Archive for April, 2011

So now that I have played dress-up in bridal boutiques, tasted treats and sweets, sipped rose with a sommelier, and picked the perfect peonies for my bouquet. And confirmed the ceremony site, reception location, and first song? Check, check, and check. But even though I feel I have the details down, there is still one part of the planning that requires more a bit more attention. The seating chart!

To help me on my way, I have made a storage box to help organize incoming R.S.V.P. cards and made a checklist which includes the invitees’ names, plus spaces to fill in their replies and any comments.   So now that I am organized I need to think about those last minute details.

What do I do if a couple of friends show up with dates even though they weren’t invited?  What if they bring their children?   What can be done about the crashers?    The Banquet Sales Manager has assured me that they will prepare enough for the unexpected additions to our party. So we can welcome the last minute guests to our reception with open arms.

As far as where everyone will sit, I have worked out a flexible seating chart.  I had to take into consideration the wedding party, the families and the very good circle of friends.  At first I wanted to have the bridal party sit with us to show them how much we appreciate all they’ve done.   Then I started to think about the bridal parties significant others and where to seat them….

In traditional etiquette, it’s absolutely acceptable to split someone from their date. But, allowing your bridal party to dine with their dates is a foolproof way to keep them happy and to keep the bash lively.  I saw somewhere that occasionally Brides & Grooms will opt to seat the best man and his date and the maid of honor and her date with the bride and groom at the head table and sprinkle the rest of the bridal party at tables around the room to be “ambassadors”.  We have decided to have a sweetheart table for the two of us and have the bridal party sit between two or three other tables.

As for the rest of the guests, I have started my flexible seating chart.  We are doing a buffet style dinner, so place cards are not required for each guest, but I am working on escort cards and a table chart for the lobby entry.  Escort cards will simply reflect the table number each guest is assigned to, but then give them the freedom to choose who they sit next to at the table.  Another benefit in designing a seating chart is that it allows me to separate people/family members who may have friction — without anyone being the wiser.

So I didn’t have to think about this, but I did read about a few considerations for the guest list and rsvp’s that I wanted to pass along to anyone who is planning a party/wedding/special event.  Here is what I found from a few wedding sites:  If many of your friends have kids, and you’re determined to have a grown-up event, be proactive & take charge. Don’t mention children’s names on the invitation.  You invitation card could read “Children are welcome to the ceremony. During the reception we have arranged a children’s’ hospitality suite”. You can also talk with your guests in advance -  If you know them well enough to invite them, most likely you know them well enough to give them a call. You can also suggest babysitting services in the area if it’s a destination wedding.

So I hope some of this info comes in useful to any other brides out there.  At two weeks to go, the thing I learned so far is no matter what, have fun – this is your Wedding!

Only 1 more week to go!

Cheers!

Belle (bride to be)