Guide
How to make a wedding seating plan
Ten steps, in the order that saves the most rework. Do them on paper, in a spreadsheet or in Tablewise — the thinking is the same.
1. Get a final-ish guest list
You don't need every RSVP, but you need most of them. Start once the list is roughly settled, and mark anyone still unconfirmed so you can slot them in later.
2. Understand the room
Get the floor plan or measurements from your venue, plus where the doors, bar, dance floor and any pillars are. A room that looks spacious can lose a table to a stage or a fire exit.
3. Choose table sizes and layout
Confirm which tables the venue has and how many each seats. Decide on rounds, long tables or a mix, then place them. Your total seats should cover your guests with a little slack.
4. Group the obvious relationships
Couples, households and close friend groups come first. Label each guest with a group or party so the clusters are easy to see.
5. Identify people to keep apart
Write down any pairs who shouldn't share a table, or even sit near each other. Doing this early is far easier than untangling it at the end.
6. Decide your top-table approach
A traditional top table, a table for two, or sitting with family — choose one, place it, and fill it first, because it affects who's left for everyone else.
7. Handle plus-ones and children
Seat plus-ones with their partner and someone else they know. Keep young children close to their parents; older children may enjoy a table together.
8. Build a first draft
Fill the tables group by group. In Tablewise you can drag guests to seats yourself, or let the AI suggest a draft that respects your groups and instructions, then adjust it.
9. Review with your partner or planner
Walk through the plan table by table with someone who knows the guests. Fresh eyes catch the clash you missed. Save a version before making big changes.
10. Share and export the final plan
Send the venue and caterer what they need: a seating chart, a caterer sheet with meal choices and dietary notes, and name cards. Guests can find their seat from a shared link or QR code.
Free to build, save and edit.
Pay once per wedding only when you want to share, export or print.