Seating during your wedding reception is more important than it seems. You want your guests to feel comfortable, and, for that, seating is critical. You can shape how much fun everyone has, since you can choose the best seating positions for your guests. Divorced parents, and people you know who hate each other are best kept apart from each other.

To begin your wedding reception seating plan, you will first need to know how many tables you will set up at your wedding reception, as well as how many chairs will be at each table. To find this out, contact your wedding reception facility and make sure to also ask them for a chart of where the tables will be at your wedding reception.

Although your seating chart should be prepared early, you shouldn't finalize it until about two weeks prior to the date of your wedding reception.

Place card holders are not only attractive decorations, but they provide a great way to help your wedding guests with the seating. Your guests should be able to quickly find their seat. Each card should have the guests' or couples' names.

Seat people with similar interests at the same table. Think of a unique and fun way to identify each table.

Seat wedding guest of similar ages together.

Seat family members who don't see each other often to help them catch up on the latest family matters. You should only seat family members together, if they like each other!

Use place card holders to help your guest find their seats.

Seat an even number of guests at each table.

Your wedding reception guests who enjoy dancing close to the dance floor.

To avoid possible conflicts, divorced parents should have their own tables. Seat them separately with their respective family members.

Keep small children next to their parents.

Don't worry about a seating chart for a cocktail only wedding reception. If it is a very small party, you can skip the seating chart all together. For a formal dinner reception, a seating chart is essential. Don't wait until the last minute to decide who should sit at which table. Proper seating is hard work, and it requires careful planning.