Ceremony Seating
Ceremony Seating: Seating arrangement for the ceremony itself — different rules than the reception.
Ceremony seating refers to where guests sit during the ceremony, which is governed by different conventions than the reception. The traditional rule: bride's family on the left, groom's family on the right (reversed in some traditions). Modern weddings often blend ("pick a seat, not a side"). Reserved rows at the front are kept for immediate family. Ceremony seating is usually open within sections — full assigned seating is rare except for VIP rows.
Related terms
- Reception Layout — The overall arrangement of tables, dance floor, and other elements in the reception space.
- Open Seating — No assigned tables — guests sit wherever they like.
- VIP Table — A specially-positioned table reserved for guests of honour.