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You want me to sit where?
As if it wasn't hard enough deciding on a guest list, you just know some of your guests will be fussy when it comes to where they sit – and with whom. Okay: take a deep breath and start with the main table (if you're having one)... The reason for a main table is so that the speeches and toasts are easy to hear, and so the bride and groom can actually see all their guests.
Convention has the bride sitting to the right of the groom; the positions next to the bride and groom can be filled by either the bride's parents (remember to seat girl-boy, so the FOB or father of the bride goes next to the bride etc) or by the best man and bridesmaid or maid of honour.
The groom's parents must be seated next to their opposite number (so the mother of the groom sits next to the FOB and so on), closer to the outside.
If the bride's parents are seated next to the newlywed couple, the best man and bridesmaid will take the outermost positions. If either set of parents is divorced, and are not comfortable being seated together, seat those parents at general tables among the guests and fill the gaps on the main table with bridesmaids and ushers. You're aiming for harmony here, and if tradition has to be sacrificed, well, it's a small concession. Phew.
When it comes to seating your guests, you'll need to spend time deciding who goes where – making sure no sparring friends or relatives are at the same table. If you're having a large reception, a seating plan at the entrance is usually the best way to let guests know where to go (actually, we recommend more than one seating list as a queue always forms when the guests arrive).
Getting in line
Aargh. The receiving line. You might think you need the skill of a Springbok rugby coach to set up the formal line as guests leave the ceremony, but it's all quite simple... you, your man and your families line up to meet and greet all your guests as they depart the venue on the way to the reception.
This is important as, at a large wedding, you might not get individual time with each guest. It's also the guests' first chance to congratulate you as a married couple, so let's hear it for Mister and Missus!
The traditional line-up (oo-er, we are sounding like a rugby team) is as follows: bride's mother, bride's father, groom's mother, groom's father, bride and groom. Simple, eh? Step-parents should stand at the end of the line next to the groom.
Have you had any trouble with seating arrangements? How did you handle it? Share your stories below...
As if it wasn't hard enough deciding on a guest list, you just know some of your guests will be fussy when it comes to where they sit – and with whom. Okay: take a deep breath and start with the main table (if you're having one)... The reason for a main table is so that the speeches and toasts are easy to hear, and so the bride and groom can actually see all their guests.
Convention has the bride sitting to the right of the groom; the positions next to the bride and groom can be filled by either the bride's parents (remember to seat girl-boy, so the FOB or father of the bride goes next to the bride etc) or by the best man and bridesmaid or maid of honour.
The groom's parents must be seated next to their opposite number (so the mother of the groom sits next to the FOB and so on), closer to the outside.
If the bride's parents are seated next to the newlywed couple, the best man and bridesmaid will take the outermost positions. If either set of parents is divorced, and are not comfortable being seated together, seat those parents at general tables among the guests and fill the gaps on the main table with bridesmaids and ushers. You're aiming for harmony here, and if tradition has to be sacrificed, well, it's a small concession. Phew.
When it comes to seating your guests, you'll need to spend time deciding who goes where – making sure no sparring friends or relatives are at the same table. If you're having a large reception, a seating plan at the entrance is usually the best way to let guests know where to go (actually, we recommend more than one seating list as a queue always forms when the guests arrive).
Getting in line
Aargh. The receiving line. You might think you need the skill of a Springbok rugby coach to set up the formal line as guests leave the ceremony, but it's all quite simple... you, your man and your families line up to meet and greet all your guests as they depart the venue on the way to the reception.
This is important as, at a large wedding, you might not get individual time with each guest. It's also the guests' first chance to congratulate you as a married couple, so let's hear it for Mister and Missus!
The traditional line-up (oo-er, we are sounding like a rugby team) is as follows: bride's mother, bride's father, groom's mother, groom's father, bride and groom. Simple, eh? Step-parents should stand at the end of the line next to the groom.
Have you had any trouble with seating arrangements? How did you handle it? Share your stories below...
