By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
Are you overwhelmed by where to begin in choosing your wedding table plan idea? Not sure how to pick a seating chart aesthetic, let alone decide on who sits where?
I totally get it. Allow me to help as I share 66 inspirational and unique seating charts. Plus I will answer some table plan FAQs to help you tick off your table chart from your wedding checklist. Hooray!
Photo: Bridgwood Wedding Photography via Crafty Rustic Barn Wedding
Get creative by asking guests on your wedding invitation wording, to send back a polaroid photo of themselves. Keep hush and surprise them on the day with your wedding table plan.
Could this be the ultimate visual guide? Guests are sure to spot themselves instantly and have a good old giggle.
Photo: When Charlie Met Hannah via St Tewdrics House Wedding
Collect corks from fun date nights or ask loved ones to save theirs. Then glue onto a wooden board for a perfect DIY seating plan idea, which is also eco-friendly.
Photo: Kim Williams Weddings via Rainbow Brights Barn Wedding
This table plan was hugely popular when I first shared it. Simple, stylish and highly effective. The perfect budget wedding idea!
Photo: Darina Stoda Photography via Stubton Hall Wedding
Reuse something you already own, such as a room divider. Then simply add on your paper wording and voila, you have the perfect visual treat.
Photo: Emma Lawson via Fife Wedding
Take inspiration from the woods, by choosing adorable woodland creature illustrations. Your guests will be smitten, perfect for woodland weddings.
Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Eco Garden Wedding
Think outside of the box with materials and shapes you can use. These rattan place mats give a boho wedding look, that can then be reused post-wedding for your dining table. Win-win.
By: Inviting Writing Photo: Georgi Mabee via Botanical Tipi Wedding
Trend-hitting acrylic has been really popular! Add a painted background for added effect.
By: 2 Flux Photo: The Shannons – Barley Wood House Wedding
Mirrors have been a popular seating chart choice, as not only can they be hung in your home after the big day. But they bounce light, guests can give themselves a quick check-over and they look so pretty. Especially draped in flowers.
Photo Beth Beresford Photography via Wantisden Valley Wedding
Here is a perfect DIY table plan idea. Buy some cheap wooden board, paint gorgeous lettering, add greenery and sweet pegs on twine.
Photo: Only Lovers via Garden Marquee Wedding
Find an old wooden ladder looking for a new home. Then give it a lease of life with cute bottles in flowers complete with table labels.
Photo: Siobhan Amy Photography via Field Kitchen Wedding
Planning a travel-themed do, or place table names? Be sure to include on your table chart too.
By: Emmy Designs Photo: Angela Ward Brown via Clock Barn Wedding
To add some texture, think about a fun thread and pin board. Guests will love this idea.
Photo: Livvy Hukins via Travel Theme Wedding
Literary fans will love this book seating chart idea. Simple and cost-effective, it will be a real crowd-pleaser.
Photo: Will Patrick via Bonhams Barn Wedding
Rising in popularity is the copper frame seating plan, complete with hanging paper instructions. Chic and stylish, its an ideal DIY project.
Photo: Katrina Matthews Photography via Countryside Barn Wedding
Light up your table plan and make it centre-stage with cute fairy lights. Guests won’t miss it.
Photo: Hayley Baxter Photography via Wharfedale Grange Wedding
Pick up a wire grid, which is perfect for using sweet pegs and embellishing with blooms.
Photo: EKR Pictures via Bohemian Luxe Wedding
Use what’s around you, such as a beautiful tree. Be careful not to damage the tree and ask the owner’s permission before assembling.
Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Christmas Marquee Wedding
For train spotters and city dwellers, how about a tube map plan? Quirky and cool.
Photo: Sasha Weddings via Buckinghamshire Railway Centre Wedding
If you are a HP fan like me, the Marauder’s Map chart the perfect option!
By: Dorothy’s Workshop Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Harry Potter Wedding Ideas
Cute wooden pegs and twine, modern and easy to achieve. Yes!
Photo: Jessica Grace Photography via Inkersall Grange Farm Wedding
A classic, which I expect to come back on trend sometime soon is the vintage suitcase prop idea.
Photos: Binky Nixon Photography via Yellow Tipi Wedding Helen Russell Photography via Pastel Rustic Barn Wedding
Natural, sustainable and full of texture, hessian is a great material to choose for your plan.
Photo: Emily Hannah via Woodland Glade Wedding
Add a headline from your fave film to elegantly add a movie theme to your day.
Photo: Sophie Carefull Photography via Beauty and the Beast Wedding Ideas
Wooden pallets have been a staple in weddings for a while now. If you are lucky you can pick one up for free, for the perfect rustic look.
Photo: Cat Arwel Photography via Fron Farm Yurt Wedding
Jet-setters and back-packers, this one is for you. Use a map of the world to seat your guests.
Photo: Holly Collings Photography via Canonteign Falls Wedding
If you love a tune, especially on vinyl, think about incorporating it into your wedding stationery.
By: Love Me Do Designs Photo: Alexandra Jane Photography via Notley Abbey Wedding
Hunt down vintage keys and gift one to each of your guests. Subtle meaning and history all in one.
Photo: Katherine Ashdown Photography via Blush Pink & Gold Wedding
Reuse pot plants from home, as a table plan to then gift to guests afterwards. Use herbs for added wedding scent on your day.
Photo: Scuffins Photography via Whimsical Floral Blush Grey Wedding
Go bold and bright with a colourful watercolour background. Then hang in your home after the big day.
Photo: The Dignums via Birtsmorton Court Wedding
Using balloons in your wedding decor adds a touch of whimsy. Bring a touch of drama to your signage.
Photo: Courtney Dee Photography via Coral & Peach Wedding Ideas Balloons: Balloonista Calligraphy: Stacy Oakley Calligraphy
Animal lover or parent of pets? Include your fur-baby in your seating chart and be ready for guests to coo over them.
Photo: Bloom Weddings via Animal Lovers Wedding
Christmas couples, an advent calendar may just be the cutest idea ever.
By: Jonathan Rolls Photo: Lola Rose Photography via Traditional Christmas Wedding
Love board or card games? Tie in your favourite as a wedding day theme.
Photo: Jessica Grace Photography via DIY Barn Wedding
For a touch of luck, add horseshoes on your wedding day. Then guests can take them away as wedding favours too.
Photo: Jess Soper Photography – Red Brick Barn Wedding
Opt for a patterned fabric such as old curtains even for a soft, floaty backdrop.
Photo: Alisa Nicholle Co via Modern City Wedding Ideas Calligrapher: Apricity Ink
Browse junkyards and reclamation yards for antique doors to repurpose.
Photo: Richard Skins Photography via Berkshire Barn Wedding
Go modern and add a trendy curved board for your chart. Why not add some Pantone to it for extra flare?
Photo: Francesca Francesca via Anthurium Wedding
Enjoy cycling or other transport? Use old wheels to display your guests names.
Photo: The Curries via Beach Glamping Wedding
Does it get any prettier than a ribbon chart? Use coordinating colours and let them blow in the breeze.
Photo: Jessica Raphael via Homespun Mint Yurt Wedding
Calling all skaters. Pimp up your old skateboards and use them at your wedding for a fun touch.
Photo: Kerry Ann Duffy via House Meadow Wedding
Love finding old unwanted items and turning them into something special? Corrugated iron may be just the ticket.
Photo: Nataly J via Fun Autumn Farm Wedding
After you hit the slopes turn your snowboard, or skis into a unique backdrop.
Photo: Alexa Poppe Wedding Photography via Nancarrow Farm Wedding
Pub frequenters and beer fanatics, why not use beer mats as table names? Think about using bottles too from your fave tippes.
Photo: Sally T Photography via Newcastle Wedding
Want to shout about your love of Glasto? Name tables after bands or stages, then create a festival theme backdrop.
Photo: Flawless Photography via Ash Farm Barns
Achieve a pretty floral style with pressed flowers, which you can then keep or gift post-wedding too.
Photo: Birgitta Zoutman Photography via Coral Wedding Ideas
Those looking for a boho style, look no further than a macrame hanging.
Photo: James Powell Photography – Secret Garden Wedding
Take inspiration from Morrocco with tassels, calligraphy and paper cutouts.
Photo: Emma Louise Photography via Moroccan Wedding Ideas
A great alternative to doors and mirrors is an old wooden window pane. Add greenery for extra pizazz.
Photo: L. Hewitt Photography via Maryland Wedding
Retro fans, bring along your favourite piece of furniture to really inject your personality.
Photo: Oxi Photography via Pennard House Wedding
Posties or fans of the written letter will love this cute post table chart.
Photo: Samantha Kay Photography via Post Elopement Reception Party
Do your Saturday nights consist of Dr. Who? Then a Police box seating chart will be ideal.
Photo: Sanshine Photography via Tortworth Court Wedding
Bring two trends together into one, luggage tags and scrabble.
Photo: Life Photographic via Outdoor Beach Wedding Cornwall
Add luxe and style with a marble effect paper scroll. What a showstopper!
By: Gray Starling Designs Photo: Stevie Jay Photography via Edison Lighting Wedding Ideas
An oldie but goodie is an old-fashioned chalkboard sign.
Photo: Livvy Hukins via Rainy Wedding Sea
Create wow-factor with a flower arch display.
Photo: Jen Owens via The Byre At Inchyra Wedding
Perhaps you like to sew? Why not incorporate buttons and mismatched fabric?
Photo: Bai and Elle via City Farm Wedding
If you have a Dymo label maker, it’s time to put it into action.
Photo: Clare Tam Im via Barn Countryside Pretty Wedding
Collect fun mismatched frames which you can then use to display your wedding photos!
Photo: JB Creatives via Soft Floral Meadow Wedding
Pretty bunting could be used to great effect on your wedding, especially if you are a dab hand with a sewing machine.
Photo: We Are The Clarkes via DIY Coastal Tipi Camping Wedding
Snag yourself a wool pom maker and make up some cute poms.
Photo: Melia Melia Photography via Pom Pom Crafty Wedding
Source a vintage wooden crate, add flowers and print stationery. Viola!
Photo: Love That Smile Photography via Rustic Bohemian DIY Barn Wedding
Book lover? How about this library seating plan idea?
Photo: Natasha Hurley via Yellow Library Wedding
Challenge and treat your guests, to their own glass for the day.
Photo: BG Productions via DIY Back Garden Wedding US
Isn’t this doll’s house just adorable? So special. Imagine using a childhood toy to bring a sense of nostalgia.
Photo: Jordanna Marston Photography via Pretty Pink & Green Wedding
Find pretty leaves and add calligraphy. Be sure to lay out escort cards in alphabetical order to make it easy for guests to find their name.
Photo: Something Blue by Susan Elizabeth via Garden Wedding in New Jersey
For a light touch, dip feathers in glitter and hang on a wooden board.
Photo: Ann Kathrin-Koch via Feather Filled Wedding
First up, you don’t actually have to have a table plan. The only reason you will require one is if you want to formally sit guests in particular seats at certain tables.
If you are not interested in doing so, that’s absolutely fine, you can actually stop right here and head off to look at wedding sign ideas instead. You will only need to let guests know that they can choose to sit wherever they so wish.
However, if you are opting for a structured and organised wedding seating plan, you can go all and get totally creative. Alternatively, you could keep things really simple. Let’s face it, there are enough wedding details to consider and your signage could be one element to stay low-key.
When it comes to where to source your table plan. Enlist a fabulous wedding stationer to design a bold graphic design or you could DIY your own chart.
A good place to begin when choosing your seating chart style is to think about the wedding theme behind your day.
Or of course, take inspiration from your wedding table names! Use colours or items you love, including hobbies or pets. Why not go for an escort card table for something really unique?
Let’s get back to basics, it’s easy to get carried away after all. A wedding table plan, is simply an instructional sign to allow guests to quickly, efficiently and easily find where to sit at a wedding.
A seating chart needs to be clear, easy to read and informational. Yes, you want it to be pretty.
But if guests can’t grasp the visual sharpish, you’ll soon have a queue of guests stuck at the seating chart. What’s more, there could be confusion and questions may start being fired at you.
Plus the seating of guests being delayed could well push back your wedding day timeline.
These are not things you want to be happening when you should be sitting down to enjoy your wedding breakfast. So, first things first, always remember the core purpose of the table plan.
Then you can get onto the fun part, the styling and theme!
So there you have it, you have all the table plan ideas you need to choose yours. Plus you now know the answers to your burning seating chart questions. Now it's time to go plan your chart.
Catch up on all the latest this month. Including Supplier Love news, my fave weddings and an update from me!
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Leave a Reply
LadyG
I found some great ideas in this post! I especially like the painted furniture one. This could even be a centerpiece of a room instead of been relegated to some dark corner against the wall…
Lou
ahh fantastic, i am so pleased it has helped you LadyG 🙂 xx
Brady
Hi, this luggage tags designs are absolutely superb. Keep on posting!