Pick a Seat, Not a Side

At most wedding ceremonies, the front rows are reserved for the Bride and Groom's immediate family. Bride's parents typically sit on the left and the Groom's parent's sit on the right. For same sex couples, sides may be labeled at the discretion of the couple.  So does it matter what side your guests sit on? Do your guests have to follow suit and sit on designated sides? What if the family sizes are uneven?

A wedding celebration is the blending of two families, so I think it's perfectly fine to have your guests 'pick a seat, not a side'.  This way, they can mingle and get to know one another while they wait for you to make your grand entrance.  Open seating may also aid in loosening your guests up before the reception.  It's true most people enter the wedding looking to sit beside someone that they know, but since everyone will be one big happy family in about 30 minutes, they may as well get acquainted early!  Remember to let your ushers know of this arrangement in advance so they can pass along the correct instructions to your guests.  

Here's a tip: Place a friendly sign near the entrance-way that let's your guests know that they can sit on either side.

You should be able to tell from the RSVP responses how many people from either side of the family will be in attendance.  If the numbers largely differ then mixing sides is definitely a great idea. If someone asks or insists on sitting on either side, then they can be directed to sit on the traditional sides. But for your other guests, consider letting everyone get in where they fit in.  Trust me, the majority will love your not-so-traditional style. #behappy

~Your Favorite Wedding Officiant~
www.sweetheartweddingvows.com