Ceremony Seating Plan

I don't think you need a seating plan - just reserve seats for anyone who might need to be seated on the aisle side, readers, witnesses for example. Front row reserved for bridal party and best man and let everyone else sit wherever.

To be honest though, with such a small party I don't think it will be much of an issue really.

I did think about not having one but with it only being immediate family, they'll probably all assume they should be at the front unfortunately and if they get there before the best man/witnesses/reader etc then it'll turn into a real pain. I just know what they're like, they'll make a beeline for the front row without thinking.

Also, I have 5 family members to my OH's 15, so don't want my parents (my dad is giving me away) being forced backwards because they hog all the front row! :-/ There are also a couple of Pilars that block the access to the aisle on the second row so they're no good to use really. Plus, the venue said we have to get someone from the party to hit the play/pause on the CD player, they literally reach behind them from the second row :-( By the time I've reserved the seats that are needed for the ceremony, I may aswell have named the other seats too haha :-)

I'd put "Reserved for Mother of the bride" for example on any seats that you would like for specific people or people that are helping and let anyone who's left choose their own seats. Unless you need every person in a specific seat, I don't think you need to worry about a seating plan ?

It's so tough, I'm all for the not bothering deep down but I also feel concerned about people's feelings and just knowing how selfish/oblivious some of these people are it makes me feel I need one.

There is about 7 seats so far that are definitely needing to be allocated. There are a couple of people who will be on their own, so would like to try and ensure they can sit near someone they know. Also, there will probably only be 2 spare seats together at the front and as both my parents and my OH's mum will be at the front (both mums are our witnesses), I feel it would be unfair if we didn't put my OH's dad and his partner also there. It just wouldn't feel right if the seat went to an Aunt/Cousin etc if that makes sense. Am I just overly worrying about people?

I wouldn't worry too much about sitting people next to someone they know. The ceremony will be no longer than half an hour long so most people will be able to manage. Also with a room that small everyone will be in talking distance. I understand you need witnesses etc on aisle ends for easy access so it might be better to allocate those seats then let people sort themselves. Xx

Agree that you are worrying for no reason, don't we get hung up about the smallest things! As someone else suggested a small note saying reserved for X on the 7 seats you need for key people and the other 13 free for all, then no one can take offence.

what are your plans for after the ceremony?

Hehe, you're probably right, I'm just over worrying lol. Will just stick with the main people and hope that everyone else does the right thing :-)

Our plans after the ceremony are we will go home, have a small 'mad hatters tea party' to get something into the tummies of the ceremony guests, then at 5pm our evening guests arrive to party :-)