How to make a rehearsal dinner seating chart
- Choose the tables. Start from the example (one long table and two rounds) or blank, and match the restaurant or room.
- Add the guests. Paste the list: the couple, both families, the wedding party, the officiant and out-of-town guests.
- Seat the couple first. Put the couple in the middle of the main table with their parents across from them, and the wedding party around them.
- Seat everyone else. Press Smart arrange for the rest; families and couples stay together. Drag anyone you want to move.
- Print it. Download the PDF, make a small sign for the door, and place cards for the tables.
The chart above is a rehearsal dinner for 36: Maya and Daniel in the middle of a long table of 20, their parents across from them and the wedding party around them, with two round tables of 8 for out-of-town family and friends. Press Use this layout to keep the tables and clear the example names.
Who sits where
- The couple together, in the middle of the main table where everyone can see the toasts, or at its head.
- Parents close to the couple, often directly across. If parents are divorced, give each their own table to host.
- The wedding party with their partners, around the couple.
- Grandparents and the officiant near the couple, at the main table if there’s room.
- Out-of-town guests at the other tables, mixed so the two families meet.
Long table or rounds
A single long table keeps everyone in one conversation and suits up to about 24 guests; for more, add round tables or a second long table. Restaurants often set a private room in a U-shape or a long table; draw it as it is, and the chart shows who sits where to scale. For more on dinner seating, see the dinner party seating chart.
Print the chart, a sign and place cards
Download PDF prints the tables with names and an alphabetical list. A small sign for the door comes from the seating chart sign maker, and place cards from the seating card maker. Plan the big day itself in the wedding seating chart generator.
Rehearsal dinner seating chart template
With names: Letter · A4 · Blank: Letter · A4
Frequently asked questions
Who sits where at a rehearsal dinner?
The couple sit together in the middle of the main table, or at its head. Their parents sit close by, often across from them, then the wedding party, grandparents and the officiant. Out-of-town guests fill the other tables.
Do I need a seating chart for a rehearsal dinner?
For 20 or more guests, a simple chart helps two families who don’t know each other mix. For a small dinner, place cards are enough.
Where do the parents sit at a rehearsal dinner?
Near the couple: traditionally across the table from them, or with each set of parents hosting its own table. Divorced parents can each host a table so nobody is crowded.
Should the two families mix?
Yes, that’s much of the point. Seat a few members of each family together, and put the wedding party between the families.
Can I make a sign or poster for the rehearsal dinner?
Yes. The seating chart sign maker turns the same plan into a poster by table or A to Z. Open the sign maker.
Is there a rehearsal dinner seating chart template?
Yes. Download the PDFs below, with names or blank, or press Use this layout above to keep the tables and add your guests.