WHO SITS WHERE?

• The next rows on each side are normally allocated to close members of the Bride and Groom’s extended family – aunties, uncles, godparents, cousins etc.
• If possible, keep the back row free completely - this will provide a suitable location for any latecomers to be seated without disturbing the proceedings - it also provides the Ushers with an ideal spot to sit themselves (make sure that the seats nearest the aisle is reserved for the Ushers).
• Seat elderly guests nearer to the front than the back and in seats easy to access (normally near to the aisle).
• Seat guests in wheelchairs at the end of an aisle in a position that will not block passage for the Bride as she enters, but will allow them to sit beside their family – if necessary, and if possible, get Ushers to remove chairs prior to the arrival of the first invitees and create extra room between aisles to accommodate any wheelchair bound guests.
• Seat tall guests or guests with large hats (or big hair!) at the end of a row, in the furthest seat from the aisle.
• Seat guests with babies and very young children towards the ends of the aisle so if needed they can make a quick dash out in case their little terror strikes up a screaming fit.
• For guests with children around the primary school age mark, try to seat the kids in the middle of the aisle - on the off chance that they decide to get up and run amuck their progress will be blocked at both sides.

If anyone reading this has any other tips they have picked up, please drop us an e-mail and let us know, and we will extend the above list and let others know about them.

To summarise, as long as you do your preparation and bear in mind the hints and tips discussed in this article, you can’t go wrong - at least that’s the theory!