Create the Perfect Seating Plan for Your Wedding Reception

The seating arrangements for your wedding reception can be a bit of a puzzle. Here are some tips for creating the perfect seating plan for your wedding reception.

Determine the number of seats and tables.
Traditional wedding reception floor plans will have the wedding party at a long table facing the guests. Some couples prefer a separate "sweetheart table". The wedding guests usually sit at round or small tables in groups of 4-20, with an average of about 8 to 12 per table. Example; for 100 guests, you'll need approximately 8 to 12 tables depending on the floor plan of your reception site. Your reception site may be able to provide you with a pre-drawn floor plan designed with the long table facing the guest tables.

If they do not have a sketch, it's pretty simple to put one together yourself. Just draw corresponding circles and squares to represent tables. Number the tables and then you can write in names as you determine who will sit where. *Note; include the DJ set up table in your sketch.

Enlist some help in seating guests.
Talk with your parents and the groom's parents about your guests and what they may have in common. Try to place people with similar backgrounds and interests at the same table. Be sure to think about any possible uncomfortable situations such as divorced or separated parents or couples. Your reception will run much more smoothly if you do this.

Determine some common interest categories.
Your list can include factors such as ages, couples, singles, families with children, elderly family and friends, guests from far away, or co-workers.

Put guests that don't know each other together.
By mixing up friends with family, you give your guests the opportunity to have interesting conversations and to get to know people who are very close to you.

Make sure couples and families with children are seated at the same table.
Be sure to place parents and small children together. No one wants to end up babysitting other people's children at your wedding reception. Consider a kids' area with food and activities if you expect to have a number of children at your reception.

Do a site survey with the place cards in the reception hall.
By going to the site and looking at the floor plan in person, you can make adjustments that can make your guests more comfortable. Some things to remember:

? Make sure older guests are near the food tables and restrooms.
? Let families with young children sit on the perimeter near an exit in case anyone gets restless.
? A guest table right next to a DJ speakers and can be a nuisance for your guests, as well as for the DJ during the announcements and while mixing your music.
? Talk to the wedding coordinator or banquet manager to make sure you are not overlooking anything in the floor plan arrangement.

Put the seating chart somewhere safe.
Store your seating chart in your wedding planning binder and a copy with your wedding planner/coordinator. Give a copy to anyone involved in setting up the wedding reception places and/or d?cor.

Tip: Consider giving your photographer and DJ a final copy of the seating chart and letting them know where your key guests are seated such as grand parents, your point person or your boss. The photographer can be sure to get a photo of them, and the DJ will know where they are seated for any special announcements or issues that may arise.

Don't stress.
With all the planning you've done, your guests should be more than accommodated. Remember, above all, your wedding day is your day. Have fun!

Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Amazing Wedding Speech!

How To Create A Fun Reception

Anyone who has ever attended a marriage reception knows they have a tendency to be boring, stuffy and not all that fun. Receptions often feel canned and depending on where it is held, it may look like every other reception that has ever happened throughout time. If you are planning your reception and you want something that is unique and personalized, there are a few things you can do. Your first goal should be to make sure everyone has fun. Planning a reception is essentially planning a party and you want the event to be as comfortable and entertaining as possible. Make sure you have plenty of great food for everyone to eat. You can contact wedding catering or BBQ catering for a laid-back, casual meal that tastes delicious and will fill your guests up. Nobody wants to go home hungry from a reception and nothing is more filling than delicious tasting, stick to your ribs meat.

If you think having your reception in a standard hall is your only option, think again. There are plenty of great locations that can suit any budget and any style. Look for something that will be comfortable for your guests and take into consideration how many people will be attending and how much you want to spend. Great reception venues include parks, farms, museums and community centers. You can turn any space into something great, so even if you are on a tight budget, do not rule out a place before you consider how you can make it fun and suitable.

Those who want to keep their guests engaged in the festivities should plan games or social activities to keep everyone entertained. Not everyone will want to participate, but those who get bored just sitting around or who do not like dancing may enjoy other activities. Offering the option of unusual or unexpected fun at a reception really makes the event a memorable occasion.

For those who do love dancing, be sure to provide plenty of great music. Regardless of whether your reception has a band, DJ or you just load up the CD changer, be sure there are plenty of dance tunes and a place to get moving. Mix together everyone's favorite dance songs with modern music that the younger generation will enjoy. Do not panic if you loathe some of the classic songs played at receptions that are affiliated with organized dances. There is no rule stating you have to play anything you cannot stand. It is your day, so you make the call.

Finally, be sure you are comfortable and relaxed during the reception so others can do the same. The more fun the bride and groom are having, the easier it will be for everyone else to let loose and have a great time. If you need a few drinks to loosen yourself up, go ahead and have a couple of drinks. Try to avoid having too much though because you want to remember your big day once it is all over with.

Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Amazing Wedding Speech!