Writing Resources
1. Create the seating chart as early as possible. It has to be one of the first things you do but it definitely shouldn’t be the last. You should compile the guest list and send out the invitations so you receive the RSVPs as soon as possible. Once you have received most of the responses is when you should start putting the chart together.
2. Use technology. If you are computer savvy then you should most definitely utilize any online tools you can find. There is both paid and free software out there created to make seating charts with little difficulty. If you are not interested in specialized programs you could instead use a spreadsheet program to keep everything organized.
3. Consider the bride and groom. Think about who the happy couple would like to sit by. Some couples elect for a sweetheart table just the two of them while others want to be seated next to their family or close friends. You should also keep in mind the two when thinking about table arrangements. If they are not seated with family or close friends they will want their tables to be close by.
4. Consider the Guests. Now obviously you have to consider the intermingling of the guests. Consulting with the bride and groom on this part can be very helpful. They know best who would or wouldn’t want to sit with whom. However, there is more to it than just that. Think about what makes sense for the guests. Make a table for children and have the parents seated close by. Put younger folk by the dance floor and elderly people away from loudspeakers. You can easily do this by dividing people up into categories and placing them accordingly. Extra tip. Consider leaving a space on the back of your RSVP cards for seating preferences. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to fill all their request but you can make sure the important ones are met. For example, some people may have disabilities that you are unaware of and some parents may want to be seated with their children.
5. Don t forget about logistics. Keep in mind the technical aspects of a seating chart. How many people can sit at a table. How much room does each person need for their food and tableware. You also need to think about how the table shapes and sizes will affect your guests. How will this influence the conversation flow. What about the seating arrangements. If you are looking to seat four friends together and you have small round tables then putting them all next to each other works out well. However, if you have long rectangular tables then it would make more sense to place two on one side and two on the other.
