Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding reception seating chart can be a daunting task, especially when you consider different family dynamics, friendship groups, and personality types. The bridal table, or head table, is usually centrally located, allowing the newlyweds to look out at their family and friends. The bride and groom traditionally sit in the middle, with the bride seated to the groom's right, surrounded by the bridal party. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and same-sex couples or non-traditional bridal parties can arrange their seating however they prefer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of the bridal table | Centrally located, at the top of the room or in the middle of the guest tables |
| Seating arrangement at the bridal table | Bride and groom in the middle, with the bride seated to the groom's right; best man next to the bride, and maid of honour next to the groom; groomsmen on one side with the groom, and bridesmaids on the other with the bride |
| Who sits with the bridal party | Smaller parties may include partners of the bridal party, or the couple's parents |
| Seating arrangement for parents | Seated at the next best table with the best view of the couple; both sets of parents can be seated together, or each set can have their own table |
| Seating arrangement for divorced parents | Each parent can host their own table to prevent awkwardness |
| Seating arrangement for extended family, friends, and other guests | Grouped into categories (e.g. childhood friends, cousins, mutual friends, colleagues) and dispersed across tables according to age, interests, and personalities |
| Seating arrangement for children | Older kids can sit together at a dedicated kids' table, while younger toddlers and infants sit with their parents |
What You'll Learn
Bridesmaids sit on the left of the bride at the front in the UK
In the UK, bridesmaids traditionally sit on the left of the bride at the front during the wedding ceremony. The bride's parents are usually seated in the first row on the left side of the aisle, with the bridesmaids sitting beside them.
In the bridal party procession, the bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle in pairs, with the youngest at the back, and take their place on the left side of the bride once they reach the front. The maid of honour, who is responsible for assisting the bride with her dress, rings, and bouquet, is typically the last bridesmaid to enter and takes her place closest to the bride.
However, there is no single "right way" to arrange seating at a wedding. Couples may opt for a more American approach, where the bridesmaids walk down the aisle first and stand throughout the ceremony to symbolise their supportive role. Alternatively, creative arrangements such as a semicircle or spiral shape can be used to encourage a more intimate atmosphere.
For the wedding reception, the bridal table (or "head table") is typically located centrally, allowing the couple to look out at their guests. The bride and groom sit in the middle, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen filling the remaining seats. The best man is usually seated next to the bride, and the maid of honour next to the groom, creating a male/female pattern.
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In the US, they stand next to the couple
In the US, bridesmaids typically stand next to the couple during the ceremony, rather than sitting down. This tradition is based on the idea that their role is to support the couple, so they stand with them throughout the ceremony. The bridesmaids form rows next to the couple, with the maid of honour standing closest to the bride, ready to assist with the dress, rings, and bouquet.
If you're planning on having a longer ceremony, you might want to include some seating for your bridesmaids. This can be done by creating a VIP row at the front or on the sides. This is especially important for Catholic ceremonies, which include readings and mass, during which bridesmaids traditionally sit.
When it comes to the reception, the bridal party is usually seated at the "head table", centrally located in the room. The couple sits in the middle, with the bride seated to the groom's right. The remainder of the table is filled with bridesmaids and groomsmen. You can opt for a male/female pattern by seating the best man next to the bride and the maid of honour next to the groom. Alternatively, you can have the groomsmen sit on one side with the groom and the bridesmaids on the other side with the bride.
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In Catholic ceremonies, they sit for readings and mass
In Catholic ceremonies, the bridal party, including the bridesmaids, will usually sit in the front row of pews or in chairs in front of the altar. They follow the same sit/stand/kneel routine as the rest of the congregation during the mass, but may stand beside the couple during the vows.
The Liturgy of the Word includes several readings, recited by the priest, or friends and family members, and the assembly stands only for the gospel reading from the New Testament, remaining seated for the other readings from the Old Testament and the Book of Psalms. The Liturgy of the Eucharist, or communion, is when the priest prepares the altar and the congregation may sit, but will kneel for the Eucharistic prayers. The entire congregation stands for the Lord's Prayer and the nuptial blessing.
The bridal party may also be given the option to receive communion, but non-Catholics can come forward for a blessing, with arms crossed, or remain seated/kneeling.
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They may sit at the head table with the couple
The bridal table, also known as the head table, is usually centrally located, allowing the couple to look out at their family and friends. The couple sits in the middle, with the bride seated to the groom's right. The bridesmaids and groomsmen fill the remaining seats at the head table.
If you have a large wedding party, you can seat everyone together at one long head table. The best man can sit next to the bride, and the maid of honour next to the groom, or you can have the groomsmen on one side with the groom, and the bridesmaids on the other with the bride.
If you have a smaller wedding party, you may want to include your bridal party's partners at the head table, or even invite your parents to sit with you. Alternatively, you can scrap tradition and simply sit amongst your family and friends.
In a Catholic ceremony, bridesmaids usually sit for the readings and mass, but in most other weddings, they stand next to the couple throughout the ceremony. However, if you are planning a long ceremony, you may want to create a VIP row in the front or on the sides for your bridal party to sit down.
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Bridesmaids can be seated with groomsmen
There are a few options for seating arrangements. One is to opt for a male/female pattern, with the best man seated next to the bride, and the maid of honour next to the groom. Another option is to have the groomsmen seated on one side with the groom, and the bridesmaids on the other side with the bride. Same-sex couples or non-traditional bridal parties can also be seated however they prefer.
If the bridal party is small, the newlyweds may also choose to include their partners or parents at the head table. Alternatively, they can decide to scrap tradition and sit amongst their family and friends.
At the wedding ceremony, the bridal party usually stands next to the couple and remains standing throughout. However, for longer ceremonies or Catholic events, it is common to have a VIP row in the front or on the sides for the bridal party to be seated.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridesmaids usually sit at the "head table" with the bride and groom, which is typically centrally located in the room. The bride is seated to the groom's right, and the best man and maid of honour are seated next to them. The remaining seats are filled with the rest of the bridal party.
If the bridal party is small, their partners may be included at the head table.
In the UK, bridesmaids sit in the first row on the left side of the bride. In the US, they stand with the bride and groom during the ceremony.
In non-religious weddings, the bridesmaids don't have to stand. The couple can choose to skip the processional and have everyone arrive through side entrances.
The bride's parents are usually seated in the first row on the left side of the aisle, while the groom's parents sit on the right. Close family members are seated in the next row or two.
