The wedding dinner is a beautiful and solemn event. The comfortable atmosphere of the wedding reception largely depends on the correct seating of guests. A few tips help to make the wedding dinner a pleasant and unforgettable event.
Ways to arrange the tables and the seating of the guests
It is better for the newlyweds themselves to think through the order of the guests at the tables. All guests should feel comfortable and have interesting people to talk to, with whom it is pleasant to share impressions. Friends from the bride and groom’s side can be seated next to each other, so that young people have a chance to get acquainted, and perhaps find common interests. Close relatives are assigned seats next to the newlyweds, while work colleagues can sit a little farther away.
The tendency to seat all the guests at one long table is no longer relevant today. Usually, European standards of table setting are used: depending on the number of guests, the right number of small round tables designed for 8-10 guests is placed. Tables are placed in lines or in a staggered arrangement, so as to provide the guests with the best view of the stage and the newlyweds themselves. Make sure that the guests do not sit with their backs to the event – it is advisable to leave one or two empty seats for that. Such foresight has an additional advantage: in case of unplanned guests, they will have a place to sit.
Format of the wedding dinner: buffet or banquet
Depending on the number of invitees, the size of the venue, and the program of the event, choose the format of the wedding dinner. Youth weddings with a small number of guests and an active entertainment program often take place “on their feet”. Drinks and treats are placed on separate buffet lines, and guests make their own choice, having the opportunity to sit down at the cocktail table if they wish. In this case, a buffet-style wedding takes place.
A longer dinner with a large number of people implies banquet seating. A specific place is provided for each guest, and all dishes are placed on the banquet tables. Guests can leave their seats, join their acquaintances to socialize, and then return to the same place.
Mixed format events are also possible, when all the food and drinks are pre-installed on the banquet tables, and guests are seated at their discretion. Throughout the holiday evening guests can change their seats, sit at other tables. This form maintains an easy, informal atmosphere and allows guests to get to know each other better.
Named and spontaneous seating
The most orderly form of seating is named seating, in which each guest is assigned a specific numbered table and the seat is identified by a name card. The seating chart should be in a prominent place at the entrance to the hall. Guests are notified of their table and seat number directly in the invitation, or accompanied to the designated place at the time of seating.
At large weddings or in situations where guests arrive late to the banquet at the restaurant, it can be difficult to comply with all the rules of named seating. In such cases, spontaneous seating is allowed, and the guest is told the number of the table at which he can sit. The number of spare tables is calculated in advance, taking into account unplanned guests.
What you should know
Don’t put off the issue of seating guests at your wedding to the last minute and make a plan ahead of time. Once confirmations have been received from future guests, a seating chart should be made. It will be easier for the restaurant staff or agency workers involved in the preparation of the reception to orientate themselves as to the number of tables and chairs needed and their seating arrangements.
You can calculate the number of tables yourself – on average, a table measuring 1.80 meters can easily fit 8-10 people. If necessary, a couple more people will fit, but it is better to leave a few empty seats for a good view and for the convenience of guests. As practice shows, there is often not enough room or two for unexpected guests or children who are unplanned to be brought along.
Make a seating chart and table layout, especially if you are organizing the wedding yourself. Calculate whether the right number of tables will fit in the square footage of the wedding hall. Take into account sufficient width of aisles between tables, allowing waiters to move freely with trays while serving guests.
Remember that a wedding reception is a responsible and elaborate ceremony in which every detail is important.