On this past Sunday night, I had a fun opportunity to engage some Facebook friends regarding seating charts.  One young lady included me in the conversation and naturally as a Wedding Planner, I had to add my take on it.  : )  I thought I would go a little bit further in my thought process on the topic of place cards and seating charts.  Having a list, place card, chart or all the above can truly prove more than helpful.  Here is my logistical approach to why.

Place cards – I really do like the idea and prefer having place cards for your Wedding Guest.  It is not only a nice touch, but will help identify those RSVP guests along with their table number.   If you  happen to have only one Hostess, this will help her direct guest much quickly to look for their name card.  Also, make sure your place cards includes the following.

• Guest Name – Even if you decide to print the first name, then last name, please set up the cards on the table by in alphabetical order the last name.  This will help your guest find their card faster.  You can also opt to print by last name, then first name to make it even more easier.
• Include the Table number on the card.
• If applicable for multiple plated options, add their meat selection.  (This would have been on your RSVP card if you provided more than one meat option to your guest for plated meals.)

Guest List – This will prove  helpful as well to your Hostess.  This can be the back up list just in case a place card is missing.  It’s always good to have a point of reference to double check your printed cards.  It should include the following details.

• Guest Name – Preferably by Last Name, then First Name.  Again, starting your list by last name will help the Hostess track the guest much quicker.
• Include the table number next to each name.

Seating Chart – This also nice to have.  Some Brides may list it by table number and have each guests name listed under each table number.   One way to make it more simplified for your guest is to list the chart in alphabetical order by the letter, list the guest name, and their table number next to their name.  Have a Graphic Designer create the chart and print a large size poster board.  A good size to start with would be a 24×24 size.  Place it on a easel to display at the entrance.

Reception Diagram – Another idea is to also add a reception diagram with the room layout of tables with table numbers on it.  Again, you can get a Graphic Designer to design it and print a large size to place at the reception entrance.  That way guests can visually see where their table is located.

Lastly, if you decide that you prefer to do none of the above, consider at least doing place cards for your reserved table guests for both sets of parents, grandparents, and close family.  You want to make sure that they are seated in the proper area.

Event though the process for arranging your guest seating or creating place cards can be consuming and feel insignificant, it will prove to save time as your guest arrive for the reception and create peace of mind for all involved.   In the end, it will feel much better to place them at a table versus having to face dealing with a frustrating situation at the entrance of your Reception.

Two questions you may have…

• What should I do with non-rsvp guests?
• What type of unique place cards are out there?

Stay tuned…these will be two Blogs to follow in the coming weeks.  : )