Who Sits Where At a Wedding??

Previously I discussed seating cards- but first you need to decide who sits where.

Should you sit your single friends with married friends or what about cousins and children. Here is some great advice from weddingchannel.com.

The Bridal Table: The bride and groom may sit at a long rectangular head table or round table at the focal point of the room, or alternatively, at their very own "sweetheart" table. 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. No matter which configuration you choose, the bridal table is usually set apart from the others by some type of decoration, such as flowers. Classically, the groom sits to the bride's right and the best man sits to her left. The maid of honor sits to the groom's right. Depending on how large the table is, the other attendants should be scattered around. In the old days, spouses and significant others were relegated to different tables, but let's think about that for a minute… It seems rather unfair to separate couples during an entire wedding dinner and dance, so be sensitive. If you can only fit the best man and maid of honor -- along with their significant others -- at your table, do so. Seat remaining attendants and their "other halves" at another table.

Family Tables: Often, the parents of the bride and groom sit opposite each other at a large family table, with grandparents, the officiant, and other close friends. An alternative is to have the bride and groom's parents "host" their own tables, consisting of their family members and close friends. In the case of divorced parents, each parent may also host his or her own table, smoothly diffusing any awkwardness or discomfort.

Mix or Match: As for the rest of your guests, should you put friends together or seat them with "new" people? The answer is a bit of both. While it is a great idea to mix in a few new faces at each table, remember that people are most comfortable when they know some of their dinner companions. Be considerate. Not even your most gregarious friend will want to sit at a table full of complete strangers, so put acquaintances together when you can. If you have guests who don't know anyone, seat them near guests with similar interests. If you have a group of friends that cannot fit at one table, split them down the middle, and fill in each table with other guests. Whatever you do, don't leave one of the gang out.

If you have no idea what to do with your parents' friends, let your mother and mother-in-law arrange those tables. They will be thrilled to be involved, and this may keep them from trying to control of the rest of your seating plan.


If you've been dying to fix your old roommate up with your fiancé's cousin, you might take this opportunity to discreetly seat them next to each other. Resist the urge to create a separate "singles" table, though, as this might embarrass your guests. By the same token, don't seat that unmarried girlfriend at a table full of gushing newlyweds. A little sensitivity and some good old common sense are the best guides.


If you have several children at your wedding, seat them together at a separate kids' table. If your flowergirl and ringbearer are the only children present, seat them with their parents.

Find all your answers on weddingchannel.com...Enjoy!