Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding where everyone will sit. The bridal table, or head table, is typically located centrally, allowing the newlyweds to look out at their family and friends. Traditionally, the bride and groom sit in the middle, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen filling the rest of the table. However, this can vary depending on the size of the bridal party and whether partners are included. So, where do bridesmaids sit?
Characteristics | Values |
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Where do bridesmaids sit during the ceremony? | Traditionally, bridesmaids don't sit during the ceremony but stand next to the bride and groom. However, in Catholic ceremonies, bridesmaids sit for the readings and mass. |
Who stands at the altar during the wedding ceremony? | The wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers, stand at the altar with the couple. |
Where do bridesmaids line up during the ceremony? | Bridesmaids usually line up behind the bride on the left, with groomsmen and the groom's attendants on the right. However, some couples opt to switch sides so that the bride and groom can look at their respective crews for emotional support. |
How do bridesmaids and groomsmen enter the ceremony? | There are several ways, including: paired and splitting off at the front; groomsmen entering first, followed by bridesmaids; groomsmen and bridesmaids entering individually; and groomsmen entering and standing in reverse order, meeting bridesmaids halfway down the aisle. |
Where do bridesmaids sit at the reception? | Bridesmaids usually sit at the "head table" or "bridal table" with the bride and groom and the rest of the bridal party. |
What You'll Learn
- Bridesmaids traditionally stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony
- In the UK, bridesmaids sit in the first row on the left side of the bride
- In the US, bridesmaids stand throughout the ceremony
- At the reception, the bridal table is usually centrally located
- The bride and groom sit in the middle of the bridal table
Bridesmaids traditionally stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony
For example, it is traditional for the bridal party to stand with the couple at the altar, though it is optional for the flower girl and ring bearer to stand. The youngest attendants may sit in the front row, and at Jewish weddings, the couple's parents stand with them under the chuppah. In non-Jewish weddings, the parents of the couple usually sit in the front row. Ushers also do not typically stand at the altar, but sit in one of the first rows.
The order in which the wedding party lines up at the altar is up to the couple, but there are some conventions. For example, the first bridesmaid coming down the aisle will usually begin the line farthest away from the altar or chuppah, with the maid of honour coming in last, next to the bride. The wedding party will then enter, with those standing furthest from the couple entering first.
In terms of where the bridal party sits during the reception, the "head table" is usually centrally located, with the bride and groom sitting in the middle. The best man and maid of honour may be seated next to the bride and groom, or the table may be organised with the groomsmen and bridesmaids on opposite sides of the couple.
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In the UK, bridesmaids sit in the first row on the left side of the bride
In the UK, the bride takes her usher's right arm and holds her bouquet in her left hand as she walks down the aisle. The bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys then get into their positions behind the bride in pairs, with the youngest at the back. Once at the front, the bridesmaids sit on the left side of the bride in the first row.
The seating arrangement for the rest of the wedding party depends on the type of ceremony. In a traditional Christian heterosexual wedding, the bride's parents sit in the first row on the left side of the aisle, while the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right. In a Jewish wedding, this formation is reversed, with the bride's family on the right and the groom's family on the left. In some Jewish Orthodox and Muslim wedding ceremonies, attendees are even divided by gender.
The wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and their partners, are usually seated at the table closest to the top table (or sweetheart table). The top table is typically a long, rectangular table with seats on one side, where the bride and groom sit together in the middle. The maid of honour sits to the left of the groom's father, and the best man sits to the right of the bride's mother.
While there is no one "right" way to arrange your wedding seating, these are some of the traditions that UK weddings tend to follow.
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In the US, bridesmaids stand throughout the ceremony
In the US, bridesmaids typically stand throughout the wedding ceremony, forming rows next to the bride and groom. The first bridesmaid usually starts the line farthest from the altar, with the maid of honour taking her place next to the bride. This tradition is not limited to bridesmaids, as the entire wedding party, including groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers, stands with the couple.
However, there are exceptions to this tradition. In Catholic ceremonies, for example, the bridal party sits during the readings and mass. In Jewish weddings, the couple's parents stand with them under the chuppah, while in non-Jewish weddings, the parents usually sit in the front row. Additionally, the flower girl and ring bearer's participation in standing with the wedding party is optional, and they may sit in the front row instead.
The seating arrangements for the bridal party during the reception also vary. The "head table" or "bridal table" is typically centrally located, with the bride and groom seated in the middle. The remaining seats at this table can be filled by the bridal party, with options for a male/female pattern or separate sides for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. However, these traditions can be scrapped for non-traditional arrangements, especially in the case of same-sex couples.
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At the reception, the bridal table is usually centrally located
At the reception, the bridal table, or head table, is usually centrally located. This allows the newlyweds to look out at their family and friends. The table is often at the top of the room or in the middle of the guest tables, depending on the venue and floor plan. The bride and groom sit in the middle of the table, with the bride seated to the groom's right. The rest of the table is filled with the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
There are a few options for seating arrangements. One is to opt for a male/female pattern, with the best man seated next to the bride, and the maid of honour next to the groom. Another option is to have the groomsmen on one side with the groom, and the bridesmaids on the other with the bride. For same-sex couples or non-traditional bridal parties, the seating can be arranged as desired.
If the wedding party is small, the bridal party's partners may also be included at the head table, or the couple may choose to sit amongst their family and friends. The bridal party may also be seated in the front row during the ceremony, particularly if it is a long ceremony or a Catholic ceremony.
There are several ways the bridal party can enter the ceremony. One way is for the groom to walk down first with his parents and stand at the front, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids entering in pairs. Another way is for all the groomsmen to enter first, walking around the sides and standing at the front, and then the bridesmaids enter one by one. A third option is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to enter one by one. The last way is for the groomsmen to enter and stand in reverse order at the front, and then each groomsman meets a bridesmaid and escorts her to the front.
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The bride and groom sit in the middle of the bridal table
The bride and groom are the stars of the show at any wedding, and their seating is of utmost importance. The bridal table, or head table, is usually centrally located, allowing the newlyweds to look out at their family and friends. The happy couple traditionally sits in the middle of this table, with the bride seated to the groom's right.
The bridal table is often at the top of the room or in the middle of the guest tables, depending on the venue and floor plan. The seating arrangements can vary depending on the size of the bridal party and the couple's preferences. One option is to seat the best man next to the bride and the maid of honour next to the groom, creating a male/female pattern. Alternatively, the groomsmen can be seated on the groom's side, and the bridesmaids on the bride's side.
For smaller wedding parties, the couple may choose to include the bridal party's partners at the head table or even invite their parents to join them. Same-sex couples or those with non-traditional bridal parties can also customise the seating arrangement to suit their needs.
During the ceremony, the bridal party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers, traditionally stand beside the couple at the altar. In some traditions, like Catholic ceremonies, the bridal party may sit during certain parts of the ceremony, such as the readings and mass. In Jewish weddings, the couple's parents stand with them under the chuppah, while in non-Jewish weddings, the parents usually sit in the front row.
There are several ways to line up the bridal party at the altar. One option is to arrange them by height, with the shortest to the tallest or tallest to the shortest, except for the maid of honour and best man, who typically stand next to the couple. Another option is to arrange them by their relationship to the couple, with siblings and siblings-in-law followed by cousins and best friends. The bridal party can also be lined up based on how long they have known the couple, with the oldest friends on the outside and the newest friends closest to the couple.
The entrance of the bridal party can also vary. One option is for the groom to walk down first with his parents, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids, who split off at the front. Another option is for the groomsmen to enter first, followed by the bridesmaids. A third option is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to enter individually and meet halfway down the aisle. The final option, more common in churches, involves the groomsmen entering and standing in reverse order at the front, and then linking arms with the bridesmaids as they walk down the aisle.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the bridesmaids do not sit next to the DJ. Traditionally, the bridesmaids (and the rest of the bridal party) stand during the ceremony, forming rows next to the bride and groom.
During the reception, the bridal party sits at the "head table" or "bridal table." The bride and groom sit in the middle, with the bride seated to the groom's right. The best man can be seated next to the bride, and the maid of honour next to the groom. Alternatively, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can sit on either side of the bride and groom.
No, they don't. While traditionally, the bridal party stands next to the couple during the ceremony, there may be points during the event when they will want to sit down. For example, during Catholic ceremonies, the bridal party sits during the readings and mass.