Why Can't Everybody Love Everybody?

Credit: Meghan McSweeney Photography

"First and foremost, the parents should put their feelings aside and put their children (bride or groom) first! I know saying this is not always easy, but broach the subject, if possible."

By: Jennifer McBride & Meghan Ely | Times-Dispatch
Published: July 28, 2010

You’re in the home stretch and feeling fine.

The RSVP’s have been accounted for and the appropriate number of chicken, beef and gluten-free vegan egg allergy dishes have been tallied. Well, we hate to be the ones to rain on your peace-of-mind parade, but it’s time to roll up your sleeves, ladies.

Yes, it’s time to create your seating chart.

This can get tricky. Uncle Ricky and Aunt Cherie have been feuding since the Carter administration and your best girlfriend is uber sensitive about being at the “WRONG” table. Last but not least, your future in-laws are divorced and wounds are still not healed. With a little tact, common sense and diplomacy, we here at Wedology 101 promise “this too shall pass.”

We asked event guru and Wedology 101 teamster TeriLynne Petersen of Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center to lend insight.

She suggested, “First and foremost, the parents should put their feelings aside and put their children (bride or groom) first! I know saying this is not always easy, but broach the subject, if possible.”

So as is the theme with much of Wedology 101—keep it honest and open.

The easy out is to toss the seating chart with yesterday’s color scheme. Unless you plan on an intimate affair for fewer than 70, we’d highly suggest skipping this route. After all, can’t you remember the last time you had to fight a stampede to find a seat for yourself, and heaven forbid, a matching seat for your guest? Anxiety need not be on the menu.

With a smaller soiree, we would still suggest reserved tables for the wedding party and immediately family. Take caution with this approach and be sure to communicate these prime seats to the appropriate guests. Otherwise, you run the risk of valuable real estate remaining empty all evening.

Another avenue is that of the cocktail party—whereas guests alternate sitting with their eating, drinking and being merry. Make sure grandma has a seat but otherwise, party on.
Ultimately, reminded Petersen, your seating chart will not make our break the festivities.

“Remember, it is your wedding, do what will make YOU feel comfortable, it is about the two of you celebrating a fabulous new beginning.”

Wedology 101 Helpful Hint: Make friends with Post-It Notes. It can make life easier to simply write out the tables number on a piece of cardboard and then use the Post-Its to write the guests name on it and adhering it to the appropriate number. Then you can easily move people around, or remove and add guests as needed without too much hassle.

Jennifer McBride is owner of McBride Events (www.mcbrideevents.com), a Richmond-based design and event planning company.

Meghan Ely is the CEO and owner of OFD Consulting (www.ofdconsulting.com), a marketing/pr firm for wedding professionals, and the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association.

They love great ideas fueled by caffeine and a good floor-length linen. Visit www.wedology101.com to learn more about our upcoming seminar at Virginia Crossings on Aug. 15, from 1-5pm.