When drawing-up your 'Seating Plan'...the Top Table of 8,10,12 is traditionally set:
- Bridesmaid
- Best Man
- Brides Mother
- Brides Father
- BRIDE
- GROOM
- Grooms Mother
- Grooms Father
- Chief Bridesmaid
- Usher
Some, however, do seat the Bride's Parents together on the left, with the Groom's Parents together on the right, (and may include Grandparents). If an odd number is seated at the Top Table...7,9,11 then the Bride must be central with an even number (to include the Groom) on each side of her:
- Bridesmaid
- Best man
- Groom Mother
- Brides Father
- BRIDE
- GROOM
- Brides Mother
- Groom Father
- Chief Bridesmaid
When you have finalised your Top Table then where and how do you seat the guests?
- The correct order of proximity-to-the-Top Table is... The Immediate Family of the Bride and of the Bridegroom to include the Grandparents; and in-laws too
- Relatives of the Bride and of the Bridegroom, Aunties, Uncles and Cousins with in-laws too
- Close Family Friends of the Parents of both the Bride and the Bridegroom
- Close Personal Friends of the Bride and Bridegroom from school, college, social and business etc,
- Particular attention to the Grandparents, undoubtedly the proudest guests at any Wedding.
If space will allow, the best tables for the guests are 'rounds' of 8/10 - this encourages the guests to 'mix and mingle', with conversation flowing more easily 'around and across' the table.
With the 'Seating Plan' it is advisable for large receptions to draw-up an alphabetical guest list with table numbers/names, so that the guest can quickly locate their table, then using place cards so the exact seat may be easily found.
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