Planning A Wedding: Floor Plan Strategies For Success

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but creating a floor plan can help you visualize your venue and decide on the layout of your big day. A floor plan will help you decide on the placement of the dance floor, tables, stage, and bar(s), which will have a major impact on the flow of the evening. It is important to ensure that you organize the space in a way that showcases the venue and allows guests to move about freely and interact with one another. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of creating a floor plan for your wedding, from choosing the best venue to arranging tables and seating.

Visualise the venue in 3D

Visualising your wedding venue in 3D is a fantastic way to bring your event to life before the big day. 3D floor plans give you an incredible sense of the venue's appearance and feel, helping you to understand the space's scale, colours, textures, and potential. You can create 3D floor plans for outdoor weddings, too, visualising how your space will look with grass, plants, flowers, tables, and decor.

There are a number of software options available to help you create 3D visualisations of your wedding venue. These include Prismm, 3D Event Designer, and Merri. These tools allow you to design floor plans, arrange seating, and manage guest lists, all while visualising the venue in stunning 3D. You can also use these tools to collaborate with your partner, wedding planner, vendors, and in-laws, keeping everyone in the loop and organised.

With 3D visualisation software, you can experiment with different layouts and designs, ensuring you make the most of the space. You can also create multiple floor plans to compare different setups and get feedback from family and friends. This helps you decide on the perfect arrangement for your wedding day.

By using 3D visualisation tools, you can truly sell your vision and elevate your wedding designs. Whether you're planning an indoor or outdoor wedding, creating a detailed 3D visualisation will help ensure your celebration is personal and unforgettable.

Allow for movement and flow

When creating a floor plan for your wedding, one of the most important considerations is allowing for movement and flow throughout the event space. This means ensuring that there is enough space for guests to move around comfortably, as well as creating designated areas for different activities.

For the cocktail hour and reception, you'll want to make sure there is a clear path for guests to move around and flow between different areas. This includes creating designated spaces for dining, dancing, and socialising. Allow for a generous amount of space around each table to ensure that guests can easily access their seats and move around during the event. Consider the placement of furniture and any decorative elements, ensuring that they don't obstruct the flow of traffic.

Seat guests by relationship to the couple

Seating guests by their relationship to the couple is a great way to ease any potential awkwardness and ensure everyone feels comfortable. Here are some tips to consider when creating your wedding floor plan:

Bride and Groom Seating

The bride and groom can choose to sit at a sweetheart's table together or join the bridal party at a larger head table. If opting for a sweetheart table, this can be a great way to have some time alone and be designated as a couple. If joining the bridal party, it creates a fun and energetic atmosphere as the large group interacts. The bride traditionally sits to the groom's left, and they should always be positioned so they are facing their guests.

Bridal Party Seating

If the bridal party has their own table, the best man sits to the bride's left, and the maid of honour sits to the groom's right. Their dates or spouses can also be seated at this table if there is space. Alternatively, couples are increasingly choosing to seat the bridal party with their spouses and partners at tables nearby.

Parents and Grandparents Seating

Depending on the size and shape of the tables, the bride and groom's parents and grandparents may sit together at a family table. Alternatively, each set of parents can host their own table with their close family and friends. In the case of divorced parents, each can host their own separate table, smoothly diffusing any potential discomfort.

Single Friends Seating

Use common sense when seating single friends. Place them close to friends or family they feel comfortable with, and avoid hosting a "singles" table, which may make them feel uncomfortable.

Children Seating

If children are attending the wedding, seat them at a table with their parents or at a children's table nearby.

Other Guests Seating

Use age and relationship as a guide for seating other guests. Think about how your guests know each other and where they would choose to sit if the seating arrangement was open. If you're unsure about what to do with your parents' and in-laws' friends, ask your mother and mother-in-law to assist in designating those tables. For guests who don't know many people at the wedding, seat them near guests with similar interests. If you choose to split up groups of friends and seat them at nearby tables, be sure not to leave one individual out.

Place the dance floor

When it comes to placing the dance floor, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to place the dance floor in a central location within the venue to encourage guests to move around and interact with one another. This also ensures that guests feel connected to the festivities and have a good view of the dance floor. If the dance floor will be utilised for multiple purposes, such as bouquet-throwing or cake-cutting, a central location becomes even more important.

The size of the dance floor is another crucial aspect. A good rule of thumb is to divide the number of guests by two, then multiply that number by 4.5 to get the square footage of the dance floor. This calculation provides the minimum size, but if you anticipate a lot of dancers, it's advisable to make the dance floor as large as possible.

When deciding on the placement of the dance floor, it's important to consider the overall flow and movement within the venue. Ensure that there is enough space between the dance floor and the surrounding tables to allow for comfortable guest mobility and waitstaff circulation. Additionally, take into account the location of other key elements, such as the bar, DJ or band, and entry/exit points, to ensure a smooth flow throughout the event.

The shape of the room will also influence the placement of the dance floor. For a rectangular room, two popular options are to either centre the dance floor lengthwise, with the stage for the band or DJ against one of the long walls, or to place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed against one of the short walls.

If you're working with a unique venue or a space that doesn't typically host weddings, you may need to come up with more creative dance floor placement ideas. Consider utilising existing spaces within the venue, such as an area within the reception space or a separate room entirely.

Don't forget to add your personal touch to the dance floor! Customise it with lighting, décor, monogram projections, or even a unique rug to make it stand out and reflect your style.

Choose table shapes and sizes

Deciding on the shape and size of your wedding tables is an important step in creating the look and feel you want for your reception. The tables you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the number of guests, the size of your venue, and the type of atmosphere you want to create.

Round tables are a classic choice for weddings as they promote conversation and encourage interaction. A 60-inch round table is typically the go-to size for 8 people and can create an engaging, communal atmosphere. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try square tables, which offer a modern touch for smaller, intimate gatherings. Square tables can usually accommodate 4 people, depending on their size. Rectangular tables are excellent for space optimization, especially in long, narrow venues. An 8-foot rectangular table is ideal for 10 guests, while a 6-foot table can comfortably seat 6 to 8 people.

If you're having a large wedding, you might want to consider alternating table shapes and sizes to make the space feel more intimate. You could also opt for one huge serpentine-shaped table, which creates a unique visual focal point.

When deciding on table shapes and sizes, it's important to consider the layout of your venue and the number of guests you're expecting. The rental company you work with should be able to recommend the best table sizes for your guest count and venue size. They may also be able to provide a floor plan to help you visualize how different tables will fit into the space.

Frequently asked questions