Thief Hall Journal

Top Tips when Creating your Table Plan

Arguably one of the hardest jobs when it comes to wedding planning is creating your table plan. It’s something almost every couple have headaches over however, is there a way of making it easier? We’ve put together some tips and things to consider to hopefully help ease any stresses.

1. Do you need a Table Plan?

First thing to work out is whether you need a table plan? If you’re having a smaller wedding (40 guests and under) you might get away without needing one. If you have a larger guest list, and you’re having a sit-down meal, a table plan can make it easier for your caterers. For example, if you’re having a choice option menu where your guests have chosen which starter or main course they’re having, it will make it a lot easier for your caterers to know where your guests are sitting so they can take the right plate to the right guest. Equally, if you have any guests with dietary requirements, your caterers will also need to know where they are sitting to avoid any upset amongst your guests. If you have no dietaries and no choice menu, you might be able to get away without name places for each table. However, if you do have larger guest numbers, we’d recommend at least grouping people to each table to make sure everyone has a seat with their significant group of people (partner or family)

2. Top Table or Sweetheart Table

The next thing to consider is your table layout. Are you having a top table? If so, which guests will be joining you, parents, Best Man or Maid of Honour? How many guests can you fit on the top table at your venue? Or, if you’re struggling for space or if you’d prefer to avoid the family politics, you could opt for a Sweetheart table. A table just for the two of you and a chance to spend extra quality time together on your wedding day.

3. Round Table or Long Tables

Have you thought about the style of tables you’d like? Every venue differs depending on the tables they can offer. However, most venues will offer round 5ft wide tables or 6ft long trestle tables. You might even be able to use a mixture of the two styles. Both have pros and cons. You’ll need to think of the space and how the tables will fit in the room depending on your guest list. You might also want to think about your food options. Sharing boards work brilliantly for long tables, however, might struggle on a round table with 10 guests and a huge centrepiece. If you’re looking at individual plated food options, round tables can also work well for this. If you have a lot of family politics, long tables are a great option as you can sit two guests at either end of a long table, and they won’t even see each other. However, if you’d prefer a more social setting, round tables can encourage more conversation. Ultimately, choose the option that works best for you and your guests.

4. Table Layout

Now you’ve worked out what style of table, you may want to think about the layout in the room. Do you prefer a U shape which gives you an easy dance floor and a great space for your entrance as a newly married couple? Or maybe conference style for a more intimate setting, this works well if you have a smaller guestlist. Think of how you’d like the tables to look in the room. How do you picture yourself looking out at all your guests when you’re sitting at your top table (if you’re having a top table)?

5. Where to seat guests

Trying to work out where to physically sit your guests can be tricky. You might be trying to avoid upsetting friends or family by not placing them too close to the back. Or maybe you want to sit your louder more energetic guests in random locations around the room so that when you’re announced in as a new couple, those guests lift the energy to encourage the whole room to cheer louder for you. Make sure you consider what’s in the room itself. Are there pillars that could get in the way of vantage points for the speeches. Are there easy exit routes for any guests with mobility issues? Have you sat your friends and their newborn baby next to the speakers so it’s too loud for them? There are good seats and there can also be bad seats so it might be worth a conversation with your venue to work out what will keep you and your guests the happiest.

6. Size of tables

Working out how many guests to sit at a table may need a little help from your venue. Ask them for guidance on how many guests they’d recommend you sit at each table as they all can come in different sizes. If you’re choosing round tables, 10 could be your maximum with 8 being your ideal. Consider your food options. Are you going for Afternoon Tea or sharing boards which can take up more space on your table? Think about the glassware, if you’re choosing table wines, toast drinks and table water, that could be three glasses per guest to fit around the table. How big are your centrepieces? Can they fit comfortably amongst the charger plates you’ve hired from your stylist? Have you got little ones coming? A highchair or pram space next/close to the table can take up extra space. There’s always so many things to consider.

7. When to create your table plan

With all these things to think of, you might be thinking when should we be creating our table plan? As big of a task as it might seem, our advice, the sooner the better. Your venue and caterers will need your table plan roughly two months out from your wedding date so they know the final numbers and especially for caterers, your menu choices. Your venue will also need to know how many wines you’ll need, and you won’t be able to work this out until you have your tables sorted. However, your florist or stylist might need to know even earlier. They will need to know how many centrepieces you’ll be needing. If you have a stylist and are hiring plates, napkins, chairs even, you’ll need to know how many tables and how many are on each table. The sooner you have created your table plan, it’s one less item on your to do list and the sooner you’ll have the information you need. We’re not denying that there may be changes, however it is possible to take one guest off a table. Even if you’re having to rearrange two whole tables because a whole family have dropped out (it unfortunately does happen), it’s always possible to fix it. It’s also less of a mountain to adjust two tables 6 weeks before the wedding, than it is to create the whole plan from scratch with only weeks to go. Try and save yourself any unnecessary stress.

8. What to name your tables

You could simply just number your tables for a nice and easy solution. Or if you’re wanting to add personalisation into your wedding, a really easy way to do this is to name your tables. They could be named after your favourite tv shows as a couple, your pets, your favourite date night places. Anything that can help your guests get to know the story of you as a couple a little better.

 

Glamping Pods

Meet our six glamping pods with a difference…..
They each come with a separate theme and sleep up to 4 altogether with a king bed and bunk bed, perfect for families with children.

Thief Hole Barn

Whether you’re looking to take some time out with family, find the perfect setting to celebrate an occasion, are looking for an adventure break or a corporate retreat, Thief Hole Barn provides a stunning location. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the courtyard, spread out on the huge L-shaped sofa in front of the wood burning stove and enjoy the calm and serenity of country living.

Swift Nick Cottage

Offering spacious living for up to four adults and two children, Swift Nick is the perfect hideaway for any family or group. Easy access and a sloped ramp make Swift Nick ideal for those requiring versatile, easy living in an idyllic ground floor cottage. Whether you want to cosy up by the fire in Winter or enjoy the sunshine on the terrace in Summer, Swift Nick offers a luxurious holiday home away from home in the tranquillity of the countryside.

Turpin Cottage

Nestle yourself away in this beautifully converted cottage and enjoy splendid views of the North Yorkshire countryside. A haven of countryside charm and cottage comfort, Turpin Cottage is a fantastic location for some well-deserved time out for you and your pet. With a spacious feel and high beamed ceilings you cannot fail to appreciate its original character.

Fawkes Cottage

This sensitively renovated barn conversion oozes charm and character whilst providing contemporary home from home living for two adults and children. The perfect retreat for a romantic break, family holiday, or countryside escape, Fawkes Cottage balances five star luxury with everyday comforts including your very own private hot tub!

Millington House

The heart of the six cottages with dining facilities for up to 20 guests. This cottage is perfect for any celebration, party, family get-together or just a group wishing to get away from it all.

Bateman Byre

This one bedroom cottage is named after the Yorkshire witch Mary Bateman and with the original character of the barn you cannot fail to appreciate the old with the new. The fully fitted kitchen is well equipped with washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, and every other item you would expect. Why not enjoy watching the sunset from the hot tub!

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What we offer

Thief Hall is a barn conversion restored in stunning style, offering a blank canvas venue with open beams and a clean modern finish. Thief Hall is surrounded by the beautiful rural countryside of North Yorkshire, the perfect backdrop for your special day! Included with the venue you will receive:

Exclusive 3 day hire
Accommodation for 2 nights for 60+ guests
6 cottages, 5 with hot tubs
6 Glamping Pods
Wedding planning support throughout
Wedding coordination on your day
Fully licensed to hold civil ceremony weddings
Fully stocked and staffed bar
Outdoor Weddings available
No restrictions or stipulations
Tables, chairs, linen and more!
Marquees Permitted