As a wedding planner, I’ve seen couples wrestle with seating styles. Selecting the ideal seating style for your wedding reception can certainly be a challenging aspect of the planning process! Balancing the need to accommodate all your guests by creating the perfect atmosphere can leave you contemplating whether to opt for an intimate or opulent dining experience. So, if you’re sitting there, pondering how to arrange your reception tables, you’re not alone! It’s a tough decision to make, but we’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the different options available and help you find the perfect fit for your special day.

Types of Reception Seating

Before deciding the type of reception seating you’d like at your wedding, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How do I want our wedding to feel (casual, formal, intimate, etc.)?
2. How many guests do we anticipate attending?
3. With the estimated number of guests, what can my venue hold?

In order to answer some of these questions, you may need to have a more in-depth conversation with your wedding planner and/or venue coordinator to help you consider all factors that go into figuring out your layout. 

Let’s take a closer look at the 2 main styles of reception seating: Cocktail and Traditional

Cocktail Style Seating: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and social atmosphere, cocktail-style seating might be your cup of tea (or champagne flute, if you prefer!). With this seating arrangement, guests mingle and chat while standing or perching on high tables or lounge furniture, creating a lively and interactive environment. It’s perfect for couples aiming for a more informal and less structured reception. Plus, it allows for more flexibility when it comes to space utilization and encourages guests to mix and mingle.

This style might be right for you if:

• Your anticipated guest count is higher than what the venue can hold for a fully seated reception. 
• Your style of meal is heavier hors-d’oeuvres or station style/small plates (items that are easy for guests to eat standing or sitting at a non-dining table height table – or if you won’t require them to use a fork AND knife!).
• You want to keep the night flowing with lots of dancing and little structure 

Traditional Reception Seating: Ah, the classic reception seating – the tried and true way to ensure everyone has a seat at the table (literally!). This style typically includes a combination of round tables with chairs, allowing guests to enjoy a sit-down meal with comfort and ease. It provides a formal setting and allows for more personalized table decor, such as centerpieces, stationery, and place settings. The traditional reception seating style also creates a natural flow for serving meals and ensures each guest has their designated spot to relax, eat, and enjoy the celebration. 

This style might be right for you if:

• You want every guest to have their own seat
• You plan to have guests choose their entree choice prior to the wedding day
• You want to add a lot of (personal) detail to your tablescapes 

Having a traditional reception seating arrangement doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. When we are working with our clients to decide their reception layout, we discuss a few different factors. The first is always what will work best for the venue space – as planners we have access to amazing software systems where we can input different layout options to present you and be able to show you a more realistic vision of the space. Some couples love the classic all-round table layout, however, there’s also the option to play around with rectangular tables, square tables, and even the types of chairs – who said it had to be a traditional chair and not a couch? 

Other factors to consider if you plan to have a traditional seating arrangement at your reception is if you’d like to sit at a sweetheart table, head table, or not have a focal table at all. 

Sweetheart Table: For those couples who want a little extra alone time to savor the magic of their wedding day, a sweetheart table is a wonderful option. This style is perfect for couples who prefer a more private setting or who want to include their bridal party at separate tables.

Head Table: If you love the idea of being surrounded by your closest family and friends, then the head table is the way to go. The head table is usually placed in a focal location within the space and features the couple, their wedding party (and sometimes dates). On the other hand, some couples choose to have their head table consist of having their immediate family sit with them. Either way, a head table creates a sense of togetherness, allows everyone to share in the joyous atmosphere, and gives guests a front-row seat to the couple’s happiness. It’s an excellent option for couples who want to keep their loved ones close throughout the reception.

Deciding Where Guests Should Sit

Now that we’ve covered the various seating styles, it’s important to touch on where your guests should sit. When it comes to assigning seats, it’s all about finding a balance between ensuring your guests feel comfortable and encouraging mingling. 

Here are a few tips to help you navigate this decision:

1. Consider compatibility: Group guests together based on their interests, backgrounds, or connections. Think about who would enjoy each other’s company and strike up engaging conversations.
2. Mix and match: Introduce your friends and family to new faces by combining different social circles at each table. This can lead to wonderful conversations and the chance for your loved ones to forge new friendships.
3. Mind the dynamics: Be mindful of any potential conflicts or sensitivities when assigning seats. If there’s a history between certain individuals, it’s best to keep them at separate tables to avoid any unnecessary tension.
4. Keep it cozy: Ensure your guests are comfortable by paying attention to the seating arrangement. Take into account the number of chairs at each table and make sure there’s enough space for people.

As you get closer to your big day, remember – your Petite Planning Company coordinator or planner can help you decide which format is best for your individual wedding. We’d be more than happy to help!