Conflict Pair
Conflict Pair: Two guests who must not be seated near each other.
A conflict pair (sometimes called a "do not seat" pair or a "keep apart" rule) is the planner shorthand for two guests who must not sit at the same table — and ideally not within direct sightline of each other. Common examples: divorced couples who are no longer on speaking terms, business rivals, family members in active conflict. Identifying conflict pairs early is one of the most important inputs to any seating chart.
Related terms
- Buffer Seat — An intentionally empty seat used to keep two guests apart.
- Seating Rule — A constraint that shapes how guests are assigned to tables.
- Assigned Seating — Each guest is given a specific table (and sometimes a specific seat).