CHELSEA RENEE RAMPI: Choose a Seat...Not a Side!

It has now become quite a popular and catchy little saying at wedding ceremonies:

"please, choose a seat...not a side". A short and sweet message to make guests feel welcome, to join two families as one right off the bat...to get people in their seats, and ready for the ceremony to begin.

While this is all well and good at the ceremony - it wreaks havoc in the scenario of a reception. Order is something I would say is quite necessary at a reception. Although it may seem like a simple feat, relying solely on placing numerous tables in a confined area and allowing people to figure out order on their own...is asking for trouble! Seating arrangements are one of those details that you just...don't think about. It's those smalls details with a wedding that will really catch up with you! The scary thought: it's usually down to the wire before you're realizing that you haven't even touched on them yet.

Along with many other details that accompany a wedding, seating arrangements have veered much more to the informal side. Formally, seating arrangements were designated by the bride and family. Each guest was given an actual seat and highlighted by a place card at their place setting. While the idea of this is very glamorous...it's a lot of stress on you! Designating people to their table alone, is order enough. This can be accomplished by two key elements: a large seating chart with each table listed and the guests names under each, or even just an escort card labeled with the guest name and assigned table number. That way the guest can locate their name or card, check the table number...and be on their way! Once at the table...let the madness begin. At least all of the guests fighting over a chair at that table...will also belong there. So, it has to be somewhat of a mutual feeling!

Seating arrangements can be such an artistic element of the design with your wedding. Tying in the seating chart or escort cards with the table numbers and theme of your wedding...can have such an impact. Carry the colors, typography, and artistic elements through each piece. Keeping everything unified; beautiful.

Make it different.

Incorporate something that reflects you. You can keep a seating chart simple with just a framed piece of calligraphy, or you can look outside of the box and tie in an old window to reflect your eclectic personality and shabby chic wedding; use an old shutter to hold the escort cards for your guests to pull in the absolutely elegant outdoor lakeside oasis. You can make anything work. Don't be afraid to get creative with seating arrangements. It can make such an impact at a celebration. It gives guests something to look at, talk about; a decorative focal point that makes the flow from ceremony, to cocktails, to the reception...so enjoyable!