There is so, so much more that goes into designing your reception space than what I’ll be able to cover here today! But my goal for this Wednesday is only to get you thinking about three quick topics.

Assigned Seating vs. Open Seating
When it comes to assigned seating versus unassigned seating, I think that the bride and groom should definitely assign seating at receptions where there will be a sit-down meal. Cocktail and dessert receptions, where your guests are up and mingling the majority of the time, don’t call for assigned seating, but when your guests will be at their tables for at least an hour, I believe you’re doing your guests a great service by pre-arranging where they sit. The benefits of assigned seating include: Making sure families — and in some cases even couples — can actually find seats together; avoiding the awkwardness of having guests choose a seat at one table, then decide to move to another; grouping guests who already know one another, or that you know share common interests and avoiding grouping guests who you think might end up having an unpleasant debate about politics or religion; guaranteeing your guests their seat(s) will still be available to them if they step outside for a moment.

Sweetheart Tables vs. Head Tables vs. Sitting with Guests
Brides and grooms have so many options when it comes to where they themselves want to sit during the reception. Most couples do it one of three ways: They sit alone at a sweetheart table, they sit at a head table with their bridal party, or they dispense with any formal tables and simply seat themselves at a table with their parents. There’s no right or wrong; there’s only choosing whichever type would make you happiest at your reception, and whichever type would work best in the overall design of your reception.

Where to Place the Cake
All too often, the cake gets tucked into a back corner. While that keeps the cake safe from accidentally getting bumped by guests, it also takes away from the cake’s ability to be a beautiful focal point, and makes it all but impossible for guests to watch the cake cutting. So consider truly making the cake a centerpiece. Place it somewhere highly visible, and light it. It’s a shame to dream up and order a gorgeous cake only to hide it away from your guests’ view.

~ Laura