Who sits next to who during dinner on the big day? How do you handle mutual relationships? A proper table plan is important for a cozy dinner. You need to think about it in advance. It’s a big job, but once it’s done, the dinner can start in a relaxed way. We give you the most important tips for setting up a table plan.
According to the classic etiquette...
- The bride and groom are sitting in the place of honor. For example, in the middle of the long side of the main table.
- The bride is sitting on the left side of the groom, because this is the side of his heart.
- Men an women (couples) don’t sit side by side, but alternately.
- The groom’s father is sitting next to the bride.
- The mother of the bride is sitting next to the groom.
- The other guests are placed according to age or bond with the bride and groom.
- The mother of the groom is sitting on the opposite side of the bride and groom.
- The father of the groom is sitting on the opposite side of the bride and groom.
- The bridesmaids and groomsmen are sitting next to the parents of the bride and groom.
Above we showed you some traditional guidelines. They are certainly not compulsory. Look which guests fit well together when making the seat plan. Take into account their age, character, traits and areas of interest (and yes, unfortunately sometimes you need to take into account some mutual struggles).
Tip from WonderWeddings: can’t choose who needs to sit where? Change at each corridor of chair. It makes it possible to chat with different people and nobody feels disadvantaged.
Announcing the table seating plan
Dividing the places during the wedding dinner can be done orally. However, there are many other original ways of making the table seating plan clear. For example, use some nice place cards to let everyone know where they need to sit during dinner.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) place cards
- A cork with a card. Save corks and make a notch for a place name card. Simple, but creative.
- Dried leaves for nature fans. Leave leaves to dry between a book and write the names of the guests with a gel pen.
- Origami figures. A nice assignment for the children during the wedding. Folding origami figures and writing the names on them.
Did you make a specific table seating plan?