How to Make a Wedding Seating Chart for a Filipino Reception

Who sits at the presidential table, where the sponsors go, how many tables you need, and a free tool to plan it.

By The RSVP Studio

A wedding reception seating chart in Mesa with a presidential table and round tables

The seating chart is usually the last big job before the wedding, and the one with the most opinions attached. Here's how to plan one for a Filipino reception, from the presidential table to the back row.

Start after your RSVP deadline

Don't seat anyone until your replies are in. Plan to finish the seating chart two to three weeks before the wedding, after your RSVP deadline, so your coordinator and caterer get the final lists in time. If replies are still trickling in, see our guide to tracking wedding RSVPs.

Where everyone sits

A traditional Filipino reception follows a familiar layout:

Presidential table: the couple and both sets of parents, in front of the stage and facing the guests. Some couples add grandparents.
Principal sponsors: at the tables right beside the presidential table, married pairs together. Six to twelve pairs usually need two tables.
Secondary sponsors and the entourage: near the front. Cord, veil, coin and candle sponsors can share a table, and the entourage takes one or two.
Family: the bride's guests on one side of the dance floor and the groom's on the other.
Everyone else: friends, officemates and church friends further back, each group at its own tables.

Seat lolos and lolas away from the speakers, and close to the restrooms if you can.

How many tables do you need?

Most reception rounds seat ten: a 60-inch round seats eight and a 72-inch round seats ten. Lauriat-style receptions often use rounds of twelve.

To count tables, divide your guest count by ten, then add the presidential, sponsors' and entourage tables, plus one spare for late replies. Ask your venue which table sizes they have before you start.

How to make your seating chart

You can do this with paper and sticky notes, but a seating chart maker saves hours when someone changes their mind. Mesa is our free seating chart maker, and you can start without signing up:

Paste your guest list. Copy it from Viber, Notes or Excel. "Tito Ben & Tita Marie + 2 kids" stays together as one family.
Seat everyone. Mesa seats sponsors beside the presidential table, the bride's guests on one side and the groom's on the other. Drag anyone to change it.
Print or share. Download the floor plan, an alphabetical list for the entrance and table lists for your caterer, or send your coordinator a link.

There's no guest limit, and it works on your phone. Downloads and share links need a free account.

Mesa, a free seating chart maker for weddings and debuts, on a laptop and a phone

Help guests find their table

Print the alphabetical list for the entrance, so guests can find their name quickly. If you have an RSVP Studio website on Premium, you can also turn on "find your table" so guests type their name and see their table on their phone.

Common seating mistakes

Seating before replies are in. You'll redo the chart twice.
Splitting families. Keep households together, even when the numbers don't come out even.
Forgetting the suppliers. Your photographer, videographer and coordinator need a table or meals too. Ask your caterer.
Not telling your coordinator. Send them the final chart, and tell them who to watch out for.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests fit at a round table?

Usually ten. A 60-inch round seats eight and a 72-inch round seats ten. Lauriat receptions often use rounds of twelve.

Who sits at the presidential table?

The couple and both sets of parents. Some couples add grandparents. Principal sponsors sit at the tables beside it.

When should the seating chart be finished?

Two to three weeks before the wedding, after your RSVP deadline, so your coordinator and caterer have the final lists.

Is there a free wedding seating chart maker?

Yes. Mesa is free, with no guest limit, and you can start without signing up.

Planning a wedding for your clients?

Coordinators use Mesa for every client's reception, and our coordinator program keeps every event in one dashboard. For couples, make your wedding website for free and keep your RSVPs, invite list and seating in one place.