Your wedding table plan, sorted

Traditional top table order

At a traditional British wedding breakfast the top table faces the room, with eight people in a set order. Seen from the guests’ side, left to right:

Few couples follow it to the letter now. Common variations:

• Partners included: the best man’s and chief bridesmaid’s partners join the ends, making ten.
• Divorced or remarried parents: give each parent their own table close by, rather than seating them side by side for three hours. (More on this.)
• Same-sex couples: simply mirror the layout — each of you with your own family on your side.
• No top table at all: a sweetheart table for two, or sitting with your families. (Compare the options.)

In the planner, add a “Head table (one side)” and drag people into the exact chairs; the place cards print in that order.

The table plan board

Most UK venues display a table plan on an easel near the entrance to the wedding breakfast. A1 (594 × 841 mm) is the usual size for 80+ guests; A2 suits smaller weddings. Tablewright exports both as print-ready PDFs, alphabetical by surname or grouped by table, with no watermark.

Not sure which size? The sign size calculator tests your guest count on A2 and A1.

Wording and names

• “Table plan” or “Please find your seat” are the classic headings; the planner lets you write your own.
• Rows like “Mr & Mrs Okafor” import as two guests, so each gets a place card.
• Children’s names can be printed in full; the caterer sheet marks them as children for the kitchen.

Practical bits for UK venues

• Round tables at UK venues are commonly 5 ft or 5 ft 6 in across, seating 8–10. Check with your venue — the planner draws any size to scale.
• Final numbers are usually due to the venue one to two weeks before. The caterer sheet gives meals, allergies and seats table by table.
• Paper: A4 is the default for cards and the caterer sheet; change it in event details.
• Privacy: because your guest list never leaves your device, you’re not handing names, dietary or health information to another company.