Top Table Seating Plan
URGHHHHHH!
Everyone seems to have an opinion on this. Who you should and should not have at the top table, the correct order, etc etc.
I say…..STUFF EM!
That’s right you heard me. It is your day, so do it your way. By that, I mean whatever feels right for you, your partner and those closest to you.
In this blog I am offering up suggestions and alternatives that you may not have thought of.
Traditional UK etiquette
If you want to do it the completely traditional way then follow the diagram below
Or any combination of this that works for you and your situation e.g. stepparents, children, grooms mum and dad wanting to sit together, etc.
On the plus side, this is usually a blend of family and friends so the best of both worlds and these people are usually the ‘speech givers’ so they don’t have to shuffle too far to get the mic.
The Family Table
You could make it a family affair and just have parents, siblings and in-laws at the table. Also good if you have kids.
The Wedding Party Table
If you’d rather be surrounded by your friends for dinner, this is the best wedding top table seating plan for you. Instead of your family, you’ll reserve seats for your entire wedding party and (usually) their dates. This is great for those who want to start the party early – your Chief Bridesmaid and Best Man are bound to get the drinks flowing earlier than your mum and dad would 😉
The Sweetheart Table
I saw this recently at a wedding in Budapest and it’s popular in other countries too. If you can’t decide who you’d like to sit with or just want a little one-on-one time with your partner, go with a sweetheart table. This option accommodates two guests and two guests only, so you can have a mini date amidst all the mixing, mingling and wedding chaos. Keep in mind you’ll want to make your rounds after dessert finishes – being antisocial newlyweds is a no-no.
Go Flexible
Can’t settle on one group you want to sit with at your wedding reception? Well, good news, you can sit with all of them! Add two extra chairs to a few of the tables around your venue and spend the evening moving from place to place. You’ll want to divvy up your time evenly, so spend a courses length at each spot (i.e. starters at one table, main dish at another and dessert at a third). Remember, if you can’t squeeze every single table in, it’s not a problem, you can always talk to your other guests after dinner has wrapped.
Have a Buffet
Having a Buffet has its perks! It’s definitely the least formal of the bunch, but going for this option means that won’t have to stick to (or even make) a wedding top table seating plan. You can spend the evening playing musical chairs and moving from group to group while your munch on crudites and vol-au-vents. Bonus: it’s also the least expensive choice when it comes to catering, so you’ll be able to save a few £££s, too! And if it’s good enough for Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding….!
Each wedding is unique. The above is intended as some suggestions, but don’t feel like you’re doing it wrong if you want to deviate – it’s your day after all!
Happy Planning!
