In a traditional Christian ceremony, the bride's family and guests sit on the left (facing the altar) and the groom's sit on the right. In a Jewish ceremony the sides are reversed. Parents sit in the first row on their side, with grandparents and siblings in the second and third rows. Everyone else sits anywhere behind the reserved rows. Many couples now skip sides altogether and ask guests to "pick a seat, not a side".
Wedding ceremony seating order, front to back
- First row: parents and their partners, plus any siblings not in the wedding party.
- Second row: grandparents, or the other parent and their partner if parents are divorced.
- Third row: aunts, uncles and close family, or the partners and children of the wedding party.
- The rest: guests, open seating.
Put grandparents and anyone with limited mobility on the aisle end of their row, so they walk the least and see the most.
Which side does each family sit on?
| Tradition | Left side (facing the front) | Right side |
|---|---|---|
| Christian | Bride's family | Groom's family |
| Jewish | Groom's family | Bride's family |
| Two brides or two grooms | Your choice | Your choice |
If one side will be much fuller than the other, mix the sides behind the reserved rows so the room looks even in photos.
Seating divorced parents at the ceremony
Give each parent a front-row seat on your side if they get along. If they do not, seat the parent who raised you, or who is walking you down the aisle, in the first row and the other parent in the second row with their partner. Talk to both before the day, so nobody learns their seat at the door. More on seating divorced parents.
Reserved rows and signs
- Mark reserved rows with a ribbon or a small "Reserved for family" sign on the end chair.
- Count reserved seats by name, not by row. A row of eight with six names leaves two awkward gaps.
- Brief your ushers on who sits where and which side guests should take.
Plan the ceremony and the reception together
The ceremony is mostly open seating. The reception is where every guest needs a table. Once the ceremony rows are settled, use the same guest list to build the reception seating chart, so the people in the front rows also land at the right tables later.
Related guides
Wedding seating chart etiquette
The reception version of who sits where.
Head table seating arrangements
Who sits with the couple at dinner.
Seating chart for divorced parents
Keep both sides comfortable.
Escort cards vs place cards
How guests find their reception table.