The knot is tied and the pictures have been taken so let the fun, feast and festivities begin! The next challenge is how to best seat your guests so that they can enjoy themselves for the rest of the evening. As the host for this grand celebration, the task has a few protocols that should be kept in mind.
The Beginning:
Once you have chosen the venue for your event, the first step is to request a diagram of table placement used at this site. This will be helpful in not only determining the final number of invited guests that can be accommodated but also how many can be seated at a certain table and the proximity of that table to the wedding party table. It is best to make a few copies of this layout as many changes will be made before the perfect seating arrangement is settled upon.
The Basics:
At the very minimum you should designate a table for the wedding party and their spouses / significant others if space permits. Set aside a table for each set of parents and family members or even a third table if the parents are divorced.
The guest tally:
As the RSVPs come in, keep an accurate count on who is coming as well as those that can’t attend. You may want to invite a few people on the “B” list as room and time permits. (No less than four weeks from the event)
Proper addressing of cards:
Reminder cards, be they escort cards or place cards, save guests the embarrassment of sitting in the wrong place and also saves you the host from being the seat police at your reception. Here are a few helpful suggestions.
1. A married couple: Mr and Mrs Tom Hanks
2. Single and bringing an unnamed guest: Mr Johnny Depp and guest
3. Unmarried couple: Mr Brad Pitt and Ms Angelina Jolie
4. A family: The Smith family
You may also choose to just repeat how you addressed them on the invitation or go a less formal route and leave off all titles. To be more personable and inviting, try to ascertain the name of each ‘plus one’ prior to making out the cards.
Legibility:
The purpose of cards is to facilitate the seating process so keep them legible. This does not mean card can’t be creative, include a personal note or be combined with the wedding favor.
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