Planning a wedding requires organization, decision making skills and patience.  It's a huge undertaking with absolutely wonderful results.  All the work that goes into a wedding is worth it as you and the love of your life begin that life together.  But there is a difficult task which your wedding planner cannot do for you and if you are planning a sit down dinner it may be one which you may want to consider. It is the time consuming and detail oriented task of creating THE SEATING PLAN. 
I do not believe that it is a necessity as I have experienced many instances of guest ommissions which I daresay have caused great embarrassment. However if done properly, it is a courtesy and a convenience for your guests.  Many guests, especially those who don't know many of the people at your reception, will feel more comfortable with assigned seating.  If you are having a cocktail party reception or are not serving a full meal, a seating plan is not necessary, but you will still need enough tables and chairs to accommodate all of your guests.
To create the plan, start with a floor plan for the spot you've chosen for your reception.  Identify spots for the dance floor, the bar, the gift tables, the guest book, the band and/or MC.  Decide where the head table will be along with the parent's table (s) and if necessary another table for honored guests.  You need to know how many guest tables you will be using and how many people will be sitting at each table.  Place families together, then group your guests with similar interests such as your office friends, gym friends etc.  Once you've done the first draft, look at any special needs guests.  It would not work to seat your groom's grandmother next to the band's speakers for instance. If you are planning a kids table, don't put it next to the head table.  Think about wheel chair accessibility.  Be prepared to redo this plan and/or adjust your first cut as you get feedback from your parents and your groom's parents.
The best way to let guests know where they are sitting is to provide escort cards which will give them their table number.  If you are assigning seats at the assigned table, then you will need to have place cards at each table as well.  Most wedding planners have experienced guests who wander into the dining room before the event begins and who proceed to rearrange place cards at their assigned table.  Fortunately, not many are that fussy, but be aware that it does happen.  Lastly, it is very necessary when you are using a seating plan to have ushers with a master list to aid with the seating process.
For more advice on who to seat where at your reception, call  868 628-9333 or e-mail us @ mwilt@triniweddings.com