Who sits by who during reception? HELP

lazydayz2003

I was wondering if you were having your family sit at a table and having your FI family sit at another? I would prefer to mix our families up a bit and have half and half like his parents, my parents, my grandparents, his grandparents. Our parents have known each other for years and get along but is is traditional to split the families up? I'd rather they sit together and get better aquainted and enjoy each others company since we all dont get together too often.

Moneypenny424

Personally, I think it is nice for people to sit by their own friends and family during weddings.  The parents will have many opportunities over the years to get better acquainted--they don't have to do it by sitting together at the wedding.

We sat at a table with both sets of parents and Mr. Penny's grandmother.  Other than that, we didn't mix up the families.

Celles

I think it's a bit rude to force people to mingle, personally. I would not split up either family.

cbratthauer

I'm having my fiance's family at a table and my family at a table, just because I think they would be more comfortable this way. Of course, my parents are recently divorced so it goes, my dad and his sister/brother/mom, my fiance's family, then my mom and her siblings just to avoid tension

mica178

No one is going to forge a closer friendship at a wedding.  Sit family with family, and friends with friends  - don't try to force mingling.  If the MOB and MOG (or whoever) want to become best friends later on, then can have lunch together on their own.

~Tuck~

We did not do any mingling for the seating arrangement.  After dinner, there was lots of mingling!  For the actual dinner, don't try to mix the groups.  I know you are not trying to force anything upon anyone, but your guests will not appreciate the mixed groups.

noodle_oo

We kept our families separate.  We had family coming in from far away, so I figured our parents woudl rather spend time with them than each other.  You should sit pepole with who they would WANT to sit with, not who YOU want them to sit with.

Learox87

Agree with PPs. I just went to my cousin's wedding and it was great sitting with family that I haven't seen in a while and catching up. I know you're probably only talking about your immediate family, but I wouldn't mix them together. If they want to talk, they can after dinner and during the cocktail hour as well!

jessicabessica

I would just ask them what they'd prefer.  I think that FI and I will sit at a table with our siblings, and then each set of parents will sit with their siblings (our aunts and uncles), which was my parent's preference. 

Meg1979

I agree with the above posters.  I think it's nice to have one set of parents "host" a table with their family members. 

tayylor65

I was originally thinking I'd do something similar to spread people out amongst others.  Ultimately though, I've come to the conclusion it's nicer for the guests to sit with people they're comfortable with to make sure they have a good time.  There'll be plenty of mingling at the wedding without it being forced--dancing, cocktail hour, etc.  People will only be siting at tables for dinner or if they're getting tired anyway.  I'd group people with others' they know and then for tables that overlap, try to fit with similar personalities. 

Brandiewine11

You could always ask what they prefer, but we're keeping families together. Our parents won't actually meet until the week of the wedding, so it would be odd for them to sit together and not get to sit with other family they rarely see. In your case, since they are all friends, it might be different. Just ask them what they want to do. For other guests (not parents) put them with people they know.

suit10

We are having our families on separate tables. We just think they would be way more confortable that way. Besides we both have family coming from out of town for the wedding so they might prefer to sit with them anyway.

tesskerr

I went to my cousins wedding, and she mixed everyone up so much, it was crazy! My boyfriend at the time, who knew no body, was on the otherside of the room. I was sitting with someones grandma, a little girl, a couple I didn't know.... My parents where split up, as were my 2 kid sisters.

It was actually so bad, everyone just sat with who they wanted (moved the place cards before bride and groom arrived) Rude I know, but it would have been so super awkward otherwise.

I ended up sitting with my Mum and dad, my 2 sisters, my boyfriend, a close aunt and her daughter. I definatly agree to just sit family with family, friends with friends, otherwise you may have some unhappy guests.

Kristin789

Traditionally, Table One is MOB, FOB, MOG, FOG, Officiant and Spouse.