Wedding Planning || Seating arrangements - The Top Table

I remember from when we were planning our Wedding that the seating plan was something I put off as late as I could; I'd met so many couples at work who had stressed so much about arranging where everyone was sitting that it had made me quite anxious.

It doesn't have to be stressful so I thought I'd share my ideas and suggestions, though I'm going to split this up over two posts - one for the top table and one for the guest tables.

Top Table

You've probably been daydreaming about your Top Table decorations since seeing all the lovely pictures on Pinterest; the flowers, the candles - it will look stunning. But you now need to decide who's sitting where. Traditionally you would seat guests (from left to right - facing the table)
Chief Bridesmaid>Groom's Father>Brides Mother>Groom>Bride>Bride's Father>Groom's Mother>Best Man

This plan might suit you and so you won't have to give your Top Table plan a second thought. But what if
one set of parents are divorced? What if both sets of parents are divorced? What if you don't want to upset another Bridesmaid by only asking one to sit on the top table? What if you already have children? What if you don't want to sit facing the entire room and for everyone to be watching you eat? What if your Mum doesn't really want to sit next to his Dad?

There are so many possible obstacles so it's easy to why couples would find it stressful. But I promise there is a way around everything and below you'll find some of my suggestions. Though you do need to check with your venue if there is an upper limit to the amount of guests they can seat at the top table.

Firstly the most important thing to remember is that it's your wedding and you can seat everyone wherever you like, you don't have to stick with tradition and from what I see at the weddings I'm involved with - no one will judge you for deviating. Sometimes just accepting that will lift a lot of the pressure and anxiety.

1) You can have both of your parents and your Bridesmaid(s) sat on your side of the table and seat your new Husband's Parents and Best Man on his side of the table.

2) If you have children you want to sit on the top table which makes numbers a bit tight, why not have the Bridesmaids, Best Men and Usher's sit on the 1st guest table together so you can seat your children with you.

3) Do what the Americans do, only seat your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen on the top table with you and seat your parents with family on the tables closest to the top table.

4) If either or both sets of parents have re-married, seat each step-parent next to their spouse (I think this only works in a perfect world where everyone gets along, and if that's the case you're very lucky)

5) Have a "Sweetheart" table, where it's just the two of you alone.

6) You may be like me and not want a top table at all and if that's the case - don't have one. Have a "Head" table that's placed in the middle of all the guest table's. If parent's are an issue have them seated in their own group on a table next you; no one is sitting next to someone they're not comfortable with and you can relax during the reception knowing there's no awkwardness.

But the most important thing to remember is that it's your wedding and wedding breakfast only last 2-3hrs, if you're happy with the way you've arranged your top table then those sat there with you should respect that.