How to Create a Relaxed Atmosphere? Creative Arrangements for Guest Seating in COVID-19 Prevention!

2020.10.07 published

How to Arrange Seating at a Wedding??

When holding a wedding, the last thing you want is the situation of "a cluster outbreak occurred at the wedding!"

While there are various points to be cautious about, the seating arrangement at the reception is particularly important.

Since it's a place where guests will take off their masks to eat and talk, you want to make every effort to keep enough distance between seats and consider the layout.

One option is to "use partitions," but...

Even though they are transparent, partitions can create a sense of confinement, make it hard to hear the person next to you, and they will also appear prominently in photos. Therefore, many brides seem to prefer separating seats instead.

@hit_me1212

In this article, we will introduce various seating arrangements that consider infection prevention measures.*

Depending on the size of the wedding venue and the shape of the tables, it's not easy to say "this is the best!",

but I hope you can use this as a reference to see different layout options! *

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 1

When using the most orthodox "round tables" for guest seating at the reception, reduce the number of people at each table and space them out.

Ideally, to "maintain social distance" it would be best to keep 2 meters apart, but that may be difficult to achieve, so adjusting to about 50-70% of the maximum seating capacity at each table seems good.

You will likely have more tables than you expected, so keep this in mind.

✅ The distance between tables may become too close, making the venue feel cramped

(It may be necessary to have a larger venue)

✅ You will also need to increase the table decorations as the number of tables rises

✅ If seating is too far apart, conversations may be difficult to hear, and ultimately you may end up raising your voice

(If seating further apart, it may be better to play the background music at a lower volume?)

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 2

If using banquet tables,

✅ Leave one seat empty between neighboring seats

✅ Sit in a staggered fashion

Adjust accordingly.

If you have the choice, using wider tables would be a good idea.

It might also be good to place a tall flower vase in the center for droplet prevention.

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 3

Although I think there are few wedding venues that adopt this, using "half-moon tables" might be nice. The advantage is that there won’t be anyone sitting directly facing each other.*

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 4

An idea to arrange rectangular tables in a zigzag pattern, with seating on just one side (?). It’s a layout that allows everyone to eat while facing the same direction without facing each other.*

(This photo shows seating on both sides, but it gives you an idea of the layout.)

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 5

An idea to arrange tables in an L shape. This also allows everyone to eat while facing the same direction.

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 6

If there’s a large table and venue available, how about a large U-shaped layout?

You could prepare a separate main table for the newlyweds, or sitting in the center will create a cozy atmosphere.*

This layout allows all participants to see each other’s faces.♡

Boldly turning the center into a dance floor...! would also be a very international approach.

Infection Prevention Seating Arrangement 7

It’s possible that a spacious venue could feel empty if the tables are spaced too far apart.

In such cases, how about keeping the middle open like a wedding aisle?

In Korea, it’s common to create a path in the center of the venue for entrance and exit during the ceremony.*

Various Layouts Are Available*

I have introduced layouts that consider infection prevention measures.*

Personally, if the guest count is high, I’d love to make the most out of the venue with a zigzag layout!

I felt that for around 20-30 guests, the U shape would allow all of them to see each other’s faces, which is nice ♩

Please make an effort to create a comfortable and satisfactory environment for both guests and the newlyweds while considering infection prevention measures.♡

➡ List of Articles on Coronavirus Measures＊