Auto-arrange tables and the starter layout

Dragging 20 tables into neat rows takes a while. Auto-arrange does it in one click, then you fine-tune by hand. It only moves tables. Guests stay at the tables they’re at.

Auto-arrange your tables

1. 1

   Unlock the layout

   On the Floor plan screen, Auto-arrange moves tables, so if the padlock (Lock layout) is on, click it to unlock.
2. 2

   Pick a pattern

   Open More (the three dots) in the toolbar, choose Auto-arrange and pick one of the patterns below.
3. 3

   Confirm

   You’ll see Auto-arrange tables? because it replaces your current table positions. Click Rearrange.

The patterns

• Head table on top: head tables and sweetheart tables go in a centred row across the top. Everything else fills a grid below.
• Head table centered: the head table goes in the middle of the arrangement and the other tables surround it on every side, closest spots first. Good for a sweetheart table in the middle of the room. With no head table, you get an even grid.
• Even grid: every table, head table included, in one even grid.
• Spaced rows: a grid with more room between tables, handy for wide walkways.

What auto-arrange respects

• Venue objects. Tables are placed around the dance floor, bar, stage and other objects, not on top of them. Text labels don’t count.
• Locked tables. A locked table stays exactly where it is, and the others are arranged around it. See lock a table’s position.
• Who sits where. Seating isn’t touched.

If the new arrangement needs more space, the floor grows to fit.

Where your first floor plan comes from

When you finish the setup wizard, Lovely Seating builds a starter floor plan from your answers: the number of tables, guests per table, the table shape, and a head table if you ticked Add a head table. It’s arranged the same way as Head table on top. See the setup wizard.

Starter layouts for new weddings and plans

When you create a wedding from your dashboard (Create a wedding), or add another seating plan to a wedding (New seating plan), you can choose what to Start with:

• Head table + 10 round tables
• Classic reception, with a dance floor, DJ, cake table, bar and gift table already placed
• Sweetheart & dance floor, with a stage, dance floor, photo booth and bar
• Grand ballroom (only when creating a wedding), with family tables, a kids’ table, band, buffet and more
• Ceremony (aisle seating), with chair sections either side of an aisle
• An empty room: Start from scratch or Empty room. A new plan can also be a copy of an existing one with Duplicate a plan.

Starter layouts are just a head start. Rename, move, add and delete anything.

Adding tables later

Once your room has tables, new ones from the rail’s Add several… or the Table list screen’s Add tables go in the open space below what’s already there. Your arrangement isn’t reshuffled. Run Auto-arrange if you want everything re-tidied.