Guest Seating Arrangement Tips

For many couples, guest seating arrangements can be one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. Here are some helpful tips to get you through the task:

1. Don't wait too long to begin working on your guests seating arrangements. Seating arrangements always take so much longer than anyone ever realizes. My advice is to start working on this at least 1 month in advance, or as soon as the RSVP's start coming in. If you are still missing RSVPs within a week of your wedding date, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and start making calls. You don't want to be sitting around the kitchen table night before your wedding making final edits and changes to your seating chart.

2. Know your numbers. You will need to know: 1) how many people can fit at each table, 2) how the tables will be numbered, and 3) how the room will be set up. Ask your venue coordinator to provide you with room layout diagram.

3. Know the difference between escort cards, place cards and a seating chart.

Escort Cards (or whatever you decide to use in their place) have the guests name and table number written on them. They are usually all arranged alphabetically in a central location and serve to let guests know what table they are seated at, while allowing guests to find their own seats at the assigned table.

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Place Cards on the other hand, are found on each individual table setting. They are usually used in conjunction with seating charts to help guests find their table numbers.

Pinterest via Fabyoubliss

A Seating Chart is exactly what the name implies. It's a large display-usually arranged by table number-with the names of the people who will be sitting at each table.

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4. Save money by having your Escort Cards or Place Cards double as guest favors.

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For more ideas on Escort Cards, Place Cards and Seating Charts visit A Bride's BFF's Pinterest Board

4 Bachelorette Alternatives: Ditch the Strippers & Do Something New

Bachelorette parties don’t always have to be about strippers, nightclubs and little penis shaped straws. It’s the age of personalizaton – from invitations to ceremony readings to wedding playlists. Now more than ever, the entire process leading up the day of weddings is being tailored to reflect the personalities and quirks of the couple saying ‘I do.’ Here are 4 fun alternatives to consider:

A DIY Party – For the bride with an artsy side, plan a painting party so everyone can help put the finishing touches on your last-minute DIY wedding projects (think favors, centerpieces, escort cards, etc...). Be careful not to take on a project so big that it can't be done in one evening, or one that takes up too much time. You still want to allow time to have fun!

A Cooking Class - If the bride loves trying new things in the kitchen, sign your group up for a cooking class. You can learn some new tips to impress the hubs or have a friendly Top Chef style competition!

A Dance Class – Looking to master some new moves on the dance floor? Why not learn a choreographed routine inspired by your favorite dance movies or maybe something you can try out at the wedding reception?

Paint Ball - Have a group of crazy, adventurous, non-conformist women? This is the ultimate anti-wedding alternative. Find the worst bridesmaid dress you can at a thrift store and go paintballing in them!!!!

Bride Tide

Credits: Confetti Day Dreams