3 DAMN GOOD TIPS FOR AVOIDING SEATING CHART NIGHTMARES AT YOUR WEDDING!!

Your wedding day is fast approaching, the planning has gone smoothly, the excitement is growing and then you realize the seating charts have to be made…..NO!!!!!!!!!! Too many choices, personalities, divorces!! Ok..Let’s see, my parents are happily married, ✓. Wait, my mom isn’t speaking to my aunt because of…I don’t even know why!! So, I can’t seat them together and then my fianceés parents are divorced and hate each other. My best man isn’t talking to my other best man over some girl…not sure how to handle that…Who can keep up with this???

1. A SEATING CHART IS A MUST: Can you imagine a wedding with 200 guests without a seating chart? It might resemble a game of musical chairs or even those black Friday sales at Walmart where crazy bargain hunters swarm the shelves for the perfect deal!! Don’t get me wrong, as a cinematographer, that would make an Awesome video, but not a wonderful wedding day experience for the bride and groom.

Seating charts are easy to create because many wedding websites allow you to you customize and print them. The charts will show you the distance from each table to the music, the look and feel of the room and will provide you with a better understanding of the layout.

2. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!: Do you want to sit Granny next to the speakers? Do you want to deal with your annoying aunt who always complains? How about small children sitting near the College friends table? Once you have placed your guests at specific tables don’t think the job is finished. Consider this… You will have guests who don’t dance, so put them closer to the dance floor and they can watch the band perform and other guests party. Don’t put the kids table near the bar where the guests are doing shots of tequila all night. Place people who need access to the restrooms closer and not on the opposite side of the ballroom. A little thought goes a long way.

3. IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU: Assigning Tables versus Assigning Seats. Let’s face it, your wedding is a celebration of love to be shared and enjoyed by your friends and family. I Repeat..SHARED AND ENJOYED BY YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!! Personally, I like the idea of assigning tseats. Why force what will happen naturally? If you put friends and family at specific tables they will gravitate towards each other. College friends at one table, bridal party at another table, work friends, etc.. I’ve heard comments not matchmaking singles at weddings. Singles are people too so sit them with friends first so they can enjoy the party. Are you telling me that everyone on the planet is seeking a relationship? Wait, I know, it’s your inner matchmaker coming out. Have you considered that maybe, just maybe they want to be have fun and not meet their future spouse? If you really want to play matchmaker, introduce single friends to each other at the wedding reception and let them decide without forcing the issue.

Think of your guests first and you’ll have no problems. It’s your wedding and it will be a wonderful experience. Now let’s make it a Great Experience for everyone else!! Remember…It’s NOT about you!!

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Joseph Edwards

About Edward Neary
Edward Neary is the founder of Joseph Edwards Films. His passion for filming weddings flows through the films he creates. He has 20+ years experience in the wedding industry and loves helping engaged couples with practical advice on planning their wedding.
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