The Dynamics of Seating Arrangements at Weddings

Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of decisions, getting down to the minutest of details.

Ultimately, you’re just trying to make everyone happy. That’s easier said than done. One of the most important tasks on your wedding planning to-do list is to come up with a seating arrangement.Determining who gets to sit where can be a major ordeal. Friends come as a group. Don’t ostracize the singles. Aunt Jeanie isn’t talking to Uncle Don. There are a thousand social details to consider. Luckily, we’re here to help. Find out how you can plan the ideal wedding seating arrangement quickly and easily.Those in the wedding planning biz will be thrilled to hear that more and more technology upstarts are figuring out how to digitize seating charts for events. To create customized floor plans by adding tables, seats and rows for your guests used to be paper work - all this is moving into the cloud. Once you’ve set up your digital floor plan, simply upload your guest list, drag and drop names to individual seats, and try out an endless number of combinations.Dynamic seating charts also let you send and share your creations instantly. You can sync a finished seating chart with your desktop and tablet with the touch of a button. If needed, you can export PDF copies for your colleagues, the bride, groom, or their closest family members. Last minute cancellation? No problem. Switch up the seating arrangement at the last moment to everyone in charge. It’s just that simple.

Start with the floor plan

With your new seating map app in tow, you’re ready to start planning. Start by getting familiar with the flow of the room. Get a sense of where the action will be. Round tables will allow you to spread guests around the entire room. Long tables require a little more finesse when it comes to reserving everyone a good seat. You want to give everyone a proper view without overcrowding the space. Great seating arrangements are all about balance. Respect the Do's and Dont's. Do your best to create compelling environments for people to get reacquainted, meet new people, and share in the fun. If possible, make sure that everyone knows a friendly face at his or her table. Building seating charts is collaboration. Make sure you download guest intel of everybody who can offer some. The last thing that you want is to make someone feel uncomfortable when dining at that wedding.

Stay flexible when it comes to seating

Sometimes the rules don’t apply. Alternating males and females might make sense for some occasions, but not all. There is no right way to create a seating chart. Don’t be afraid to get creative. If you and the wedding party decide to experiment with the seating arrangement, try combinations that fall outside the box. Mix up ages, personalities, singles and couples. You never know who might hit it off.Sometimes it’s your job to create a truly unique experience for guests, without sticking to the usual seating chart tactics. Now, with everything running on an app, that's even easier.

‍Guest Blogger Karen Miranda works with at AM Linen Rental, a linen rental and laundry service based in Dallas, Texas. They offer a wide variety of tablecloths, chair covers, and other linens in a variety of colors and textures. Their high quality linen rentals add the perfect touch to your wedding, party or private event.