When I was approached about doing my first seating chart, I knew that I would be challenged because it was a first. Having designed wedding welcome signs for years now, I knew that my first seating chart would ideally be on a mirror. And this mirror was certainly so, so special - it was an heirloom, a piece belonging to the grandmother of the bride. I felt so honored that I was entrusted with this treasure. I was so happy with how it turned out, and I learned a lot about how to properly envision and plan for a seating chart.

Seating charts almost always replace the more traditional place-card option at events like weddings. I am seeing them more and more in wedding trends. But no matter the type of the wedding, seating charts HAVE to work. They need to be visible, functional, legible, and visually laid out in a way that is easy to read and/or scan from the guests’ point of view. A poorly planned seating chart can result in confusion, congestion, and overall stress. And who needs that?! NO ONE. Especially at a wedding.

The key to this piece was the guest count…it was small, at about 115 guests. A larger party means a larger sign is needed, or even multiple signs. If you’re planning a wedding and considering this option, thinking about all of these factors is critical! The table settings are probably the last detail to be sorted out…and these signs take time. There is always an element of the time crunch, unless the RSVPs and table numbers are set up weeks in advance (which is not usually the case, I am finding).

The mirror turned out beautifully, and I hope it inspires brides to use heirloom pieces in conjunction with some more modern trends. Full disclaimer, I do not book this often because so much of the work is behind-the-scenes in the prep and since this is a less-than-part-time gig, finding the time is very difficult indeed. It makes the clients I do work with extra special, and I am always going to remember this project.

Ciao! xo