How do I plan the seating for a wedding ceremony?

Start by deciding whether you want sides for each partner's family and friends, or mixed seating. In the UK, the front rows are usually kept for immediate family, with parents in the very front. The bridal party often sits behind them, or they may stand with you if that is part of your ceremony. If you have divorced parents or blended families, you can split the front row or seat them separately with other relatives, whatever feels kindest. For guests, you do not need to assign every seat. You can simply reserve the first two or three rows and let everyone else choose. If you want a more formal feel, use small cards with names on chairs for the reserved rows. Ushers are a great help here, especially if you have elderly guests who need extra support. For outdoor or non-religious ceremonies, the same logic applies: front rows for those closest to you. Remember that some venues or religious traditions have their own seating customs, so check with your venue or place of worship if you are unsure. The goal is to make everyone feel welcome and to make sure the people you love can see you clearly.