Seating Assignment Etiquette

As the wedding day nears, many couples realize that mapping out the seating arrangements can be a bit of a headache. They find themselves unsure of who to put where and what the standards are. We’ve listed below the three different ways you can set up your dinner and what to include for each. The rest is up to you! Happy planning!

• Unassigned Seating

  • Guests choose where they want to sit

  • You will still want to reserve a table for yourselves and a table closest to you for your parents.

• Assigned Table

  • Guests are assigned a specific table but are free to choose who exactly they want to sit next to.

  • Seating charts are the most common way of informing guests where to sit.

  • You can also use escort cards but if you do, arrange them last name and place in a non-windy location!

  • Table Order:

    • Sweetheart Table or Head Table (If choosing a head table, decide if it will include wedding party’s dates.)

    • Closest tables to you are reserved for Immediate Family

    • 2nd Row is reserved for the rest of your family and family friends

      • If you decided to have a head table and not include the wedding party’s dates, then they go here.

    • 3rd Row is reserved for friends and co-workers

• Assigned Seats

  • Guest are assigned a specific table and seat.

    • Seats are typically laid out in a male, female alternating pattern.

  • This arrangement is MUST if there is a food choice.

  • You will need both a seating chart and an escort card placed at their seat (with food preference and restrictions, if applicable).