Seating Chart Builder

Creating the perfect seating arrangement is crucial for a successful wedding reception. Weddinguru's visual seating chart builder makes it easy and even fun!

Accessing the Seating Chart

To start building your seating chart:

  1. Open the wedding from your dashboard
  2. Click "Seating Chart" in the left menu
  3. Click "Create Seating Chart" or edit existing

Setting Up Your Venue Layout

Add Tables

Start by adding tables to your floor plan:

  • Round Tables - Classic choice, available in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 seats
  • Rectangular Tables - Long banquet style
  • Square Tables - Intimate settings
  • Custom Shapes - Unique configurations

Table Properties

Customize each table:

  • Table Name/Number - e.g., "Table 1", "Family Table"
  • Capacity - Maximum number of guests
  • Position - Drag to arrange on floor plan
  • Rotation - Rotate to fit your layout
  • Notes - Special requirements or setup notes

Assigning Guests to Tables

Method 1: Drag and Drop

The easiest way to assign guests:

  1. See unassigned guests in the sidebar
  2. Drag a guest name
  3. Drop onto desired table
  4. Guest is instantly assigned

Method 2: Bulk Assignment

For assigning multiple guests at once:

  1. Select multiple guests from the list
  2. Click "Assign to Table"
  3. Choose the table from dropdown
  4. All selected guests assigned together

Method 3: Import Table Assignments

If you have table assignments in a spreadsheet:

  • Include "Table Number" or "Table Name" column
  • Import as part of guest list
  • Tables auto-created and guests assigned

Smart Features

Visual Indicators

  • Full Tables - Highlighted when at capacity
  • Empty Seats - Shows available spaces
  • Overbooked - Warning if exceeded capacity
  • Guest Names - Hover to see who's assigned

Filters and Search

Find specific guests quickly:

  • Search by name
  • Filter by RSVP status
  • Filter by meal preference
  • Show only unassigned guests
  • Filter by guest type (family, friends, colleagues)

Seating Chart Best Practices

Planning Tips

  • Start with VIPs - Seat parents, grandparents first
  • Group by relationship - Keep friends together
  • Consider dynamics - Separate conflicting personalities
  • Mix it up - Help guests make new connections
  • Accessibility - Place elderly/disabled guests near exits/facilities
  • Kids table - Group children with supervision nearby

Table Arrangement Strategy

  • Top table near focal point
  • Family tables close to top table
  • Evening-only guests near dance floor
  • Clear pathways for service
  • Consider sightlines to speeches/entertainment

Printing and Sharing

Print Options

Generate professional printouts:

  • Table Plan Poster - Large visual display for venue entrance
  • Table Cards - Individual table assignments
  • Escort Cards - Guest name cards with table numbers
  • Venue Layout - For staff and vendors
  • Master List - Alphabetical with table assignments

Digital Sharing

  • Share view-only link with venue
  • Email layout to catering team
  • Export to PDF for printing
  • Display on tablet at venue entrance

Making Changes

Seating charts are rarely perfect the first time!

Moving Guests

  • Simply drag from one table to another
  • Undo feature if you make a mistake
  • Version history to restore previous arrangements

Last-Minute Adjustments

  • Add/remove tables as guest count changes
  • Handle late RSVPs efficiently
  • Adjust for no-shows on the day
Pro Tip: Save multiple versions of your seating chart as you refine it. You can always go back to a previous version if needed!