Blog

Wedding planning tips, guides and inspiration.

Mexican Wedding Reception Traditions and Seating
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

Mexican Wedding Reception Traditions and Seating

Mexican weddings are layered with traditions that shape the seating chart: the padrinos system, family hierarchy, the mariachi, and the late-night Hora Loca. Here's how the reception comes together and where each guest fits.

Catholic Wedding Seating: Pew Order, Reception, and Etiquette
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

Catholic Wedding Seating: Pew Order, Reception, and Etiquette

Catholic weddings have specific seating traditions for both the church ceremony and the reception. Here's the traditional pew order, where each family member sits, who gets reserved seating, and how it all translates to the reception hall.

What Time Should a Wedding Ceremony Start?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

What Time Should a Wedding Ceremony Start?

Most wedding ceremonies start between 2 and 5 PM. The exact time depends on the season, the venue, your photo plans, and how long the reception runs. Here's how to pick the right start time and why it matters more than couples expect.

Do You Have to Have a First Dance at a Wedding?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

Do You Have to Have a First Dance at a Wedding?

No, the first dance isn't required. It's a tradition many couples love, but plenty skip it, shorten it, or replace it with something that fits them better. Here's the etiquette, the alternatives, and how to decide.

What's the Difference Between a Save the Date and an Invitation?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

What's the Difference Between a Save the Date and an Invitation?

A save the date is an early heads-up sent 6 to 12 months before the wedding. An invitation is the formal request to attend, sent 6 to 8 weeks before with full details and an RSVP card. Here's how they're different and what each one needs to include.

How Far in Advance Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

How Far in Advance Should You Send Wedding Invitations?

Send wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding for local events, and 3 months ahead for destination weddings. Save the dates go out 6 to 12 months before. Here's the full timing breakdown and how to set the RSVP deadline.

Can You Have a Wedding Without a Seating Chart?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

Can You Have a Wedding Without a Seating Chart?

Yes, you can have a wedding without a seating chart, but only at very small weddings or fully cocktail-style receptions. For anything over 30 guests with a seated dinner, open seating creates more problems than it solves.

Is It Rude Not to Give Plus Ones at a Wedding?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

Is It Rude Not to Give Plus Ones at a Wedding?

No, it's not rude to skip plus ones, as long as your policy is consistent and well-communicated. Here's the etiquette, who should always get a plus one anyway, and how to handle the conversation gracefully.

How Long Should Wedding Toasts Be?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

How Long Should Wedding Toasts Be?

Wedding toasts should be 2 to 3 minutes each, no longer. The total toast time should stay under 15 to 20 minutes across all speakers. Here's how to write one, structure the order, and brief your speakers so the night runs smoothly.

Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
MySeatPlan MySeatPlan ·

Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?

Traditionally, the groom's parents host and pay for the rehearsal dinner. Modern weddings split this differently: the couple often hosts themselves, or the cost is shared. Here's the etiquette and how to navigate the conversation.