[Wedding Planning 101] | What is the Assigned Seating Protocol?
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So many times we get asked at weddings, “Can I move my seat over to Table X instead?” If we had a penny for every single time we get asked this question, we’d be millionaires!
SHORT ANSWER is: NO! After the couple spent hours, sometimes days working on a seating assignment to ensure all their guests are comfortable, but you decide that you are a bit extra that you need to switch seats…in the words of Stephanie Tanner from Full House: “How Rude!”
LONG ANSWER: Unless it is a health issue that requires you to be closer to an exit, or another true legitimate reason the couple may be unaware, you really do need to just be respectful of the couples’ wishes and focus on sharing in their joy from the seat assigned to you.
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Every time a guest decides they want to switch seats, they are causing havoc for everyone else, not to mention the timeline and meal service. “Oh come one, it’s just one seat!” , “I doubt the couple would do this to us!”, “The couple said it was okay for me to move to this table!”, “Can’t we just squeeze in a extra chair here?” We’ve heard all these comments and then some.
Let’s break it down for you. Every time you feel, or have felt compelled to switch seats at a wedding you are, or were graciously invited to attend:
When you decide you to switch seats, you are automatically displacing other guests.
When other guests are displaced, they come to us, the planners, or the couple [in the event a planner was not hired], and the seating situation needs to be sorted out.
Before the wedding festivities can continue to the dinner portion, all guests must be seated, so sorting out the seating details only further prolongs these festivities.
You may recall when you were completing your RSVP card, there was a notation for your entrée selection. Well, for the couple to ensure you receive your desired entrée selection, you must be at the seat assigned to you, as this is the seat assignment given, not just to the planner, but to the Banquet and/or Catering Director.
We implore you to please be respectful of others. We know how exciting it is to reunite with family and/or friends and your desire to break bread with them, but if you were assigned to a table or a seat, please be mindful of the couple and of everyone else. You will have plenty of time to commiserate with your loved ones during the dancing portion, or prior to dinner during the cocktail reception.
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We truly do hope we have provided you with an insight on the “behind-the-scenes” of seating assignments and why it is important to abide by the protocol!
So tell us, are you guilty of switching seats at a wedding? If so, please let us know what was your reasoning…maybe we are missing out on something!
Leave your comments below!
daytoremember.net | Daniel Colvin Photography | The Parador | Houston, Texas | A Day To Remember Houston Luxury Wedding Planning and Design