SEATING

PROTOCOL
Reporter: Balondo, Marianne Shyne C.
 SEATING PROTOCOL
The most simple approach to follow:

 Host and co-host – OPPOSITE each other.

 Guest of honor – to the host’s RIGHT.

 Second highest-ranking guest – to the co-host’s

RIGHT.
 From there, seat in ranking order, alternating on
either side of the host and co-host.
 Be mindful of balancing men/women, language
ability, overlapping interest, or expertise.
 On occasion, the best seating plan may
necessitate breaking protocol.
For example: informal events; seating guests
based on what they have in common, rather than
rank; speakers’ time constraints; principal’s
preference.
WEDDING SEATING ARRANGEMENT
FLAG PROTOCOL

ASEAN Flag
arrangement
FLAGS ON THE MEMBERS STATES,
ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.

When flags of many nations are flown the flag of the hosting
country should be placed on the right with the rest following in
alphabetical order in the language of the host country.
Spacing and Distance
 SPACING RECTANGLE TABLES
INCORPORATING A SERVICE AISLE

For the rows you would like to incorporate a

service aisle, the space needed in between rows is
66". This is 2 x 18" for the chairs, and 30" for the
service aisle. The picture below illustrates this.
HOW MUCH SPACE IS NEEDED BETWEEN
TABLES?

Minimum Space Between Rows of

Rectangle Tables
The picture above illustrates the minimum spacing needed
for rows of tables when a service aisle is not needed. 52"
from table to table. 18" is allowed for each chair, and 16" is
the minimum in between chairs
SPACE BETWEEN THE WALL

You should allow a

minimum of 48"
between the wall,
and the tables along
the wall. 18" from
the table to the
back of the seat,
and 30" from the
back of the seat to
the wall.
 ETIQUETTE ON GREETING FOREIGN
DIGNITARIES
Introductions and Address
 Stand up when you are introduced to someone.

 Handshakes are a common form of greeting in

many countries, but if you are uncertain, follow
the dignitary’s lead; if she expects to shake your
hand, she will extend hers.
 The standard formal response to
 an introduction
The standard formal in Englishtoisan
response “How
introduction
do youisdo?”
in English “How do you do?”
Foreign ambassadors may be
 Foreign ambassadors may be addressed as “Your
addressed as “Your Excellency,”
Excellency,” “Excellency,” “Mr. Ambassador” or
“Excellency,” “Mr. Ambassador” or
“Madam Ambassador,”
“Madam Ambassador
 Most heads of state and high-ranking officials
from Europe should also be addressed as “Your
Excellency.” For other positions, use the person’s
preferred royal, or professional title, as they were
introduced to you, but not the name;
 GIFTS
 Even something as simple as bringing a gift to
the host can be tricky. Many rituals and customs
often surround the meaning of gifts. The type,
color and number of flowers you bring, for
example, may have a hidden meaning.
Ex: In Italy, mums are funeral flowers; think
twice about bringing them to a dinner party. A
guest may be expected to bring a small gift, or it
may be better to bring nothing at all. Once again,
asking colleagues and co-workers about local
customs will be
 STAFFING RATIO
Cocktail Reception & Passed
Hors D’Ouevres
Sit Down Dinner
Stationary Food and Buffet
Dinners
Family Style(Dinner Service)
1 server for every 20-30 guests,
and one stationary bartender for
every 70 – 100 guests.
we recommend 1 server for every
10-12 guests. For dedicated wine
service, we recommend 1
bartender/wine steward for each
30-40 seated guests
1 server to every 20-30 guest
1 server for every 10-15 guests.
 VIP PROTOCOL CHECKLIST

1. Notify department Head,chair,dean,etc. as appropriate of

VIP’s visit.

22.Complete VIP guest notification form.

*Clearly indicate the purpose of the visit on the VIP Guest

Notification Form to ensure proper handling and
scheduling.

*Choose a point of contact from your department.

3.Consider and make necessary plans for:
-a campus tour
-meetings
-a lectures
-a luncheon
-a dinner
-a celebrity/welcome event

4.Coordinate guest’s itinerary with other appropriate

departments.
5.Determine who/which department will handle:
-transportation
-security plan
-escorting
-dinning
-lodging

6.Consider the following attributes of the VIP including:

-Culture
-Religious background
-Gifts
-Dietary preference
-Language needs
END