But Where Should I Sit?
The seating arrangements for the top table carries a lot of attention. It is the center of attention of any wedding reception.
The traditional arrangement for the top table of a wedding is a long straight table seating ten people. See the attached figure for the seating arrangement from a guest's point of view.
A traditional arrangements alternates between males and females, with the most important persons (bride and groom) seated in the middle of the table. The least important male and female are seated at either edge of the table.
If your top table does not have enough space for ten people you can remove the flower girl and page boy for and eight seater. For a six seater you can also remove the best man and bridesmaid.
In South Africa it is also popular to place the two families on opposite sides of the table. The bride's family sitting on the side of the bride and the groom's family seated on the groom's side. Although this deviates from a strict traditional arrangement, many couples feel the conversation at the table is less awkward this way.
These days it is also common to find at least one of the parent couples to be remarried. The attached figure also shows the traditional seating arrangement for remarried couples. You will need at least eight seats to seat remarried couples, for the bridesmaid and best man is the only two people who can easily be removed from the table.
If both parent couples are remarried you should probably rethink the top table. Not only can it get a bit cramped with ten to twelve people on the table, but there may also be some uneasy feelings amongst eight remarried persons. Use your imagination but remember to remain tactful.
The traditional arrangement for the top table of a wedding is a long straight table seating ten people. See the attached figure for the seating arrangement from a guest's point of view.
A traditional arrangements alternates between males and females, with the most important persons (bride and groom) seated in the middle of the table. The least important male and female are seated at either edge of the table.
If your top table does not have enough space for ten people you can remove the flower girl and page boy for and eight seater. For a six seater you can also remove the best man and bridesmaid.
In South Africa it is also popular to place the two families on opposite sides of the table. The bride's family sitting on the side of the bride and the groom's family seated on the groom's side. Although this deviates from a strict traditional arrangement, many couples feel the conversation at the table is less awkward this way.
These days it is also common to find at least one of the parent couples to be remarried. The attached figure also shows the traditional seating arrangement for remarried couples. You will need at least eight seats to seat remarried couples, for the bridesmaid and best man is the only two people who can easily be removed from the table.
If both parent couples are remarried you should probably rethink the top table. Not only can it get a bit cramped with ten to twelve people on the table, but there may also be some uneasy feelings amongst eight remarried persons. Use your imagination but remember to remain tactful.
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