A seating plan built around comfort
Start with conversations and access, then fill the gaps.
Begin with table capacities confirmed by your venue. Place guests with accessibility needs where the route, seating and nearby facilities work for them. Ask about preferences discreetly rather than making assumptions. Keep aisles and service routes out of your creative seating experiments.
Group people who have a reason to enjoy one another’s company, and avoid treating a table as a solution to a family disagreement. You can make small groups feel welcome without forcing everyone into the same pattern. Mark uncertain placements in your private notes until you have enough information.
Use the table assignment board to spot overfilled tables, then review the final list with the venue. Put a version date on the copy you send. Keep a few blank place cards and agree who can make small changes on the day.