Seating at Ceremony

[sstark1218]

Do you gals think it would be ok to not have a bride and groom 'side' at the ceremony? His family is huge and mine is tiny, and I dont want like 5 people on my side and 150 on his. Is it ok to just have them sit amongst each other? Thanks!

[LaceyinPgh]

I don't think it would be a problem. JUst have the ushers alternate sides they are seating people. That way, everything should balance out.

[wedbyjean]

I suggest seating parents, grandparents, siblings on the traditional brides & grooms sides, but tell the ushers to seat everyone else evenly (unless, of course, there is someone specific the couple want in a certain spot, or if the guest requests one side or the other).

Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart

[sstark1218]

Thanks gals, I appreciate all the help and advice!

[lacey_8_99]

We didn't do a brides/grooms side for the same reason. DH was in a wedding last summer and the bride came from a very large italian family...her side was literally standing room only...his side filled 3 pews, I kid you not. It was sad to see.

[Amanda]

Hi firstly thank-you for replying to my question about opening up a shop. Everyone who replies will really help me.

Okay onto your seating. I am also a co-ordinator back in the U.K. Whenever this situation arises (it often does, even at my own wedding which took place Jan this year). The rule to remember is that firstly your family and your future husbands need to be on the correct side of the aisle. Once this has been sorted all other guests can sit either side. However most guests are conditioned from previous wedding that they have attended. In other words they think that they have to sit on whoever's side they feel that they are closer to. This is a really small problem and with the help of your groomsmen can be sorted. Just ask them to politely escort your guests to their seat, they will ensure that a balance in the seating is kept.

Another little tip for the immediate families seating is to make name cards and place them on seats that you wish them to take. This may seem a little odd, but trust me problems even arise in family seating. One aunt may think that they should be in the second row and will start moaning if they find that the seat has been taken by someone who arrived at the venue earlier than them. By putting name cards down, you are firstly letting them know that they are an important guest (because no other guests will have these cards and their seat has been reserved for them. Secondly you will have control over whoever is sat near the aise. This is especially handy if there are young children and a quick exit is needed if they get bored.

I hope this has helped and if you need to air any more little problems, give me a shout.

take care

Amanda x

[sstark1218]

Thats a really great idea! Thanks for the info!