Grandparents and Older Guests: How to Seat Them Well at Your Wedding

For grandparents, your wedding is often one of the loveliest days in years. For them to enjoy it, the seating chart needs a few considerations that do not matter for younger guests.

Away from the speakers

Anyone hard of hearing has no chance of chatting next to the speaker or the band. Seat older guests in the quieter part of the room, but not in the farthest corner. They want to see the couple and hear the speeches.

Short distances

To the restroom, to the exit, to the buffet. A table near the exit is practical, because older guests often leave earlier and then do not have to cross the whole hall. Check whether there are steps and whether a restroom can be reached without stairs.

Good chairs and space

Chairs with armrests help with standing up. Wheelchair users need a spot without a chair, in a place where they are not in the way and can easily get out. For walkers there needs to be a parking spot nearby.

Light and view

Candlelight is beautiful, but too dark for reading the menu card. A seat with a bit more light helps. And from there you should have a good view of the couple, the speeches and the opening dance.

Think about travel and schedule

The seating chart is only one part. For older guests the way to the celebration is often the most tiring part. Long standing times at the drinks reception, a walk from the church to the venue or a parking lot 300 meters away cost energy before the evening even begins.

• Set up a few chairs or benches at the drinks reception, ideally in the shade.
• Organize a ride from the ceremony to the celebration, for example with a grandchild as driver.
• Ask the venue whether guests can be dropped off right in front of the entrance.
• For an outdoor ceremony: reserve seats in the first or second row, with sun protection.

When grandparents don't get along

Even in the older generation there are tensions, for example between the grandparents of both sides or after a separation many years ago. The rules are the same as for separated parents: equal tables, equal distance from the head table, no forced proximity. More on this in the article Seating arrangements with divorced parents.

Invite them personally

Especially with very elderly guests, a phone call in addition to the invitation is worthwhile. Then you can ask directly what they need, whether they would like to be picked up and how long they want to stay. Many do not dare to ask for help on their own.

Food and drink

Find out beforehand whether anyone has trouble with certain dishes or needs a special diet. Enter it in the guest list so the caterer knows it table by table. More on this in the article Allergies and special diets. And make sure there is water on the table, not just wine.

Checklist

• Quiet seat, not next to speakers
• Close to the exit and restroom, no steps
• Chairs with armrests
• Clear view of the couple
• Enough light
• At least one familiar younger person at the table
• Ride home organized