If you were on a table of 4…

[Sweetchocolatecandy]

Would you prefer to sit beside or opposite your DH?

Sorry that sounded a bit blunter than I intended. I think at a table of 4 any etiquette is a tad OTT and irrelevant.

Beside, but I wouldn't be bothered if I wasn't.

Sorry that sounded a bit blunter than I intended. I think at a table of 4 any etiquette is a tad OTT and irrelevant.

Which is why I said tables of 4 are a poor idea
But you could end up with 2 couples or 4 singles whinging speak except to their partner
With a round table you have someone on both sides and so easier to try and start conversations. You alternate by sex if possible on seating plans . That stops people just talking to their partner and excluding others

Round tables of 8 work best

Most weddings that I've been to have had a list that gives each table number and the names of the people sitting at each table. They then seat themselves however they want to.

@BlackAmericanoNoSugar

Most weddings that I've been to have had a list that gives each table number and the names of the people sitting at each table. They then seat themselves however they want to.

People often swap name cards anyway if they don’t like who they are next to

Wouldn’t a table four ; be square anyway and so one person on each side

Problem solved

Beside.

Just the two of us sit opposite. If four of us doesn’t matter, and never even put thought into it. Either opposite my partner or next too him

It’s a table plan for our wedding so we want to get it right! Couples would be sitting with other couples. I think beside but my partner thinks opposite…

@Sweetchocolatecandy

If we're out at dinner we sit alongside so both of us have eye contact with other guests. However, it depends on how wide the reception tables are, if quite wide, I'd rather sit opposite so I could talk to the people either side and have eye contact with DH. Go with whatever arrangement will make for better, easier social contact.

As far away as possible 😂

Next to. I hate brushing my arm against people when eating (and them brushing me) but would be okay with it being my husband. We went for a meal recently and the table was just a tiny bit too snug and I ended up with a achy back because I was leaning away from another diner on my table.

Tables of 4 at a wedding is a bit odd can the tables not be pushed together. Also just let people sit where they want.

For wedding tables of 4 I’d just allocate a table for 4 people and let them arrange themselves.
What do people do if they’re not in a couple?

@Sweetchocolatecandy

It’s a table plan for our wedding so we want to get it right! Couples would be sitting with other couples. I think beside but my partner thinks opposite…

If people are that bothered they will just move the cards around. I think you are both overthinking it.

Next to definitely in the context of the wedding meal. Lots of reasons - more likely to converse with someone opposite, sitting next to just one person makes that somewhat intimate especially if there's the risk of brushing against them or needing to edge past them to get in and out...
What are the people saying diagonal thinking? Or are they just playing devil's advocate?

Diagonal

@Palavah
The ladies seat is German I think (happy to be corrected) -the banquette seat or facing the room so your swain only has eyes for you.

Opposite. We deliberately put couples at our wedding opposite too as it made conversation better.

I think next to - better for photos and encouraging conversation

I would avoid tables of 4. Round tables of 8 are much better, but not all venues have them. Only tables of 4 if everyone knows each other very well.
I'm quite sociable but hate being sat next to strangers. What is there to talk about other than "How do you know Dave?"

Beside usually so I can see both of the 'new' people!

I’d rather he sit on a different table.

Wouldn’t want to sit staring at his ugly mug, would fair put me off my dinner.

at a wedding i think next to

@BlackAmericanoNoSugar

Most weddings that I've been to have had a list that gives each table number and the names of the people sitting at each table. They then seat themselves however they want to.

Which would have buggered up the catering at the wedding I was at recently where guests had pre-selected their food and the waiting staff knew where people were sitting for serving their respective meals.

Anyway, back to the OP and thinking about the couple we eat with most, it varies so that's no help at all