Where Should Bridesmaids Sit? Head Table Etiquette Explained

Planning a wedding seating chart is a difficult task, and figuring out where the bridal party should sit is a tricky part of it. There are several options for seating the bridesmaids and groomsmen. A sweetheart table, for example, is a small, intimate table for just the newlyweds, while a head table includes the wedding party and sometimes their plus-ones. Traditionally, the bride sits between the groom on her right and the best man on her left, with the maid of honour sitting to the groom's right. However, modern couples often ignore this tradition, instead opting to include significant others at the head table.

Bridesmaids traditionally sit on the bride's side of the table

There are many ways to organise a wedding head table, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide how they want to arrange their seating. While there is no official rule that newlyweds must have a wedding head table, it is a great way for them to connect with their wedding party and immediate family.

However, there are other options for seating arrangements. One option is to have a four-person table with just the newlyweds and their honour attendants. Another option is to have a large table as the focal point of the room, with the newlyweds and their entire wedding party seated together. This arrangement can also include the wedding party's plus-ones, though this was not traditionally done.

Groomsmen traditionally sit on the groom's side of the table

When it comes to wedding seating arrangements, there are no rules. It's up to the couple to decide where their guests are seated, and they can choose to follow tradition or not.

That said, tradition dictates that the bride and groom sit in the middle of the head table, with the bride seated to the groom's right. The best man and the maid of honor will typically be seated next to the couple, and the remaining seats are filled with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. In this traditional arrangement, the groomsmen would sit on the groom's side of the table.

However, there are many ways to arrange the seating, and it ultimately depends on the couple's preferences and the dynamics of their wedding party. For example, some couples choose to seat their wedding party in a male/female pattern, with the best man next to the bride and the maid of honor next to the groom. Others might opt for a gender-opposite pattern, seating their mixed-gender wedding party with groomsmen and bridesmaids sitting opposite each other.

If the couple has a large wedding party, they may choose to seat their attendants with the person they were paired with during the wedding processional, or they might opt for a separate table for the wedding party and their plus-ones, known as a "king's table."

In the end, the most important thing is that the couple is surrounded by their loved ones and that everyone enjoys the celebration.

The maid of honour sits to the groom's right

The wedding head table is also known as Table #1. The newlyweds typically sit in the middle of the table, with the bride seated on the groom's right side. The best man and maid of honour will usually be seated next to the couple, and the rest of the wedding party will occupy the surrounding chairs. This arrangement can be adjusted to fit personal preferences, for example, by including immediate family or parents at the table.

The head table can be adjusted to include the wedding party's plus-ones or dates, although this was not traditional in the past. One option is to have a king's table, a long rectangular table where the bridal party and their dates sit around the table facing one another. Another option is to have a sweetheart table, a small, intimate table for just the newlyweds, with the bridal party seated among the other guests.

The best man sits to the bride's left

The best man is traditionally seated to the left of the bride, with the maid of honour seated to the left of the groom. This arrangement is considered an honorary placement, showing the importance of the best man and the maid of honour.

The newlyweds are traditionally seated in the middle of the head table, with the bride on the groom's right side. The best man and the maid of honour are then seated next to the couple, with the rest of the wedding party occupying the surrounding chairs. This arrangement allows the couple to enjoy their dinner alongside their closest friends and family members.

However, the head table arrangement can be flexible and adapted to personal preferences. Some couples choose to include their entire wedding party at the head table, while others prefer a more intimate arrangement with only the honour attendants or a sweetheart table for just the newlyweds.

Ultimately, the seating arrangement at the head table is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong way to organise it. The most important consideration is ensuring that the people you want to spend the most time with during the reception are seated with you.

The newlyweds may opt for a sweetheart table instead

There are several pros to this arrangement. Firstly, it simplifies the seating plan by avoiding the stress of deciding who sits where at the head table, especially with big families or wedding parties. It also allows the wedding party to sit with their partners. Secondly, a sweetheart table gives the newlyweds some quality time together and a chance to enjoy their wedding meal in their own company. This can be a rare opportunity for the couple to enjoy an intimate moment alone during the busy wedding celebrations. Thirdly, a sweetheart table can create a cost-effective focal point for the room. Couples can get creative with their decorations, using candles, flowers, and twinkling fairy lights to make a spectacular seating arrangement that becomes a photo-worthy moment for their wedding album.

However, there are also some cons to consider. A sweetheart table might make the couple appear snobbish or exclusive, especially if they do not interact with guests after the meal. It might also make them feel isolated from their friends and family, so it is important to consider the placement of the table to facilitate interactions. Additionally, a sweetheart table means the couple will have less quality time with their loved ones, which may be a disadvantage if they don't get to see them very often. Finally, a sweetheart table puts the couple even more in the spotlight, which may be uncomfortable for those who prefer to blend into the crowd.

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