Ceremony Seating Arrangements: General Rules

One area of the wedding planning that people forget about until the last minute is planning the seating arrangement for the wedding ceremony. Most brides and grooms spend an inordinate amount of time planning the seating arrangement for the reception. Yet there is also proper protocol for planning the seating in the church so that all those participating in the ceremony can easily partake in the ceremony as planned, and so your close family members can sit toward the front unobstructed. Here are some general rules for you to remember:

Rule #1: Block Off Certain Rows
In most cases the first rows of seating are for the immediate family and the wedding party. It is important that your ushers know who is and is not supposed to sit in these rows for proper seating. Also make sure there is enough space in the row for the people you want to sit there.

Rule #2: Can the Center Aisle Be Used?
In some venues the center aisle will have a runner that cannot be used until the wedding party comes down the aisle or swags may block access from the center aisle. Thus, you may have to use the outside aisles to seat your guests. Be sure that the grandparents and parents aisles remain unblocked, though, so they can be easily seated during the processional.

Rule #3: Know Your VIPs
There are always members of the family that you want to sit closer to the altar. You may designate those family members via a special statement on their invitation or just let the ushers know which family members get special seating.

Rule #4: Be Considerate of Disabilities
Almost every wedding includes guests that have disabilities. Be considerate of those guests so that they can have easy access to seating that accommodates their needs.

Rule #5: Keep Family Feuds to a Minimum
Are there people in your family that don’t get along? If so, then make sure your ushers are aware that those people should not be seated near one another. This way you can keep any extra drama to a minimum. This also goes for divorced parents that do not get along.

Rule #6: Children Should Be Seen…
If you are allowing young children to be present at your wedding ceremony, then you may want to be sure that the ushers seat these families where they have easy access to exit aisles. This way the parents can easily escape the room with a child that is being disruptive. You may also want your ushers to direct the parents to quiet areas and bathrooms just in case the parents need it.