Wedding seating chart: planning tables and finding them
The seating chart is one of the trickiest tasks before the wedding – and on the day, a queue often forms in front of the board at the entrance. Here is when to do the seating chart, what matters, and how guests find their table on their phone.
When do you do the wedding seating chart?
Once the RSVPs are in – after the reply deadline on the invitation, usually two to four weeks before the wedding. The venue often needs the number of tables earlier; you can move names around until the last minute.
Five tips for the seating chart
A good seating chart makes sure everyone feels at home at their table.
- Parents and best man or maid of honour close to the couple
- Keep circles of friends together; seat people on their own next to others with similar interests
- Children with their parents, older guests away from the speakers
- Seat people who don’t get on at different tables – and not within sight of each other
- Number the tables or give them names, perhaps after places that are important to you
How do you show guests their seat?
Traditionally with a board at the entrance and place cards at the seats. The phone takes the crowd away from the board: anyone scanning the QR code to upload photos anyway finds their table there too – with three letters of their name.
Board at the entrance or phone?
| Board at the entrance | “Where am I sitting?” on the phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Finding your seat | Everyone at once in front of one board | Each on their own, typing their name |
| Last-minute changes | Reprint or stick over it | Change it in the guest list, applies immediately |
| Costs | Printing and an easel | Included in your stream at no extra cost |
| Who can see all the names? | Anyone who drops by | Nobody – everyone finds only themselves |
A beautifully designed board is also decoration. Many couples do both: the board as an eye-catcher, the phone for everyone who doesn’t want to queue.
How guests find their table on their phone
- 1 Enter each guest’s table on the wedding planner’s guest list.
- 2 Turn on “Where am I sitting?” for guests in your stream.
- 3 In the evening, guests scan the QR code and type in at least three letters of their name.
- 4 They see their table – and then upload their first photos straight away.
What “Where am I sitting?” on weddingphotos.live can do
- Search by first name or surname directly on the upload page
- Table allocations are taken from your guest list in the wedding planner – there’s no need for a second list
- Changes take effect immediately, even in the evening
- Only from three letters; nobody sees the whole list
- Turn it on or off with one switch
- To go with it: table cards with a QR code to print
Common questions
How many people do you seat at a table?
At round tables, usually eight to ten; at long tables, depending on their length. Ask the venue what tables it has.
Do you need a seating plan at a wedding?
Once there are around thirty guests, it comes in handy: nobody has to look for a seat, and groups of friends can sit together. For smaller gatherings, you can manage without it.
Can other guests see where I’m sitting?
Only those who type in your name. The ‘Where am I sitting?’ feature does not display a list of all guests.
How much does “Where am I sitting?” cost on weddingphotos.live?
Nothing extra – it is part of your stream, and the guest list is part of the free wedding planner.