How to Create a Wedding Table Plan: 25 Ideas, Inspiration & Free Planning Tool
Explore stylish wedding table plan ideas and learn how to create your perfect seating chart with the free Hitched table planner tool
Creating your wedding table plan is one of those final flourishes that can feel tricky - who sits where, how to keep family feuds apart, and what about the top table?
Whether you're planning a sit-down meal or a more relaxed reception, having a clear wedding seating plan helps everything run smoothly on the day.
To help, we’ve rounded up creative table plan ideas, beautiful boards from real weddings, and practical answers to your planning questions - including whether to use surnames and how to map out your layout.
Plus, we’ve got a free table planner tool to make organising your wedding table seating as easy (and stress-free) as possible.
- Free wedding table planner app
- Wedding table plan inspo
- How to do a table plan for a wedding
- Wedding table plan tips and advice
Try the Free Wedding Table Plan Tool from Hitched
Before we get to the ideas, make sure you try the free wedding table planner app from Hitched. This easy-to-use tool allows you to:
- Drag and drop guests into place
- Create custom table shapes and layouts
- Build your wedding seating chart template digitally
- Share with your partner or planner
- Print out your final plan or share direct with your venue
No complicated wedding spreadsheets, no scraps of paper - just a beautifully organised wedding table plan template you can access anytime, and share with your venue!
Wedding Table Plan Inspiration
Need a little visual inspiration? Here are some of our favourite wedding table plan ideas from Hitched vendors and real weddings.
1. Gin Themed Wedding Table Plan
If you and your partner love your gin, why not have a gin-themed wedding table plan like this one by Lace & Lemons? We love how this couple named the tables after their favourite tipples.
2. Framed Wedding Seating Plan
Give your wedding a luxe feel with a framed table plan - it’s really simple, but seriously chic. We adore this one by Ambience Venue Styling.
3. Clear Acrylic Table Plan
If you want a really modern looking wedding seating plan, be inspired by this amazing one by Bespoke Creations Stafford.
4. Rustic Wooden Table Plan
Planning a rustic wedding? Commit to the theme with a suitably rustic table plan display like this wooden board seen at The Orangery.
5. Plant Pot Wedding Table Plan
Getting married at a gorgeous outdoor wedding venue? Embrace those garden vibes with a living table plan, like this one at Langshott Manor.
6. Our Favourite People Table Plan
This purple and white wedding table plan by Ivy & Gold is super simple, but we love the messaging: ‘Our favourite people’ and ‘We saved you a seat’ - it’s so cute.
7. Minimalist Wedding Table Plan
Keep it really simple, like this arched wedding table plan by Rose Ink Wedding Stationery. It’s so striking!
8. Record-Themed Table Plan
Do you love music? Make your wedding table plan unique to you by making it out of thrift shop records, like this one pictured at Morrells Wood Farm.
9. Chalkboard Wedding Table Plan
If you’re after a table plan that looks timeless, consider a chalkboard! This simple board captured by Elegant & Wild would work at any style of wedding.
10. Botanical Wedding Table Plan
How cute is this botanical wedding table plan by Love From Lydia Alice? We love the use of eucalyptus leaves to dress it up.
11. Shot Wall Table Plan
This couple at Micklefield Hall were clearly inspired by the US trend of taking your favour to your wedding seat - by taking a shot glass, they’ll find out what table they’re sitting on!
12. Transparent Table Plan
This transparent wedding table plan at 41 Portland Place ensures that no detail, however small, is missed.
13. Gold Leaf Seating Chart
This gold leaf wedding table plan by Ivy White adds a really luxurious feel to the event - and we like how the guests’ names are listed alphabetically. It makes finding your seat super easy.
14. Martini Themed Table Plan
Let your love of martinis do the talking - just like this cool wedding table plan by Utterly Printable.
15. Floral Table Plan
This floral seating plan by The Flower Space is perfect for a boho wedding.
16. Disco Table Plan
Let your guests know you’re down to party with a disco themed wedding table plan, like this one from To Have & To Hire Events.
17. Hanging Flowers Wedding Table Plan
If you are looking for a unique wedding table plan idea, consider something like this hanging floral table plan by Forever Yours.
18. Our Best Buds
We are obsessed with this fun table plan by Pretty Little Event!
19. Mirrored Table Plan
A mirrored wedding table plan, like this one at the White Horse Inn, is a great way to reflect more light and more of your decor into your space.
20. Vintage Window Frame
For a truly one-of-a-kind wedding table plan, head to a scrapyard or an antique shop and see what you can find - we love this metal window frame table plan by The Boho Shack.
21. Wedding Sweets Seating Plan
This fun wedding table plan by the Wedding Flower Company involves the guests taking a packet of sweets to find their seat. So cute!
22. Mirrored Rustic Table Plan
This mirrored wedding table plan by Love From Lydia Alice has a rustic feel due to the white text and eucalyptus leaves decorating it.
23. Metal Framed Table Plan
For a low-lift, high impact wedding table plan, be inspired by this one, by Anna Victoria. The black metal frame adds an industrial edge, which is softened by the ribbons.
24. Fabric Backdrop Seating Plan
Wedding draping is a key decor trend right now - get ahead of it by displaying a transparent wedding seating plan in front of a draped fabric backdrop, like this one by Fleur Event Dressing.
25. Classic Mirrored Table Plan
For a traditional table plan, consider a mirrored backdrop with your table details secured by wax seals, like this one by Forever Yours.
How to Do a Table Plan for a Wedding
Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide on how to create a wedding table plan:
- Finalise your guest list - You’ll need to know who’s actually attending before starting your layout.
- Decide on table shapes - Round, long, square, serpentine or a mix? This will determine your layout.
- Use your venue layout - Work with your venue’s floor plan to ensure tables fit the space and meet fire safety guidelines.
- Use the Hitched table planner - Easily map everything out online with our free tool - and adjust as needed.
- Assign seats - Consider group dynamics, friendships, and family sensitivities. Try not to split couples!
Design your table plan display - Once the seating is finalised, choose a stylish way to show it off - see ideas below.
Wedding Top Table Seating Plan: Who Sits Where?
One of the most asked questions is: Do you put the top table on the wedding seating plan? Yes - and it helps guests know where to focus during speeches and formalities.
A traditional wedding top table plan (facing the guests) usually looks like this:
Newlywed’s Parent | Newlywed’s Parent | Newlywed | Newlywed | Newlywed’s Parent | Newlywed’s Parent
That said, many couples create their own version based on their family set-up or preferences.
Whether you're mixing sides, skipping tradition or opting for a sweetheart table, it’s totally up to you.
Wedding Table Plan Tips & Advice
Still stuck on your wedding table plan? Don’t worry - we’re here to help.
Do you put surnames on a wedding table plan?
You can, but it's not essential. Use full names if you have duplicate first names or want to be formal. First names only keeps things friendly and relaxed.
How many people should sit at each table?
How many people sit on each table at a wedding depends on your wedding table shape - here’s a rough guide:
- Round tables: 6 - 10 guests
- Rectangle tables: 4 - 6 guests per side
- Top table: 2 - 10 (depending on if you have a sweetheart table, and if you include roles like the best man and maid of honour)
Is there a free wedding table plan template?
Yes! You can use the Hitched free table planner to create your own wedding seating chart template online - no design skills needed.
It’s entirely customisable, and your guests get imported when they RSVP through your wedding website.
How to seat divorced parents at a wedding?
Seating divorced parents at your wedding can be a real challenge - but it's entirely up to you how you seat them. You can follow the traditional format, but if it's difficult you could have your mum sit by your partner's dad, and vice versa.
Another option is to have your parents 'host' a table each, so no one is on the top table, but no one feels slighted.
Expert Tips for Planning Your Wedding Table Layout
Wedding expert and Editor of Hitched Zoe Burke shares her top tips for creating a stress-free wedding table plan:
- Start early - creating a seating plan for your wedding is not a job to be left to the last minute
- Be flexible - don’t commit to getting it printed for as long as possible, to allow for last-minute RSVP changes
- Think about your layout - make sure older guests are placed where they can still hear things, but it won’t be too loud, for example
- Don’t try too hard - keep friends and family together, and skip the singles table. Let your guests enjoy company they’re familiar with
- Get creative - make a beautiful table plan display to add excitement to that ‘take a seat’ moment
Ready to get started? Try our free table planner now and take the stress out of your seating arrangements.
