until you find the winning combination.

Wedding Seating Chart Ideas

When it comes to wedding reception seating chart ideas, paperlust has many for you to choose from. And while your wedding seating chart is one of the most practical items and that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with it! This is the one sign that everybody is guaranteed to look at, so your seating chart needs to be substantial, easy to read, while also fitting seamlessly with your wedding theme and color palette. There are plenty of creative wedding seating chart display ideas that you can incorporate into your big day. Whether you're looking for rustic wedding seating chart ideas, modern, elegant, bohemian, DIY or unique wedding seating chart ideas, Paperlust will have the perfect wedding seating chart ideas templates for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorite ways that you can display your wedding searching chart so take a seat! And let our wedding seating chart display ideas to give you all of the inspiration you’ll ever need! 

Final tips for best wedding seating charts

Wedding reception seating charts are a dreaded task on many a groom or bride’s list so why not take all the help you can get? Here are our final tips for seating charts for weddings:

• For a large guest list, having two signs for table seating charts (either half and half or duplicates) is a good idea so that the flow of the day isn’t slowed down by a crowd gathering around one sign.
• Ensure the area is well lit and that names are easy to read.
• Choose a design that matches the style of your wedding - for creative seating charts for weddings browse our collection above.
• Listing names alphabetically makes it easier for your guests or the other option is escort cards that contain guest names and table number.
• If your wedding is less formal, you don’t have to put place cards. Just use your seating chart to direct people to tables and let them pick a seat from there.

Above all, try to be thoughtful and sensitive. Giving yourself sufficient time (we recommend 3 weeks) to organise where everyone is sitting is the best way to avoid mistakes, hurt feelings or awkward situations. Also, a separate kids table is okay - even advised. 

Seating charts for your wedding reception are one of the best ways to help create a seamless flow - everyone gets to their correct seat on time - no one feels awkward (hopefully) and everyone with dietary requirements are fully catered for. Browse our exclusive collection of seating charts for your wedding to find the one that suits your personal style.

Making a table seating chart for a wedding: Choosing the right wedding seating chart template

Choose a Paperlust wedding reception seating chart template because they are very easy to personalize online with our wedding seating chart tool. Using the Paperlust wedding seating chart maker you can edit all the written content on the sign, and even add new text field boxes. As an alternative you can request a wedding seating chart template in excel from our accounts team and we can merge it for you that way. Round table wedding seating chart templates are also available on request. 

Can I match my wedding seating chart board to my table cards?

Yes you can find matching wedding place cards and menus , and you can even find matching wedding invitations here . Using the Paperlust wedding seating chart maker you can edit your template in as little as a minute with a fast checkout and proof service from our team.

Can I print my own wedding table seating chart template?

Many online marketplaces offer free wedding seating chart templates or printable blank wedding seating chart templates. One of the questions we get all the time at paperlust is can I print my free wedding reception seating chart template on paperlust polycore board? And the answer is yes! This includes wedding seating chart templates with round tables and templates in excel, microsoft word and google docs. The only limitation is that we have standard sizing so one of our design team may need to resize your blank wedding seating chart template to fit our standard sizes:

Seating chart wedding template sizes are as follows:

A1: 841mm X 594mm (23-3/8 x 33-1/8 in)

A2: 594mm X 420mm (16-1/2 x 23-3/8 in)

Small Circle: 600mm X 600mm (23.622 x 23.622 in)

Large Circle: 800mm X 800mm (31.5 x 31.5 in)

Need help merging the data to your printable blank wedding seating chart template? Our customer service team is more than happy to assist you.

Wedding Seating Chart Poster

Instead of displaying your seating chart for your wedding on an easel, paperlust can also print seating chart posters for wedding receptions. Choose from any wedding seating chart poster templates that Paperlust offers and get us to print it on Paperlust polyboard or on light and durable paper. If you are planning on hanging these wedding seating chart posters, you can also request for holes in the corners for easy assembling. Hanging wedding seating charts should ideally be indoors only to avoid being blown away by any winds and like any other seating charts for weddings, should be displayed at the entrance of the reception so that guests can find their seats with ease! Paperlust offers a range of wedding seating chart posters that caters all types of weddings, from minimal and modern wedding seating charts to down to earth or vintage wedding seating charts.

Wedding Seating Chart Frame

Add a little extra to your printed wedding seating chart by adding it to a frame. Different types of frames and easels can be used to tie in your wedding theme while giving it a wow factor. There are plenty of beautiful and cheap frames you can source from local second hand stores or online marketplaces that sell used items. Frame your seating chart in an antique frame with gold, rose gold or copper finishes to bedazzle your guest back to an era of glamour and elegance. Using a wooden frame will add to the rustic theme and a simple black or white frame will create a formal look for your wedding seating chart.

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23 Creative Wedding Seating Chart Ideas That Will Stop Guests in Their Tracks

Guide guests to their seats in serious style.

Photo by Tenth and Grace

Sure, mapping out your wedding seating chart may seem like a tough task at first glance but it doesn't have to be that way. Once you start thinking outside the box (ahem, this is where Pinterest comes in), guiding your guests to their seats can actually be tons of fun. If you've ever attended a wedding reception before, then you know how difficult it can be locating your seat—or maybe that's just us? Eliminate the confusion altogether by creating a seating chart that's functional and easy on the eyes. When done correctly, your seating chart will seamlessly be integrated into the wedding décor.

There are countless ways to create a reception seating sign that will stop wedding-goers in their tracks. If your wedding style leans towards boho or ethereal, fabric flag signs are the perfect accoutrement to a charming barn venue. If your wedding theme is more rustic, try penning your wedding seating chart in classic calligraphy on a blackboard. Meanwhile, the romantically inclined will want to take note of the wedding seating chart ideas featuring lucite and mirrors with pretty white lettering for their reception space .

Ahead, we're sharing 23 of our favorite creative wedding seating chart ideas from real weddings that will serve as major conversation starters at the dinner table.

Consider a Chalkboard Design

Photo by Carrie Patterson Photography

Who says blackboards and chalk were just for your grade school days? This contrasting, rustic style featuring an overview of all the attendees and their designated tables will fit so many different wedding themes . Find a friend who knows calligraphy (and has a steady hand) to mimic the look of this elegant seating chart.

Get Reflective

Photo by Courtney Simpson Photography

Mirror, mirror on the wall... this seating arrangement situation may just be the fairest of them all. ICYMI: Wedding mirror signs aren't going anywhere.

Recreate this idea by sourcing a vintage mirror with an ornate frame and use a white paint pen to write out your guests' names.

Fly Your Banners

Photo by Towards the Moon

These elegant flags will bring a pop of color into any bohemian, outdoor wedding. Now to add a string of fairy lights for a bit of intimacy.

Be Transparent

Photo by Jana Williams Photography

As much as we adore calligraphy, there's something about a clean, crisp font that just looks so polished and modern. The stylish lucite backdrop coupled with white blooms further conveys a sense of matrimony.

Keep Things Minimal

Photo by Hannah Costello

This minimalist blackboard sign is complemented by a copper stand, fitting in perfectly with the restaurant reception venue at this real wedding. The "Please Be Seated" signage will beckon guests to do just that: Take a seat!

Incorporate a Celestial Touch

It was written in the stars: This astrology-inspired series of tarot card-inspired signs is a striking way to inject a dark and moody color palette into your wedding reception or after-after party.

Unravel Rustic Scrolls

Photo by Meghan Mehan

These stunning, rustic scrolls are the perfect accent to barnyard nuptials . We especially love the design for longer-than-long guest lists that create a sizable trail.

Utilize High Ceilings

Shout it from the rooftops: Let your seating arrangement hang from the ceiling for an enchanting addition to your venue's décor.

Play Into Your Theme

PHOTO BY RICHARD SKINS PHOTOGRAPHY ; Event Planning by Natalie Bentley at Soho Farmhouse

For a rustic wedding, consider using wooden crates to hang seating chart cards from. Adding accents of wildflowers is the perfect finishing touch to this shabby-chic display.

PHOTO BY BIANCCA WALLACE; Event Planning by After The Engagement

We love how this retro-inspired seating chart is all about the typography. The simplistic design complemented by the copper detailing is minimalist yet statement-making.

Work With Watercolors

PHOTO BY AMY & STUART ; Event Planning by Alison and Bryan

Utilizing watercolor is perfect for spring and summer weddings. Plus, if you have an artistic friend, they can add a special touch to your day by hand-painting your seating arrangement. 

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SWEETING

Seating charts don't always have to be hung. This crafty display uses miniature clothespins on a wooden palette to set the tone.

Sprinkle In Pressed Flowers

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE ; Event Planning by Davis Row

Spice up your acrylic seating chart with pressed flowers for an elegant and memorable design. We love how it creates the illusion of vibrant blooms dancing in the wind.

Spell It Out With Letter Boards

PHOTO BY RYAN HORBAN ; Event Planning by After The Engagement

Spelling out guests' names on letter boards is the perfect seating chart design for a more intimate wedding. Plus, it's an unexpected nostalgic twist that everyone will adore.

Make It Something Blue

PHOTO BY LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Still looking for that special something blue ? This alpine seating chart keeps with tradition while honoring the locale with bleached Aspen leaves attached to escort cards .

Frame Your Chart

PHOTO BY JONNIE AND GARRETT; Event Planning by Modern Day Events & Floral

For a timeless and elegant look, consider framing your seating chart in an ornate piece. The design can feel vintage or it can look sleek if you opt for a simpler frame.

Herd Everyone With Horseshoes

Photo by Michelle Beller Photography

Horseshoes are considered good-luck charms and we can't think of a more auspicious way to start a life together. This Montana ranch wedding fully embraced the theme with horseshoe escort cards that doubled as wedding favors.

PHOTO BY JENNINGS KING ; Event Planning by Fox Events

Make your seating chart a statement piece by placing escort cards on an oversized wooden board. This is a brilliant way to utilize larger spaces for elevated visuals.

Hang From Silk Strings

PHOTO BY JILL DEVRIES ; Event Planning by Detroit Cultivated

This modern farm wedding featured escort cards hanging from hand-dyed silk for a humble and romantic optic . It just doesn't get any more poetic than that.

Throw It on Pottery

Photo by Mallory Dawn

For an ultra unique take, this Coachella Valley wedding showcased the seating chart on hand-calligraphed pottery. We're totally smitten, to say the least.

Say It With Ceramics

Photo by Alicia King Photography

Speaking of ceramics, this verdant Hudson Valley wedding tucked segments of the seating chart into gorgeous, flower-filled vases. In fact, it took the newlyweds over two yeas to collect the ginger jars which they consider their shared "labor of love."

Shake Things Up

Photo by Anna Delores Photography

Is it even a party without tassels? This autumnal boho-chic wedding in California definitely got the memo with a tassel-adorned seating chart that looks right at home amongst a backdrop of greenery.

Blend Into Florals

Photo by Belathée Photography

Seating charts don't always have to take center stage. The beautifully famed signage plays a supporting role to the generous floral focal point at this moody, Bridgerton-inspired wedding in Connecticut .

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