Now when I recently asked my followers on Instagram what the most stressful part of wedding planning was …. 98% of you said ‘the table plan’ so it was only right for me to make this my next blog! Now I can even relate to this even though including the two of us we only had 45 guests as we had a destination wedding so I can’t even imagine double that number! So here’s my top 10 tips to make it a little less stressful.

Get your RSVPs in early

I really don’t think it’s unreasonable to have a firm rsvp date set sooner rather than later. The sooner you know numbers the sooner you can plan so many other key parts of day! Be firm with your date and don’t be afraid to chase for it! Once you know your numbers then you can get planning the tables.

Keep table planning to the two of you

Too many cooks they say…. Well I would certainly suggest you keep table planning to just the two of you, as there’s no right or wrong answer on where you should seat your guests, and too many opinions will confuse you even more!

Group accordingly

I would recommend either a white board or using something on the computer so you can easily swap and change people around when at the early stages but I would start by grouping people first and seeing who would be great to sit together…keep the distance on anyone who shouldn’t be so close!

Check the table options

Find out from your venue if there’s an alternative to round tables as it’s super on trend to have long tables instead! This could save so much stress without the worry of choosing just 8-10 guests per table! Once you know the table options you can use your white board and get creative.

Assign tables not seats

Now I get it it’s not for everyone, but if you’re up for a more relaxed vibe and don’t want the stress then scrap the seating plan! Assign guests to a table and let them figure out the rest! After all they are only sat there for a couple of hours max!

Intimate top table

This is a great option especially if you’re finding it hard to decide on who should be up there next to you, particularly if you have extended families. The last thing you want is to upset your closest family so an intimate top table of just the two of you is perfect! Plus, I always say my top wedding day tip is to make sure you take some time out just the two of you so here is the perfect excuse to do so! Enjoy your meal and glance out to all of your loved ones who are there to celebrate you both.

Keep them close

Make a small list of your nearest and dearest who you would like to be close to your top table and assign those first.

Have a kids table

Now I’m not sure who will like this more, the children or their parents! But what a great idea! A space for the children where you can fill the table with some activity books and fun things to keep them happy. Meanwhile the parents are enjoying their meals and listening to the speeches.

Don’t make it until the last minute

Now I’m all for being organised but I’m sorry this really is one thing you need to leave as late as you can! Don’t waste money having this done too early even if you think you have cracked it….things will no doubt change and that’s life, so keep it on your white board/computer spreadsheet until you absolutely have to submit the final plan! Bonus points for a DIY table plan as you really can leave the names off until the last minute.

Don’t stress

Like with all things wedding planning just don’t sweat the small stuff! If at the end of the day you are married to the love of your life then everything went perfectly! And remember life happens, so you may have some last minute cancellations but don’t let it ruin your day! No one will notice the extra seat at the table…more space hey! And the extra couple of meals you may have to pay for…don’t waste them, perhaps offer to your suppliers. Just enjoy the day because it all flashes by so fast!

I hope as always that you have enjoyed my top tips and if only one of those helps make things a little easier then I’m happy!

Happy planning!

Love Chánel x

My Top 10 Tips to make Table Planning easier!