Table Plans - Get Organised

Planning your table layout can be a tricky business so it pays to be organised. Your Table Plan will evolve as your guests reply to your wedding invitations so its a good idea to have a 'work in progress' table plan. There are a number of software packages specifically targetted towards arranging a table plan layout but we think this can be considered a little excessive and can even complicate what can be a relatively painless task. An excel spreadsheet is an ideal (and cheaper) alternative which enables you to copy and paste names between tables etc. Or, simpler still, buy yourself a large pinboard, cut out tables and fix them on the board then simply pin people's names around the tables. You will be able to move them around with out much trouble and the hands on approach can often help avoid with the dreaded mistake of missing anybody off.

The Considerate Host

Follow a few simple rules when seating your guests and planning your table planner and you will find that the pieces will soon fall into place and a harmonious table layout will materialise and your reception will be a party to remember.

- Position people making speeches so they don't have their backs to the crowd. These people will feel more comfortable if they are facing their audience from the start. The speech makers will undoubtedly be nervous already so you need to your best to help them. By having them seated towards the crowd they will have the table in front of them to leave any speech notes and will not have to wrestle with their chair in front of them.

- Place young children between their parents. Children can become a bit restless during a lengthy wedding breakfast so it pays to sit them in between parents who can help entertain them between courses. Sitting all children on their own table is a brave alternative but consider children who may be a little shy and end up sitting on their parents lap for the rest of the meal because they feel uncomfortable sitting by themselves.

- Keep work colleagues, friends and family separate, unless they all know each other well. This is'nt a hard and fast rule of course but when it is unavoidable consider your guests characters, their likes and dislikes and then sit people together with shared interests so that they find it easier to socialise.

- Ensure a balance of men and women on each table.

- Keep an eye on your single guests - don't just use them to fill the gaps on your tables at the end.

- Think of your guests' needs - seat elderly relatives where they will easily be able to hear the speeches for instance.

Top Table

The traditional top table is usually set up as follows. Facing the table from left to right : Chief Bridesmaid, Father of the Groom, Mother of the Bride, Groom, Bride, Father of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, and Best Man. However, today's family rarely fits this layout and many young couples do not like the idea of being on display so choose to do away with it altogether. Instead, why not have a circular table, or if marital arrangements mean that your family does'nt fit convention, consider asking parents to host tables of their friends and family. The top table is one tradition that is falling by the wayside.