Should we have signs at our ceremony to leave the front row vacant for immediate family?

I went to a Jewish wedding as the Civil Celebrant where the seating was limited, as it was in a family member's back yard. There were two chairs on each side of the "aisle" and only about 12 in total, with around 40 people in attendance.

The front four chairs on each side had a "reserved" sign placed on the seats. Simple.

These four seats were for the groom's parents, the best man and maid of honour, myself and the Rabbi. Another lady with a disability sat with me, and the bride's sister had the remaining seat.

The remaining seats were used firstly for older guests and women, with most of the men standing at the back.

This worked very well.

Most people know to leave the front chairs free for the family, but you may get a friend, or relative who are very enthusiastic and make their way into the front, this is why having ushers is a good idea.

It is the usher or wedding planner's job to guide people to their seats.

The Celebrant is there to perform the ceremony and may not know who the family members are.

The Celebrant will also be busy preparing for the ceremony, 

Most people know to leave the front seats vacant for the family but many people just avoid the front seats regardless.

Having said that, there is very occasionally the 'overzealous' wedding groupie who will push Mum and dad aside to get the best seat and so a 'reserved for the family card on the seats can be very helpful though is not usually necessary.

I think most guests know the protocol is family to the front.  With ceremonies I officiate I get there well before any guests arrive and ensure i give the cue for the guests to start to take their seats.  When I make the call that we are about to start I make the announcement that reminds family to the front and request guests fill from the third row.  Some venues rope off the rear rows so guests are coralled to the front rows first before they open the rear rows.  Signs are handy but lets be honest they don't really stop guests doing what they want. 

If done in a creative    way, it helps, people get confused.

Directions always help.

Angela

I do not beleive it is necessary to have signing on the front rows.

I always discuss with the couple at the rehearsal on who is sitting at the front, if they would like me to escort the Brides Mother to her seat and any other seating requirement, such as a disabled guest.  

I would announce this before our Bride makes her entrance and ensure everything is in order.  I also ensure there is a bottom on every seat at the ceremony, as it looks awful on your photos if there are numerous empty chairs.

Hello bride to be 

Most weddings I officite people know the front row is for the family; let family members know they are to sit in the front row. Reserved signs do help or an usher if you have large number of guests if your concerned.   

All the best for the big day 

Fiona 

Guests are mindful that the two front rows are reserved for family.... and often ask the celebrant if this is the case. If you are concerned delegating an usher can be most helpful.

It is down to the most practical person. In a venue they usually take care of this.
As a celebrant i also do this if reqiured, it is no biggy for me.

A simple sing which says RESERVED is sufficient, you dont have to explain yourself.
I also help ensure that the family do in deed get to those seats.

Dear Bride,

that's a great question, and not tacky at all!

In my experience, everyone invited to the wedding knows it is an unspoken rule that the front row is reserved for the family, if not the first two rows!

At my last three weddings, I had to encourage people who were standing, to come and sit in the empty chairs in other rows, so it looks much better in the photos!

But if you wish, it would be easier and more discreet to place a sign in the middle of the front rows, on both sides, saying 'Reserved for Family' with arrows going either side.

Just think, unless all the family have been introduced to the Celebrant, she/he would not know which family members were included in the reserved seating!

Also, I believe that it would be an unnecessary burden for the Celebrant as they have other essential duties to perform leading up to the start time, so all is set to run smoothly. 

Wishing you all the best on your wedding day.

Warm regards, Michelle ??