A good seating chart starts with a tidy guest list. Download our free template (it opens in Excel, Google Sheets or Numbers), fill it in, and you're ready to seat everyone.
In the Side column, write each partner's first name (the example uses Sam and Alex) or Both.
What's in the template
- Name: one row per guest, including children and plus-ones.
- Side: whose family or friends they are (yours, your partner's, or both).
- Household: the same label for people who must sit together, like a couple or a family.
- Group: how they know you (work, school, neighbours), used to seat friends together.
- Meal and allergies: what your caterer needs per table.
How many guests fit at a table?
- 60-inch round table: 8 guests comfortably, 10 at a squeeze.
- 72-inch round table: 10 comfortably, 12 at most.
- 8-foot long (banquet) table: 8 guests, 3 per side and 1 at each end, or 10 without ends.
- Always confirm with your venue: chair size, centrepieces and wheelchair access all change the numbers.
Laying out the room
Put your table where everyone can see it, usually facing the room near the dance floor. Families go closest, then close friends, then everyone else. Keep walkways clear from the entrance to the bar and restrooms, and keep older guests away from the speakers.
From template to finished chart
Once your list is filled in, you can print a simple chart, or import the file into a seating planner so you can drag guests around, check the numbers per table, and share one live version with your partner and venue.
Table Vows reads this template directly: paste it or upload the file, and it recognises names, sides, households, meals and allergies. Then pick a room layout and let Smart seat do the first draft.