"Must-Avoid Mistakes: Correct Title Examples for Creating Guest Seating Charts"

2019.01.01 published

殿堂記事

I Don't Want to Make Mistakes on Guests' Titles!

It's common to encounter a situation where you don't know your guests' titles when it's time to create a seating chart after deciding who will attend the wedding.

For example, questions like, "Is it okay to omit company names or job titles if they are too long?" or "What honorific should I use for a school teacher?" or "Is it rude to write 'junior'?" can leave brides in a bit of a panic!

@___capitano

Do We Even Need Titles?

Titles of guests are naturally included in the wedding seating chart. Some might wonder if it's necessary to explicitly write "Bride's Friend" since guests already know their relationship to the couple.

However, the seating chart serves an important role beyond just the bride and groom's knowledge; it helps the attendees understand the titles and relationships among themselves.

For example, when both families are pouring drinks, they refer to the seating chart to determine the order of greetings from the most esteemed individual at the table.

Guests may also be curious about, "What kind of friend is that person of the bride? Are they from work?" Having titles makes it easier for both families and guests to deepen their connections.

That said, not including titles does not equate to a breach of etiquette! In a casual wedding where there are no bosses or colleagues present, or when the number of guests varies significantly between the bride and groom, it’s fine to omit titles.

@___capitano

Let's Get to Know Guests' Titles!

Whether or not to include titles in the seating chart is up to the couple.

For those who decide to include titles, we’ll introduce examples of accurate titles to ensure a perfect and error-free seating chart.

Guest Titles ① [Work-Related]

Boss: President, ABC Corporation

Superior: Department Manager, ABC Corporation / Supervisor at Groom's Company

Senior: Senior, ABC Corporation (Title) / Groom's Senior

Colleagues and Juniors: Colleague at ABC Corporation (Title) / Groom's Colleague

Former Colleagues: Former Colleague at Groom's Company

People from Other Companies: President, ABC Corporation / Sales Department, ABC Corporation

→ Important Points to Note for Work-Related Titles＊

Except for the title of President, it's fine to either include or omit the company name and title. Also, stating "junior" is considered disrespectful, so it’s better to use "Colleague."

If a company name or title is too long, it’s considered impolite to abbreviate, so it's correct to write it out fully even if it extends to two or three lines. However, if absolutely necessary, check with the individual before abbreviating!

If the workplace is not a regular company, such as a hospital or government office, it's proper to list it as "workplace."

@tonko_wedding_miavia

Guest Titles ② [Friend Relationships]

Seniors from school, clubs, or part-time jobs: Groom's Senior (University)/ Groom's Senior

Friends or Juniors from school, clubs, or part-time jobs: Groom's Friend (University) / Groom's Friend

Childhood Friends: Groom's Childhood Friend / Groom's Friend

→ Important Points to Note for Friend Relationships Title＊

In the case of friends, it’s acceptable to unify seniors, peers, and juniors under "Groom's Friend," or to specify the relationship, like "Groom's High School Senior," to clarify when they knew each other.

Similarly, using "junior" is also disrespectful, so it should just be written as "Friend."

@yuih_wd

Guest Titles ③ [Relatives]

Family: Groom's Grandfather / Groom's Grandmother / Groom's Father / Groom's Mother / Groom's Brother / Groom's Sister-in-law / Groom's Niece, etc.

Relatives: Groom's Uncle / Groom's Aunt / Groom's Cousin / Groom's Nephew, etc.

Others: Groom's Relatives

→ Important Points to Note for Relatives' Titles＊

For relatives, it’s generally acceptable to indicate the relationship from the perspective of the groom and bride.

If cousins are the same age, you can determine whether to label them as “Cousin” or “Cousin” based on who is older! Alternatively, since they are invited guests, it’s also fine to label them as “Cousin” regardless of age.

Additionally, be careful about using "Uncle/Aunt."

The character "伯" signifies "head" or "leader," so it is used for the father's or mother's elder siblings (Uncle/Aunt).

Conversely, the character "叔" means "younger" or "younger person," so it is used for the father's or mother's younger siblings (Uncle/Aunt).

@keiko_marry

Guest Titles ④ [Mentors, Children, Neighbors, etc.]

School Teacher: Groom’s Mentor / Teacher at ABC High School

Neighbor: Friend of Groom's Parents / Groom's Acquaintance

Children of Superiors or Friends: Child of ABC / Same Son / ABC-kun / Chan

→ Important Points to Note for Other Guest Titles＊

For school teachers, you can choose to list the current school’s name or simply label them as "Groom's Mentor." It’s likely to bring joy to the teacher when addressed as a mentor!

Additionally, designating children as ABC-kun or Chan has become the recent standard. It’s more endearing and recommended than exaggerated titles like "Your Son/Daughter."

@keny.wedd

Be Careful Not to Make Mistakes with Guest Titles! ♡

How was that? We provided detailed guest titles for reference while creating your seating chart. If you still have questions or concerns, we recommend consulting with a wedding planner first to help create a flawless seating chart that welcomes your guests! ♡

➡ Things You Absolutely Don't Want to Get Wrong! 6 Common Careless Mistakes to Know in Advance on Seating Charts