Sitting in someone else’s seat? Wars have been started for less— and so have new shuls
Before a wedding, the last few days of countdown are essentially devoted to “doing the seating.” The magnitude of the importance of these table arrangements cannot be emphasized enough. Where the hosts have seated you lets you know exactly where you stand with the celebrating families.
Some aspects of the seating can be simple enough. The Bride and Groom know exactly where to sit — in back of the challah. Her mother sits next to her. His father sits next to him. Grandmother of the groom on the father’s side?…. Don’t fall off the edge.
The seating marathon traditionally begins with setting aside three prime- time evenings, calling in two friends sworn to secrecy, a favorite sister-in-law, plus a notable, savvy doyenne who knows “who’s who.” These sessions are not for the faint of heart, so don’t forget the chocolate.
Names and table numbers are entered into a computer, counted, alphabetized, and guarded by the Secret Service. The pros and cons of the individual groupings as well as the table floor plan itself will be debated as if the success or failure of the marriage depends on it.
Create a free account to keep reading.
