Pssst... Don’t forget those thank-you cards! SEATING PLAN STRATEGY When the deadline for RSVPs has passed and you’ve chased down the stragglers, it’s time to put together the seating plan. Sure, it can be stressful, so you do have the option of course to simply not have one. Many couples are going for a more informal approach with a grazing or barbecue wedding breakfast, where guests can pull up a chair wherever they wish. If you’ve chosen to have a formal three-course meal with several options however, your servers will need to be able to find each guest, particularly those with dietary requirements, so a seating plan is a necessarily evil. Don’t fret though. Just refer to our handy guide, we’ve got you! STEP ONE Discuss your final guest numbers with your venue and talk to them about the layout you’re looking for whether it be round tables, banquet setup, or the oh-so on trend serpentine layout. They should be able to tell you how many tables they’ll be setting up for you, with how many guests seated at each. Then it’s over to you. STEP TWO As with your guest list, prioritise your VIPs. Where will you and your wedding party sit? Will you have a traditional top table or do you prefer the idea of a sweetheart table for just the two of you? Also, consider any guests with mobility issues as a priority. STEP THREE Separate your guests into groups according to how you know them. For example, bride’s family, groom’s family, friends, colleagues and so on. You’ll probably end up with some friends who don’t fit into a particular group, so have a think about who they’re likely to hit it off with. You know your loved ones best, trust your instincts. Do avoid creating a singles table though as this can be cringe-worthy for everyone involved. Be mindful too of any potential conflicts and do your utmost to avoid them. While this is the easiest way to make sure everyone is happy, you may prefer to mix it up to encourage loved ones from both sides to get to know each other. Adding icebreaker games to the tables can be a great way to facilitate this. STEP FOUR Draw the seating plan up for yourself, either by hand or using an online tool. This will allow you to get a bird’s eye view, allowing any potential faux pas to leap out. STEP FIVE Phew, all sorted. Or so you thought. What happens if you get lastminute dropouts? Provided you’ve followed the aforementioned steps dealing with cancellations will be a breeze. Have your evening guest list or C list to hand. Is there anyone you can promote to a day guest to fill any gaps (do be mindful of how you word the late invitation to avoid them feeling like an afterthought)? If not, inform your venue so they can eliminate the anti-social gap and crucially ask your caterer to cancel the meal to avoid waste. If it’s too late, can you offer it to one of your suppliers instead? TOP TIP HOLD ON! Ask you stationer for the latest date your table plan can be ordered, just in case you get any last-minute dropouts. This ensures it will be as accurate as it can be come the big day. unsplash.com@hollyboothstudio ON-THE-DAY OPTIONS The beauty of designing your stationery suite to fit your theme and style is that it’ll transition seamlessly to your on-the-day elements. Here’s our checklist of options to consider and discuss with your stationer. Order of service – for your ceremony including any hymn or song lyrics your guests will need. Vows booklets – If you’ve written your own vows ensure they’re recorded for the ceremony in a manner that befits their importance, also ensuring they’re beautifully preserved for a lifetime. Table plan – opt for a simple yet stylish board or get creative with an old step ladder, frames, mirrors, flowers, pallets and more. Table names – keep it simple with classic numbers or take the opportunity for further personalisation with names to suit your theme or that speak to your loves or love story. Place names – this can be as elegant or as personalised as you wish. Play around with texture and look into creative formats that can be taken away as a keepsake, such as labelled cookies, die cut acrylic or wood, or calligraphy agate slices to name but a few. Menu – this can double up as your place names and is particularly helpful to remind guests what they ordered if you gave them an option in their invitations. Signage – want to welcome guests? Tell them about your unplugged ceremony? Cocktail menu? Cake flavours/allergy info? Order of the day? Venue zones? Talk to your stationer or calligrapher about your bespoke signage. Wedding newspaper – fill guests in on what to expect throughout the day. Other lovely inclusions are your love story and a memorial page for those you’ve loved and lost. 44
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