I want to draw attention to a disturbing trend that’s affected weddings over the course of my 11 years of officiating. To some it may not even be noticeable, to others they may simply not know what to do to stop it from happening. No, of course, it’s not detrimental to the wedding ceremony or reception, however it can look terrible in your wedding photos.
What is this issue?
Here it is plain and simple: guests sitting all the way in the back rows, and leaving rows, upon rows empty towards the front.
For whatever reason, quite a few guests feel like they should sit towards the back. Perhaps they have small children, or they have to run to a meeting immediately following the ceremony. Maybe they have a teeny-tiny bladder, and don’t want to make a scene getting up and down constantly. But these guests are few and far between. Most other guests appear to be absolutely fine.
Why is this even an problem?
It’s not really, in the grand scheme of things. However, most photographers take photos throughout the wedding ceremony, and most of the time, out of respect for the other guests, and the happy couple, they tend to hang out in the back taking said photos. So when you get those photos back, it looks like your wedding was half-empty, with unused chairs or rows showing up in all your ceremony photos. Who wants that?
What can we do?
There are a few different options to keep those guest close to you. But before we get in to the solutions, let’s first discuss why there are so many empty seats.
While it’s every guests intention that they’ll attend your nuptials, life happens, and they simply can’t, or won’t, make it on time. Not everyone who sends in an RSVP will actually be there. It’s a nasty little truth in the wedding industry. Only about 80% will actually be there. So, if you setup seats for 200, expect 40 no shows. If you have rows of 6 chairs each, that’s nearly 7 full rows that won’t be used.
Now, here’s some easy solutions:
1.) The easiest would be cording off, or blocking off your back rows. I advise the last 3 or 4 rows. It forces everyone to sit closer to the front, and each other. As more people show up, if the last rows are needed, you can simply have your ushers, or someone in the bridal party, remove the cord back one row, and continue on as needed.
2.) Another option is simply don’t put out all the chairs. You may be taking a chance with this option, as you may be the first couple who has all of their guests who RSVP’d show up for the first time ever. It is a real possibility. In the event that it does happen, have a couple of people on stand by to bring out more chairs.
3.) The last option would be to have some one make an announcement a few minutes before the start to simply have everyone move closer. I’ve seen DJ’s & photographers do this. It’s not the most ideal, as everyone is settled and comfy in their seats, but it is effective and gets results.
Does it really matter?
Overall: no, it doesn’t matter. You have far more important things to deal with on your wedding day. But it should be something you consider.
You pay a lot of money for your venue, and shell out quite a bit more for photos. Don’t you want your ceremony photos to look as fabulous as possible? This is one way to ensure that. Plus, added bonus, it gets all of your friends and family closer to the action, and allows you to feel like they all shared in this incredible moment!
So, on your wedding day, have someone be mindful of your seat!