✦ Layout Gallery & Blueprints

Seating Chart Layouts & Templates

Explore proven floor plans and table arrangements designed for real venues. Choose a layout matching your guest count and archetype, or customize any template directly in our interactive seating builder.

✦ Free guest-list starter

No guest list yet? Start it here.

Download a free guest-list starter for Excel or CSV. It has the seven columns SeatCanvas reads (name, invite group, side, relationship, diet, drinks and mobility needs) plus four example guests that show the format.

Replace the example guests with your own, and give everyone who shares an invitation the same invite group number. Then import the file into SeatCanvas and start seating.

Values each column accepts

Use these values so SeatCanvas sorts every guest correctly and the meal, drinks and accessibility totals in your PDF export add up. The Excel file lists them on its second sheet too.

Guest Name
Any name. Required.
Invite Group
A whole number: 1, 2, 3 and so on. Give everyone on the same invitation the same number. Text, such as a family name, stops the import.
Side
Side 1, Side 2, Joint. Side 1 and Side 2 are the two partners. Use these exact words: other text usually imports as Joint.
Relationship
Father, Mother, Sibling, Grandparent, Aunt/Uncle, Cousin, Friend, Coworker, Acquaintance, Other. Use these exact words: other text can import as Other or as the wrong relationship (for example, Brother imports as Other and Grandmother as Mother).
Dietary Restrictions
None, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, No Nuts, No Shellfish, No Dairy, Halal, Kosher, Specified in Notes. Leave it blank if there is none. For any other need, write Specified in Notes and add the detail in the planner: other text imports as Specified in Notes and the text itself is not kept.
Drinks Alcohol
Yes, No. Leave it blank if you do not know. Any other text, even N/A, imports as Yes.
Mobility Needs
None, Wheelchair. Leave it blank or write None if there is none. For any other need, describe it in a few words (for example, Uses a cane): SeatCanvas keeps your words in the guest's notes and lists the guest under Specified in Notes.

Import on a computer: open the planner, choose Guide me through it, pick your event type, then choose Yes, I have a list. Used the planner before? Open the menu next to your project name and choose Guest Setup Wizard.

Open the planner to import your list

How to Choose the Ideal Seating Layout

Floor plan architecture sets the rhythm of your entire reception. When evaluating layouts, always start from these three spatial foundations:

  • Aisle Clearance & Service Corridors: Keep at least 5 to 6 feet between banquet tables to accommodate both seated guests and moving catering staff.
  • Focal Point Sightlines: Position the head table or sweetheart table with an unobstructed view of the dance floor, cake cutting station, and audio speakers.
  • Traffic Buffers: Ensure restrooms, bar stations, and buffet lines have generous queuing areas that do not crowd seated guests.

Ready to map your own room? Use our drag-and-drop seating builder or upload your guest list with our Excel & CSV guest import.

Plan Your Event Seating Visually

Seat up to 40 guests for free. Upgrade to an Event Pass for unlimited guests and watermark-free exports.

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