The wedding seating plan is one of the most stressful parts of any wedding — and one of the most important. This example covers a 120-guest reception using 15 round tables of 8, a separate bridal party table for 8, and a central dance floor. Tables are arranged by relationship to the couple: immediate family closest to the bridal table, extended family and close friends in the mid-zone, and wider social groups toward the perimeter. Use this as a starting framework and adapt the table names, numbers, and zones to your specific venue and guest mix.
120
Total Guests
16
Tables
8
Per Table
128
Total Capacity
Each table shows capacity, assigned guests, zone, and placement notes.
Bridal Table
Head of RoomBride & Groom · Maid of Honour · Best Man · Bridesmaids · Groomsmen
Elevated platform, faces all guests
Table 1
Front CentreBride's Parents · Groom's Parents
Nearest to bridal table
Table 2
Front LeftBride's Siblings & Partners
Bride's immediate family
Table 3
Front RightGroom's Siblings & Partners
Groom's immediate family
Table 4
Mid LeftGrandparents · Aunts & Uncles
Bride's close relatives
Table 5
Mid RightGrandparents · Aunts & Uncles
Groom's close relatives
Table 6
Mid CentreChildhood Friends · College Friends
Close friends of couple
Table 7
Mid CentreFriends from work · Sports / hobby friends
Close friends of couple
Table 8
Mid LeftCousins (Bride's side)
Bride's extended family
Table 9
Mid RightCousins (Groom's side)
Groom's extended family
Table 10
Rear LeftBride's workmates
Work colleagues — Bride
Table 11
Rear RightGroom's workmates
Work colleagues — Groom
Table 12
Rear CentreSocial / group friends
Mixed social group
Table 13
Rear LeftFamily friends (Bride) · Family friends (Groom)
Family friends
Table 14
Near BarYounger cousins · College friends
Younger guests / good dancers
Kids' Table
Side AlcoveChildren under 12
Near supervising parent tables, activities kit on table
Place the bridal table where it can be seen from every seat — centre-back elevated on a platform is ideal. Avoid positioning it in front of a window where backlighting makes it hard for guests to see the couple.
Keep immediate family (both sets of parents) at the two nearest tables. This makes first dances, speeches, and group photos logistically simple and ensures elders don't have to walk far.
Separate any feuding family members or exes by at least two table rows and a physical barrier (e.g. a pillar, the bar, or the dance floor).
Round tables of 8 encourage conversation; tables of 10–12 force guests to shout across. If your venue pushes you to 10 per table, consider oval tables which maintain intimacy better.
Leave at least 1.5m between table edges for comfortable passage. 1.2m is the minimum for wheelchair access — wider if your caterers do plated silver service.
Position the kids' table in a low-traffic side area, near a parent table, with easy access to a door and the toilets. Provide activity packs to keep children occupied during speeches.
Guests with mobility requirements should be at tables closest to the entrance, exit, accessible toilet, and the stage/dance floor viewing area — confirm with your venue what 'accessible' actually means.
The dance floor should be clear of all tables and at least 3m × 3m for up to 60 dancers. For 120 guests planning a big dance floor, allow 5m × 6m minimum.
8 is the sweet spot for round tables — intimate enough for a single conversation, comfortably wide enough that guests aren't elbow-to-elbow. 6 per table feels sparse and wastes venue space; 10 is workable but loud. If your venue has a fixed round table size (common for 10-seaters), 8–9 per table gives everyone a little breathing room.
Traditionally the bridal party sits at a long head table facing out so guests can see them throughout the meal. Modern couples often prefer a sweetheart table (just the two of them) and scatter the bridal party among their respective friends — this keeps the wedding party with their own plus-ones and friends rather than isolated up front.
Aim to lock the plan 5–7 days before the wedding, after your final RSVP cut-off. Caterers and venue coordinators usually need final numbers 7–10 days out. Keep the plan in a live document (not a printed final) until 48 hours before so you can handle last-minute cancellations.
For 8+ children (approximately ages 5–12), yes — a dedicated kids' table with activity packs and positioned near a supervising parent works well. For toddlers under 5, seat them with their parents. For teenagers, avoid a 'kids table' label entirely — seat them with young adult guests or their own friend groups.
A large printed or hand-lettered seating chart near the venue entrance lets guests find their table number quickly. Pair it with individual place cards at each seat to direct guests to their specific chair. For outdoor or rustic venues, a framed seating chart on an easel or a mirrored display is popular. Digital tablets at the entrance are increasingly common for large guest lists.
An 80-guest wedding using 8 long banquet tables — a relaxed, communal alternative to the traditional round-table layout.
View Layout →Galas & Awards150 guests across 15 round tables of 10, with VIP and sponsor tables positioned closest to the stage and a clear sightline hierarchy.
View Layout →Birthday Parties60 guests at 6 round tables of 8–10 with a feature birthday table for the guest of honour and their closest friends.
View Layout →Stop managing seating in spreadsheets. Run Sheets gives you a live table planner — drag and drop guests, set table shapes, export a seating chart, and share it with your venue in seconds.