Guests, venue & day-of
2026-02-263 min read
High table politics: honour elders without a floor-plan war
In many African receptions, hierarchy is love made visible. The invitation cannot draw the map, but your seating export and brief can reflect agreements families already shook hands on.
Align families before the rental company
Mother-of-bride and mother-of-groom placements, clergy, sponsors, and “special uncles” should be settled in the family meeting—not discovered during rehearsal.
- Note dietary needs for high-table elders beside their names.
- If divorced parents need separation, solve it quietly with two tables.
Ushers need photos, not essays
Give ushers a one-page diagram and a numbered list. Phones die; paper does not.
- Escort elders before the rush when doors open.
- Kids at high table: decide early and stick to it.
Spray moments and chair stability
When spraying the couple, chairs move. Secure cords and stage edges—elders first, always.
- Tell photographers where not to stand so ushers keep sightlines.
- If livestream is on, frame elders with respect, not novelty.