Reserved Seating Bouquets: A Guide For Wedding Planning

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to ensure that your VIP guests, such as parents, grandparents, and immediate family members, have the best seats in the house. To avoid any confusion or an awkward game of musical chairs, here are some creative ways to designate reserved seating using bouquets. From simple Reserved signs to elegant floral arrangements, you can add a personal touch to your wedding while making sure your loved ones are comfortably seated.

Reserved seating signs

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's also an opportunity to get creative. Reserved seating signs are a great way to ensure your big day starts without a hitch and that your VIP guests get the treatment they deserve. Here are some ideas for "Reserved" signs that are both functional and stylish:

Wooden Signs

A classic and simple option is to use wooden "Reserved" signs. These can be placed on the innermost chairs of the reserved rows, so they are easily visible to guests as they arrive. You can hang them on the chairs using ribbon or twine, adding a touch of elegance. For outdoor weddings, especially in garden settings, wooden signs are a beautiful choice.

Handwritten Place Cards

If you want to give special attention to your loved ones, consider elegant, handwritten place cards adorned with fresh greenery. These can be placed on the reserved chairs, adding a personal and welcoming touch.

Chalkboard Signs

Chalkboard signs offer a versatile option for reserved seating. You can hang them from the chairs or clip them to the back, and they provide a great opportunity for creative signage. Write guests' names on them or simply "Reserved" to mark the special seats.

Clip-On Signs

For a cute and easy way to assign specific seats, try clip-on chalkboard signs. These can be heart-shaped or any design that fits your wedding theme. Simply clip them to the back of the designated chair, and your guests will easily find their assigned spots.

Garlands of Greenery or Flowers

For a natural and decorative approach, garlands of greenery or flowers can be draped over the reserved chairs. This method not only designates the seats but also adds to the overall décor and beauty of the aisle and space.

Personalized Thank-You Notes

A heartfelt touch is to place personalized, handwritten thank-you notes on the reserved seats. This idea is perfect if you want to express your gratitude and cherish your relationship with your VIP guests. You can even include a photo to make it extra special.

Custom Embroidered Handkerchiefs

For a thoughtful memento that doubles as a wedding favour, consider custom-embroidered handkerchiefs. These can be left on the reserved chairs, catching any happy tears that may fall during the ceremony. Include your guest's name or initials, the wedding date, or even a sentimental message.

Ribbons and Satin Bows

Transform your reserved seating into a VIP experience with shiny satin ribbons or bows draped over the chairs. This simple yet elegant touch will make your guests feel extra special.

Floral Arrangements

Floral arrangements are a beautiful way to accentuate reserved spots, especially if they tie into your wedding theme. You can use romantic flowers like roses, peonies, and delphiniums, or choose blooms that match your wedding colour scheme.

Window Frame Display

For a unique DIY project, create a window frame display with flowers, greenery, and twine or rope to attach seating cards. This idea adds a vintage touch to your wedding décor while helping guests find their reserved spots.

Remember, these ideas can be adapted to fit your wedding's style and theme, and you can always add personal touches to make them extra special. Happy planning!

Floral arrangements

Flowers are a great way to add a romantic and joyful touch to your reserved seating. There are many ways to incorporate floral arrangements into your reserved seating, from simple garlands of greenery or flowers draped over chairs to more elaborate displays.

One idea is to create a floral seating plan using a vintage window frame or any large wooden frame. You can attach flowers and greenery to the frame using floral wire and hot glue. Then, use twine or rope to hang seating cards from the frame, creating a beautiful and functional display. This idea can be customised to fit your wedding theme, using flowers and colours that complement your overall aesthetic.

If you're looking for something simpler, consider using flowers to accentuate the reserved chairs. You can tie small bouquets of flowers or single blooms to the chairs with ribbons or twine. This adds a touch of elegance and helps the reserved seating stand out.

For a more luxurious look, consider creating floral arrangements for the reserved seats, similar to a centrepiece. Use vases or wooden trays to display the flowers, adding tea lights, ribbons, or extra greenery for a whimsical touch. This idea works well for both indoor and outdoor weddings, especially if you want to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Another option is to incorporate flowers into your reserved seating signs. A small, simple sign with a single bloom and cascading ribbon can be a sophisticated way to indicate that a seat is reserved. This idea is perfect for couples who want to maintain a polished wedding aesthetic while still having a clear designation for reserved seats.

Personalised notes

Pre-Writing Tips

Get organised ahead of time by creating a spreadsheet with your guests' names and addresses. Keep this document handy and update it as needed. You can also add columns to track gifts and include a notes section for meaningful cards or special moments shared with each guest. Having all this information in one place will make the writing process smoother and more efficient.

Timing

It is best to send out thank-you notes as soon as possible, ideally within three months after the wedding. Writing the notes in batches and scheduling dedicated time each day can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Stationery

Consider using customised stationery that follows the theme, colour, or style of your wedding. Ordering stationery that matches your wedding invitations and includes a matching motif, monogram, or logo is a nice touch.

What to Include in the Note

According to etiquette expert Elaine Swann, a great thank-you card has three essential elements:

• Say "Thank You": Express your gratitude and make it clear that the card is a thank-you note.
• Name the Gift: Mention the gift to ensure your guests know you received it.
• Say Something About the Gift: Share why you love the gift, how you plan to use it, or where you intend to put it.

In addition to these essential elements, you can also include the following in your notes:

• A memory or accumulation of things that make your relationship with the guest special.
• Your hopes for the wedding day and the things you are looking forward to doing together.
• A funny promise for the future, such as always having snacks for road trips.
• A proud moment you've had because of them, or a time when they inspired or motivated you.

Examples

• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the espresso machine! [Partner's Name] and I have become serious coffee fiends, and we are excited to be able to make our own drinks at home. We’d love to have you over for brunch soon so you can see it in action! Thank you again for being a part of our wedding day. Best, [Your Name(s)]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding day with us! [Partner's Name] and I were thrilled with your generous gift of $100. Thanks to you, we were able to book the cooking class we’d had our eye on for our honeymoon. Looking forward to seeing you over the holidays! Love, [Your Name(s)]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you for the gorgeous crystal bowl. It will look absolutely beautiful on our coffee table. It was so lovely to see you at the wedding—my mother always speaks so fondly of you, and [Partner's Name] and I were so happy to finally meet you in person! Sincerely, [Your Name(s)]"

Remember, no detail is too small when it comes to expressing your gratitude and sharing your love with your guests.

Handmade paper signs

Wooden Signs

Wooden signs are a classic and elegant way to mark reserved seating. You can opt for something simple, like signs made from heavy card stock and strung with ribbon in your wedding's colour scheme. Or, for an outdoor wedding, especially in a garden setting, consider hand-painted wooden 'Reserved' signs. Hang them on the chairs positioned along the aisle so they are clearly visible to your guests.

Chalkboard Signs

Chalkboard signs offer a charming and unique way to designate reserved seating. You can hang a hand-lettered chalkboard sign from each VIP guest's chair, adding a wonderful photo opportunity. Alternatively, for a more subtle approach, try clip-on heart-shaped chalkboard signs, where you can write guests' names and simply clip them to the back of each chair.

Individual "Reserved" Signs

For a more understated approach, print smaller "reserved" signs and tie them to the back of each chair with twine or thin ribbon. This simple yet effective method ensures your guests can easily identify the reserved seats without being too obtrusive.

Garlands of Greenery or Flowers

If you prefer a more natural and decorative approach, consider draping garlands of greenery or flowers over the reserved chairs. This method adds a touch of elegance to your reserved seating while also enhancing the overall décor of the aisle and space.

Personalized Thank-You Notes

For a truly heartfelt touch, place a personalized, handwritten thank-you note on each reserved seat. You can even include a photo of you and your VIP guests to make them feel extra special. This gesture will surely be remembered long after the wedding.

Custom Embroidered Handkerchiefs

For a thoughtful memento that doubles as a wedding favour, consider custom-embroidered handkerchiefs. Have your guest's name or initials, the wedding date, or even a sentimental message embroidered on them. This idea is both practical and sentimental, as they can be used to catch any happy tears during the ceremony.

Remember to choose the right paper for your handmade paper signs, ensuring compatibility with your printer and the desired aesthetic. For a rustic look, brown Kraft paper is a great choice, while uncoated cotton paper takes ink very well.

Garlands of flowers and greenery

When creating your garlands, consider the colour palette of your wedding decor, the season, and the types of flowers and foliage available. Garlands can be made with almost any combination of flowers and foliage, so you have plenty of options to choose from. For a classic, romantic look, opt for delicate white roses or lavender sprigs paired with fragrant eucalyptus leaves. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you might want to choose weather-resistant materials for your garlands.

Garlands can be draped over the backs of chairs or hung in the air between chairs. You can also lay them along the ground on each side of the aisle or use them to decorate a wedding arch or chuppah. If you want to create a more subtle effect, use garlands as chair decor, draping them over the backs of the chairs lining the aisle. This is also a great way to mark out reserved seating for immediate family.

When it comes to size, garlands can range from 2 to 10 feet in length, depending on your needs. A standard size is 6 feet, which is versatile and can be used for most types of decor. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes to create a unique look. You can also twist multiple garlands together to make a longer, continuous arrangement or add extra flowers for a more lush and vibrant display.

Frequently asked questions