Prairie Hive

How to Number Tables at Wedding

Seating plans are common during wedding receptions to keep everything and everyone organized. An important aspect of having a seating plan is to learn how to number tables at wedding.

How to Number Tables at Wedding


What are the different ways to number tables during your wedding, then?

There are actually many creative and fun ways to number tables at the wedding reception. But no matter what method you choose, the thing that matters the most here is to ensure that all numbers are large enough so that guests can see them easily.

Most guests usually have a hard time finding their respective tables, so it is imperative to make sure that your guests can easily see and find the numbers.

Simple Tips How to Number Tables at Wedding

The following are a few helpful tips that you can follow to number tables at your wedding to help your guests find their tables with ease and keep the whole event orderly and organized.

Add Your Personal Touch

Creativity is key here. By incorporating hobbies, places, or things you and your partner love, your wedding guests get the chance to take a peek into your relationship’s unique story.

Instead of the usual numbers, you can use the names of cities you visited, important dates in your relationship, songs both of you love, and more. Doing this lets you add your personalized twist to your table numbers.

Avoid Overthinking It

It is only normal for you to wonder if there is a specific way of numbering tables at a wedding, with the head table numbered 1 with the rest of the most important tables just following in order.

But sometimes, accomplishing this isn’t very easy and that’s perfectly fine. Some couples have even purposely made the number for the head table anywhere in the middle, such as number 10 out of 20. Doing this ensures that guests won’t end up complaining or feeling that they are less important just because they were seated at table 20 when the groom and bride are seated at table 10.

Switch Numbers with Objects

If you are worried that your guests might end up associating the table numbers with the level of importance, why not use objects instead?

For instance, you can try using the names of locations, animals, flowers, and the like. Just remember, though, that it may make things a bit confusing because rather than having the tables arranged in subsequential order, your guests might end up searching all over the venue for their random tables.

Put Up a Chart by the Entrance

To save your guests from the quest, give them something similar to a map to help them figure out how and where to find their respective tables. Most guests complain about never finding their tables every time they go to weddings with seating plans. It will be easier for them to locate their tables if you use a sign that serves as a map for everyone to see and guide them in the right direction.

Use Big, Tall, and Bright Signs

Make sure that the wedding signs you use are big or tall and bright enough so your guests can see them even from a distance. The moment your guests start to arrive and check for their assigned seats, they will be looking for their tables, too. Ensure that your guests won’t have a hard time seeing the table numbers to save them from the hassle of finding the table they are looking for.

Ensure All Table Numbers Always Stand Upright

The table numbers must be able to be upright and stand out on their own. Avoid playing the old trick of leaning the table numbers against the centerpiece because it just doesn’t work all the time. If you have an outdoor wedding, the wind can knock it over easily.

The table numbers will also fall if the centerpiece is not strong enough. Indoors, the slightest tug on the tablecloth or someone’s purse will also make the numbers come tumbling down.

Your best option here is to put the numbers in a holder to save yourself from the worries and added trouble. Table numbers in holders will also look nicer and more pulled together.

Table numbers set against picture frames with a stand is another easy way to make sure that they will stay put. Or better yet, you can even pick table numbers heavy enough and can support themselves freestanding.

Important Things to Know Before Numbering Tables at Wedding

If you want your reception to have a seating plan, here are some things you need to know first before you start numbering tables at your wedding.

Make Allowance for Wiggle Room

Minus or plus 10% is the general rule for extras and no-shows. A round table with a diameter of 60 inches can comfortably seat 8 to 10 guests, depending on the specific type of chairs used and whether there are chargers or not.

A rectangle table measuring 6 feet can seat 6 guests. Every table doesn’t need to have the same numbers in the first place. Your setup depends on your final list, and you should be ready for changes.

Make sure there is a 5% overage for all the necessary rentals for the table setup.

white table with chairs set

Assign Tables

Most brides still find themselves wondering if they really need a seating plan or chart in the first place. Well, the answer is a big yes. The moment guests arrive at your reception, they will start searching for direction.

Where should they sign in? Where do they place their gifts? Where can they put their bags? Where are the drinks located?

Minimizing these questions can smoothen the transition from the wedding ceremony to the reception, creating a more relaxed ambiance for all your guests.

Be Flexible

Extras, no-shows, and last-minute changes will always happen. Accepting the possibilities of these right from the get-go can help you manage your stress levels. Consider it final at one week to 3 days before the big day then let your wedding planner deal with any remaining changes.

Remember these tips on how to number tables at wedding and make your big day more organized and extra special!