It's safe to say that most wedding venues lend themselves to the traditional ceremony seating layout for guests, everyone facing forwards in rows. Sometimes the rows are tiered or angled and seats are staggered but that's where the creativity ends.

It is true to say that some thought has to go into moving away from this traditional layout. You must consider your guests and ensure that, if you are going to select a more unusual layout, everyone has a good view of the ceremony. However, for large ceremonies with 100 or more guests it can sometimes be difficult for everyone to get that perfect view in the traditional seating plan.

So, how can you break tradition whilst still ensuring all your guests are happy?

Talk to your venue!

They are likely to have tried at least a few variations to the traditional ceremony layout. They will know what works well for the venue and what to avoid. Don't be afraid to suggest something different but be willing to listen to their feedback and reach a compromise if necessary.

Talk to your Celebrant!

They will know what your ceremony includes. They will be able to look at movement during the ceremony, considering any symbolic elements you are including, readings, certificate signing and so on. Any good celebrant will visit your venue with you and chat through the options. They will also provide you with a sketch of your ceremony layout with suggested movement of the wedding party. This sketch can be shared with your venue, photographer etc. It can also help your florist or event planner suggest ideas for decorating the space.

Communicate with your guests

Most attending a wedding will be expecting the traditional layout. Let them know either before or by using signage on the day which explains the seating plan and whether they are required to sit in any specific place.

Can everyone hear?

Not only is the view from each seat important, it is also vital you consider how far away people will be from the focal ceremony spot. If too far, guests will struggle to hear you and that is such a shame if you have spent so long planning your ceremony, writing your vows and working with your celebrant to create a truly unique ceremony. Many celebrants have speakers and microphones. If a specific layout is important to you but sound could be an issue, talk yo your venue and celebrant - there's always a solution.

Consider Religious or Cultural Traditions

Plan for religious or cultural ceremony traditions. You may want to follow specific seating arrangements or customs for the ceremony. Whether you are exchanging your vows beneath a chuppah or Mandap or creating a ceremony which blends culture and tradition, take your time to discuss what is important to you both and make that your starting point.

Walk through your idea

If possible create a mock up of your ceremony space before the day, walk through it, sit in various spots and get a feel for if it genuinely works for you and your guests.

Research

Pinterest is a great starting place! Look for other peoples ideas. What have people used, what looks good, what doesn't quite work. Reduce your list down to two or three possibilities and then take those forward to discuss with your venue and celebrant.

How Long an Aisle would you like?

You may also want to consider how long an aisle your layout creates. Do you want the opportunity to listen to as much as your entrance song as possible, or do you want to get to the front as quickly as possible as you just can't cope with being the centre of attention for too long! Do you even plan on walking down the aisle? These are all factors that need to be considered when looking at layout for your ceremony.

Consider the Weather

Your celebrant should help you to consider things such as the location of the sun at the time of your ceremony, wet weather back up and providing shade and shelter from the elements for you and your guests. It's important to ensure that your ceremony layout takes into consideration the great British weather (if you are getting married in this country). Don't just hope for good weather! Have a backup!!

Chat to your Photographer and Videographer

Other considerations are accessibility to those key photos and shots for your wedding photographer and videographer. Ensure you have spoken to them about your proposed ceremony layout, show them a plan and how you propose the layout to work. Show them your standing positions, where your celebrant will stand and be willing to take guidance from them if they feel some slight changes would be beneficial. You pay a lot of money for those shots of your day... you want them to be perfect!

So what layout options are there?

The options really are endless. From using rows of chairs in a round or semi-circle layout so guests surround the ceremony, Split circular seating into four quarters where you arrange chairs in rounded rows, to informal clusters of chairs or a scattering of small bistro tables and chairs for an intimate seating arrangement.

You could make a heart, arrange chairs or benches in straight rows to create a square around the couple or you could create Amphitheater seating. You may even like to go for an offset aisle or even Seat guests at the reception tables for the ceremony itself. 

I invite you to get exploring... Chat to your celebrant...

We are full of creative ideas you know! x