If you’ve just made it past the potential minefield that is the guest list, here’s your next challenge: How are you going to seat everyone? Round tables? Long ones? One long banquet table? Goodness. Read on to set your mind free from all these decisions…
1. DANCE FLOOR FIRST!
This is your starting point. The most popular – and effective – option is to plonk your dance floor in the centre of the room. Then you’ll position the band or DJ against the wall. If your venue doesn’t allow for this, you can place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed up against a wall.
2. FIND YOUR TABLES
Choose the shape and size of your tables – but regardless of this, make sure the two of you are in a central spot that your guests can see. Figure out how many guests fit at each table, to determine how many tables you will need.
3. THE FLOOR PLAN
Start with yourself and your SO – you get the best seats in the house, whether that means with the best view or closest to the bar (it’s been a long few months!) Then arrange your tables as symmetrically as possible – in a U-shape around the centre dance floor or fill one end of the space (if the dance floor is on the one side).
4. VIPs
Reserve the tables closest to the two of you for your immediate families, and set aside tables further from the band/DJ for older guests. The less desirable seats should be saved for your friends. Keep people together who will enjoy the time together – perhaps there are family members who haven’t seen each other in a while?
5. THE BAR
This will also be dependent on your venue, but as a rule of thumb, the bar should be away from the entrance to avoid possible congestion. If you have more than one bar (one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests is a good point of measure), then position one close to the dance floor and another one on the other side of the room.
6. ARRANGE THE NAMES
Now that the hard work is over, how are you going to let your guests know where to sit on the day? If you have more than 75 guests, displaying their names in alphabetical order is the most convenient option, to eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent at the seating chart. To make it more exciting, give each guest a refreshing cocktail or glass of bubbly along with their table number – it really sets the tone for a festive reception!
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How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style
Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc. Summer 2020
Feature image: Pexels
Once upon a time, saying “I do” in your early twenties felt like a given. Today? Not so much. South Africans are rewriting the rules of romance, choosing…
When images of Zendaya and Tom Holland seemingly tying the knot began circulating online, fans didn’t hesitate to believe the fairytale. Set against the romantic stillness of Lake Como, the pictures looked convincingly real.
There was just one catch: every single image was AI-generated.
A viral illusion
The photos spread like wildfire across Instagram and X, with millions liking, sharing and — crucially — believing what they were seeing. While some posts included small disclaimers labelling the images as “artistic recreations,” the detail was easy to miss in a sea of double taps.
“They’re not real”
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Zendaya addressed the moment with a kind of amused disbelief that feels very on-brand.
While she was out in the real world, people were stopping her to gush over her “wedding photos”. Her response was simple: the images weren’t real.
Even more surprising? It wasn’t just fans who were convinced. People in her own circle had seen the images and assumed they were legitimate, with some jokingly offended that they hadn’t been invited.
Of course, the internet didn’t pull this narrative out of thin air. Rumours around the couple’s relationship have been quietly building for a while. Stylist Law Roach previously hinted that a wedding may have already taken place.
Then came Paris Fashion Week, where Zendaya stepped out wearing a gold band, and suddenly speculation had something visual to latch onto.
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The reality behind the romance
Zendaya and Holland’s real-life love story began on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming, and since then, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s most quietly adored couples.
They’re set to reunite again in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with more shared screen time on the horizon, including The Odyssey.
ALSO SEE: Lily Collins reunited with her engagement ring three years after it was stolen
Lily Collins reunited with her engagement ring three years after it was stolen
Source: Adapted from reporting by BBC News.
Feature image: Zendaya/Instagram
Originally posted in 2019. Creativity is always encouraged and being inventive is cool. But this guy might have just taken it too far. A Japanese man collected his…
For brides tying the knot in the colder months, long-sleeved wedding dresses and chic cover-ups offer the perfect balance between style and practicality. Think sheer lace sleeves, dreamy capes and cosy knits… Pieces that not only keep you warm but add depth and drama to your overall look.
If a strapless gown isn’t quite your vision, consider this your cue to embrace something a little more seasonally inspired. These cold-weather options prove that covering up can be just as striking – if not more so.
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ALSO SEE: High-neck wedding dresses we love
Feature image: Alexander Mass/Pexels
Most women know what style of wedding dress they want. But have you considered the practicalities of finding your dream frock that have nothing to do with how…
Have you been tasked with arranging the all-important bachelorette party? Before you break out in hives because of the sheer immensity of the situation, read our Hen Commandments. This dos and don’ts list will ensure you throw a party that will leave the bride glowing with happiness – not fuming with anger.
#1 Thou shalt be organised
Set a day way in advance and give everyone enough time to arrange their lives, plan and be there (with bells on) for the bride.
#2 Thou shalt organise a night the bride wants
And not what you want… If the bride is a Champagne and strawberries kind of lady, don’t arrange a craft-beer tasting and hot-dog day. Or if she loves to chug back the brew, don’t get everyone together for a high tea. Be creative about your theme and activities, and make sure they reflect the bride’s personality.
#3 Thou shalt never make the bride feel awkward
It might be a lot of fun to dress the bride up like Borat and make her dance at a traffic light, but the whole reason for the hen party is for her to stop fretting about the wedding for a second and have a blast. You don’t want her dying of embarrassment and wishing she was folding 700 paper frogs with Aunt Margaret instead.
#4 Thou shalt not assume the bride wants a stripper
It’s not a bachelorette bash without some strippers! Ever heard that gem? It’s rubbish, ladies. It can leave some conservative brides in tears. Find other ways to spend the money, unless your bride has specifically requested one (or three).
#5 Thou shalt take others’ budgets into account
Nobody wants to feel pressured to spend more than they can afford on a night out or a weekend away. Before you make the plans, get an idea of what everyone is willing to spend on the party, and then set a budget.
#6 Thou shalt discuss the list with the bride
You can keep everything else a surprise, but not the guest list. If you leave out someone important, the bride will have to deal with the consequences.
#7 Thou shalt involve others
Yes, you might be the maid of honour and the bride’s BFF, but that’s not to say no one else can get involved in the planning. Be open to ideas and offers of help, and delegate where possible.
#8 Thou shalt relax and enjoy thyself
Being the person in charge can be stressful, but if you’re not enjoying yourself, neither will anyone else. Relax and let the party come together.
#9 Thou shalt get everyone home safe
If you’re hitting the town and painting it red, organise Ubers or a shuttle for everyone. You don’t need any drama close to the wedding.
#10 Thou shalt not post ugly photos on Facebook
Ban phones and any posting to Facebook or Instagram on the night, and keep any dodgy photos to yourself. Waking up with a hangover is one thing. Waking up with a hangover and your night blasted all over the ’Gram is another…
ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride
Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc Summer 2019.
Feature image: Pexels