Wedding Reception Seating Etiquette

Traditionally the wedding seating arrangement for the top table consists of the bride and groom the bride s parents the groom s parents the best man the maid of honor the groomsmen and bridesmaids or any combination of these.

Wedding reception seating etiquette. Instead they ll often sit at the head table with their attendants. If you opt to have a bridal party table the best man should sit to the bride s left and the maid of honor sits to the grooms right. Seating chart etiquette traditionally the couple s parents take a prominent spot in the room often sitting with the bride and groom at the head table itself.

Some couples include the ushers in the wedding party table seating while others choose to reserve a table near the front of the reception for them. Parents also commonly sit with immediate family and the officiant at a table close to the couple. Keep your friends close.

From choosing your wedding party to finalizing your reception seating chart there s etiquette to consider every step of the way. Before you start seating guests you ll need to have a game plan for your tables generally as the size and shape will. Bride and groom seating at reception traditionally the bride and groom sat alone at a sweetheart table but today many couples feel like this is isolating and they forgo this tradition.

Flower girls and ring bearers usually sit with their parents. Decide on table shapes. Many couples are opting to seat the bridal party with their spouses and significant others at tables near them.

Some couples choose to have no table at all but to leave a few seats empty at every table so they can mingle throughout the reception. Figure out where you want to put your parents. The bride and groom should be seated at the center of the head table with their attendants flanking them.

Another idea is to move forward with a socially distanced outdoor wedding reception and simply adjust your seating and food plans. 12 tips for designing the ultimate wedding seating chart.