~ Why? If you're planning a reception for, say, 200 people, then if your tables seat 10 people each, you'll put up 20 tables, right? Right. So, if you're not assigning a table, then folks will come in, mill around a bit, then choose a table. That's all good, but they won't fill every chair - there will be holes here and there. When the last folks come in the door, it's likely that they won't be able to sit with their group, because there will be empty chairs at random spots. It's just human nature - think of a movie theatre. People never sit in the chair next to someone they don't know. Confused? Here's an example:
Mr. and Mrs. Jones and their three children (your next door
neighbors while growing up) are one of the last guests to
arrive at your reception (Mrs. Jones has a headache and
they stopped along the way for some medicine.) Upon
entering, they find that there are no tables with five seats
together. So Mr. Jones sits with your dad's business
associates; Mrs. Jones is seated with the groom's cousins;
two of the children sit with your friends from college; and the
last child sits with your Aunt Pearl.
As you can see, this can all be avoided by assigning a table. This not only makes your guests more comfortable, it also cuts down on the amount of table linens and such you'll need to rent, because you won't have to provide a couple of extra tables.
~ How? There's two ways to do it: assign specific seats, or just specific tables. You'll want to assign seats if you're giving your guests a choice for their entree ("chicken or fish?") so that the reception staff will know which dish to place at which place setting. If you're only serving one entree or having a buffet, it's okay to just ask them to sit at a specific table.
~ Where? Okay, so how do you group the tables? This can be tricky, but keeping in mind these guidelines will help: Put people together who have a connection (like co-workers or cousins). Keep feuding relatives apart. Keep folks with young children together. Put older relatives far from the band and/or speakers (they like to chat, and can't hear each other with the music blaring). It's okay to have two or more tables for immediate family, especially if parents are divorced - don't seat them together, even if they get along great. It avoids any kind of uncomfort - especially for the other guests at their table who might find it difficult to "say the right things" to people who are divorced.
~ How? First, you'll need a diagram of the floor plan. You can do this the old fashioned way by drawing, or even using paper plates and sticky notes. If you're more techically minded, try this website:www.seatingarrangement.com. It's free! Oh, and don't forget to add the buffet table, the dance floor, the area or stage for the band or DJ, the restrooms, and the exits. (Make sure you don't block off any of this!). Venues usually know the best arrangements for tables, so ask them about it.
~ When? You can start after you send out the invitations, but you won't know for sure who's going to be there until the last couple of weeks before the wedding when you get the RSVPs. And speaking of those RSVPs, don't hesistate to phone those folks you don't get a response from. Some people get busy and just plain forget, so to insure that you've got it covered, give them a friendly call.
All in all, it's a lot of work - but it pays off in the end when your guests are comfortable and having a marvelous time at your reception!
Planning a wedding is a lot of work and worry! But not if you hire the right Wedding Coordinator! I'd love to help you create and execute the day of your dreams. Just give me a call or text me at 513-407-7165, and we'll talk about it! Also, check out my website at http://www.innobrations.com/!
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