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Traditionally the top table seats the couple, both sets of parents, the best man and chief bridesmaid. When parents have divorced and remarried, putting ex-spouses next to each other isn't fair on anyone. Most UK couples take one of three routes. Seat only the parents you're closest to at the top table, with step-parents at a parents' table nearby. Skip the formal top table altogether and go for a sweetheart-style layout with just the two of you. Or split into two top tables, one per side of the family. None is wrong. The top table should reflect your family, not a Victorian etiquette manual.

Ceilidh receptions run two layouts back-to-back: seated tables for the wedding breakfast, then clear floor space for the caller-led dancing. Round tables of eight or ten work best because they're easy to shove aside when the ceilidh kicks off. Put family nearest the top table, friends in the middle, and evening-only guests round the edges so they can join the dancing without fighting through a full room. Keep older guests near an exit so they can step out during the more energetic sets.

The traditional UK top table order, left to right facing the room, runs: chief bridesmaid, groom's father, bride's mother, groom, bride, bride's father, groom's mother, best man. That puts the couple in the centre with both sets of parents either side and the best man and chief bridesmaid at the ends. Most couples adjust it to fit their actual family. Seating step-parents, same-sex partners, or a grandparent in place of a parent who's passed away is completely fine.

Start by importing your guest list from Excel, or type names in directly. Add tables to match your venue layout, round or rectangular. Drag guests onto tables to assign seats. Share a view-only link with your venue or export a PDF to print. Magic Table Planner does the drag-and-drop bit and groups households automatically.

Look for unlimited table layouts, drag-and-drop seating, PDF export, and RSVP tracking. Check it imports guest lists from Excel or Google Contacts. It should work on desktop and tablet browsers without any install. Magic Table Planner covers all of that free for up to 30 guests, no credit card needed.

A 4-foot round table seats 6 comfortably. A 5-foot round seats 8 to 10. A 6-foot round seats 10 to 12. Allow 24 to 30 inches per person so nobody's elbow-to-elbow. These sizes cover most weddings and formal events.

Build the guest list with household groupings and any notes you need. Pick the VIP tables for immediate family and wedding party. Sit divorced parents at separate tables with some space between them. Put singles near people they already know and mix friend groups sensibly. Use a tool like Magic Table Planner to test different versions before you commit.

Magic Table Planner is free for events up to 30 guests. That includes unlimited table layouts, drag-and-drop seating, PDF exports, and RSVP tracking. Look for tools that save your work automatically, run on tablets, and don't need a download. Free plans are plenty for smaller events, dinner parties, and intimate weddings.