Evening reception

I personally wouldn’t do table plans for a buffet, let people sit where they like. You could do a reserved table as a top table so you then tell whoever you want to sit on that which would mean you could sit with who you want.

I don't generally see place settings and top tables etc when its a buffet and especially so when its a wedding straight into an evening reception.

The times I have seen buffet table plans with a top table it has been a case that each table is asked to attend the buffet in turn - starting with the top table but that has usually been when the buffet was in-place of a "normal" sit down meal .

It is completely up to you and your partner. Perhaps you could do a top table and then everyone else can sit where they want without a plan. We have a sit down roast dinner with everyone from our ceremony (less than 25 people) which is table planned and a hot buffet later on in the evening reception (90 people) which we are not table planning.

If it is buffet style I would probably not have a table plan, Mayen have your top table but then guests can sit wherever, you can still have the tables set. for timings, if ceremony is at 4 you will be done by 4.30pm, then say an hour or so for photos and drinks, so I would start your food at 6pm, or if you wanted to do speeches I would do them first and then have food a bit later, if you are not providing any food later it would be best to serve it around 7-7.30pm so people don't get hungry later

I'd advise doing a seating plan if you envisage everyone eating at the same time... for the simple reason that if you allow guests to sit where they like, some couples who weren't quick to sit down might find there are only single seats available at tables and are left needing to separate. I try to put myself in the shoes of the guest most likely to feel awkward or uncomfortable as a good test to see whether you're creating a welcoming and easy environment. The vibe amongst the guests will impact the overall vibe of your day so try to take away as much stress for them as you can (without impacting on what your really want, of course!)

As for the top table, are you having speeches? If so, I'd have one. If not, go with what you'd personally prefer as a couple!