From flowers to the color scheme, couples face many decisions before walking down the aisle. However, one that many people overlook until the last minute is the seating chart. The placement of your guests at the wedding reception significantly impacts the overall success of the event. Ensure a fun, enjoyable atmosphere by following the planning tips below. 

How to Plan the Seating for Your Wedding Reception

1. Categorize Guests 

While you should appreciate all guests, seating priority should go to the couple's closest family and friends. For instance, the newlyweds get the best seat in the house—usually at the front or center of the room and near the dance floor. If you have a traditional banquet table, then the wedding party sits there, as well. However, with a sweetheart table, parents and siblings of the couple have priority for the second-best tables, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. 

After arranging these guests, separate the remaining attendees by who they are to you and your future spouse. People you have a strong relationship with, like friends, take precedence over relatives that you may see rarely. Reserve outlying tables for individuals that you know or see the least. 

2. Respect Tense Relationships

It's rare for all wedding reception guests to be friendly, especially when you consider large families. For that reason, you should carefully examine the placement of attendees that have tension with other visitors. You should separate them as much as possible so that they do not have to interact.

3. Consider Venue Layout

While there's usually flexibility, most wedding venues have a preset layout that works best within the specific space. Review this layout before creating the seating chart to identify any problematic areas for certain guests. For example, individuals with hearing aids or those sensitive to sound are unlikely to enjoy a table near the speakers. Guests with mobility issues, on the other hand, should have easy access to their table, rather than being in the middle of the room.

Are you struggling with the seating chart for your wedding reception? Reach out to Infinite Occasions Banquet & Conference Center in St. Louis, MO. This full-service banquet hall offers assistance with every step of the process. Not only do they provide a large, high-end venue for events, but the trusted team also provides party planning services and in-house catering. Browse their online photo gallery for inspiration, and reserve the space today at (314) 395-1407.