Etiquette & Traditions Tips
Seating Chart
Every couple agonizes over the seating chart. Here's a way to find
the right spot for every guest. First, divide your guest list into
categories -- such as wedding party, family, our friends, family
friends -- and assign a different-color low-tack adhesive note to
each. Then write out everyone's names on the appropriately colored
strips. You can arrange and rearrange them around simple
photocopied outlines of your tables. The note colors show whether
you have a good mix at each table. When it's time to set out the place
cards, tape the notes in place, then hand the completed sheets to the
setter.
Wedding Reception Seating
The bride and groom hold the two most important seats at the reception. Their table should be
easily seen from anywhere in the room so all the guests can be witness to their expressions of
happiness. The following diagrams offer suggestions for seating attendants and family members.
The Wedding Party
Traditionally, the table for the wedding party is rectangular, with seating on one side only, facing
out, so the guests can see the couple easily; often the table will be on a dais. The table should be
centrally located, and flower arrangements should be kept low so as not to obstruct anyone's view.
If the table is round, the bride and groom should still face the room. The best man is seated to the
right of the bride; the maid or matron of honor sits to the groom's left. The remainder of the wedding
party is seated outward from the bride and groom, alternating groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Parents of the Bride and Groom
At the most traditional hosts' table, the bride's mother sits in the center facing out, where she can
keep close watch on the party; the bride's father sits directly across from her, and the groom's
father sits on her right. The officiant may be seated to the left of the bride's mother. The groom's
mother traditionally sits to the right of the bride's father, with the officiant's spouse to his left.
The seating arrangement above allows the closest relatives and friends of the bride and groom to
join them at one table. The wedding party is represented with the best man to the right of the bride
and the maid or matron of honor to the groom's left. Traditionally, the male-female pattern continues
around the entire table. Grandparents or siblings can be seated on the other side of each of the
honor attendants. The officiant is seated to the right of the grandparent next to the best man; the
bride's mother is to the right of the officiant. On her right, the groom's father is seated with the
officiant's spouse (if he or she has one) on his right. Finally, the father of the bride is seated to the
right of the officiant's spouse, while the groom's mother is seated to his right.