Who Sits At The Head Table: Wedding Party Dates Or Not?

There are a few options for who sits at the head table during a wedding reception. One option is to have just the bride and groom, which is generally referred to as a sweetheart table. Another option is to have the couple sit with the maid of honour and best man, or to include their significant others as well. A third option is to invite the entire bridal party to sit at the head table, which works well if everyone knows each other. If not, the bridal party can sit at another table with their partners. A fourth option is to have the couple sit with both sets of parents and siblings.

Sweetheart table: a small table for just the newlyweds

A sweetheart table is a small table designated solely for the newlyweds at their wedding reception. It offers a chance for the couple to share an intimate moment and enjoy some privacy and alone time during a whirlwind event. The couple sits on the same side of the table, facing the rest of the room, and can whisper sweet nothings to each other while taking in all the excitement of their special day.

Sweetheart tables are a great way to ensure the newlyweds get to connect and enjoy a meal together without distractions. They can be styled and decorated in numerous ways to match the wedding's theme and the couple's personalities. For example, an outdoor or rustic wedding might feature a bare wood table with green and white florals and cross-back chairs. A bold and modern wedding could feature a chartreuse table with trailing ribbons on the chairs.

Sweetheart tables can also be dressed up with unique chairs, floral wreaths, or an eye-catching backdrop. They can be complemented with stylish seating, such as a loveseat or antique chairs, and accented with special touches like baby's breath wreaths on the backs of the chairs.

Overall, a sweetheart table is a wonderful way for the newlyweds to savour a few precious moments of connection and intimacy during their busy wedding reception.

Honouring family: the couple sit with their parents, siblings and their partners

Honouring family is a beautiful way to celebrate your wedding day. Here are some ideas for including your parents, siblings and their partners at the head table:

Seating Arrangements

The traditional "head table" is reserved for the couple and key members of the wedding party, but modern weddings often see a variety of configurations, reflecting personal preferences and family dynamics. If you want to honour your family, consider seating them at the head table with you. This could be a long banquet table, a U-shaped table, or a round table with an open space opposite the couple's seats to encourage interaction with guests.

Honouring Parents

It is customary to honour parents with prime seating, either at the head table or at adjacent tables, allowing them to fully engage in the celebration. You could also incorporate special touches to honour your parents, such as wearing a piece of their clothing, jewellery, or fabric from their wedding dress wrapped around your bouquet.

Honouring Siblings and Their Partners

If you want to include your siblings and their partners at the head table, consider the number of people this will involve and the space available. A long banquet table or U-shaped table can accommodate more guests. You could also consider a sweetheart table, which is a smaller, intimate table just for the couple, with the siblings and their partners seated at adjacent tables.

Creating a Memorial Display

If you have lost a family member, you can still honour them at your wedding. Create a memorial display at the head table with a small sign, a memento, or a flower. You could also incorporate their favourite flowers into your bouquet or wear their favourite scent. Another idea is to set up a memorial table with photos, candles, and mementos to honour those who cannot be with you.

Renaissance table: the couple, wedding party and their dates

A Renaissance table is a great option for couples who want to sit with their wedding party and their dates. This option allows the couple to be surrounded by their nearest and dearest while also honouring their relationships.

A Renaissance table is a unique take on the traditional head table. The head table is usually a long, grand table that is central to the reception layout and typically provides seating for the couple and their wedding party. However, a Renaissance table expands on this idea by including the wedding party's dates as well. This can create a more energetic and fun atmosphere as the large group interacts and celebrates together.

By including the wedding party and their dates at the head table, the couple is sending a message that they respect and honour the relationships of their wedding party. It also ensures that no one is left out or feels isolated during the reception. This option is especially ideal if the wedding party's dates do not know many other people at the wedding.

If the couple prefers a more intimate setting, they can opt for a sweetheart table, which is a smaller table just for the two of them. This option provides the couple with some private time and a chance to take in the wedding excitement together. Alternatively, they can choose to sit with their honour attendants (maid of honour and best man) and their dates, creating a four-person table.

Ultimately, the decision of who sits at the head table is up to the couple, and they should choose what feels like the best way to celebrate their wedding VIPs.

King's table: the couple, wedding party, their dates and sometimes family

A King's Table is a great option for couples who want to sit with their wedding party, their dates and sometimes family. This option is perfect for those who want a large table as the focal point of the room. It is a break from tradition, where the wedding party's dates would be seated elsewhere, which can be uncomfortable if they don't know many other guests.

The King's Table can be set up in the centre of the room or at the head, and can include the couple, their wedding party, dates and even parents and siblings. This option is a good way to ensure your wedding party and their dates enjoy their dinner and have fun. It also means that the couple doesn't have to be the centre of attention, as they would with a sweetheart table.

The King's Table can be set up with seating on all four sides, or just one, depending on the couple's preference and the dynamic of the group. It is a good way to ensure that everyone is included and feels part of the celebration.

The couple can also choose to sit with their honour attendants and their dates at a four-person table, or opt for a more intimate sweetheart table, just the two of them.

Separate tables: the couple sit alone, and the wedding party sit with their dates at other tables

There are many different ways to arrange seating at a wedding, and the couple should choose the option that works best for them and their wedding party. One option is to have separate tables, with the couple sitting alone at a sweetheart table and the wedding party sitting with their dates at other tables. This can be a more intimate option for the couple and allow the wedding party to enjoy the reception with their loved ones. It can also be a good choice if the wedding party is large and would not all fit at one table.

However, some people believe that the wedding party should be seated at the head table with the couple as a way to honour their special role in the wedding. If the couple chooses this option, it is now common to also include the wedding party's dates at the head table. This can make the wedding party feel more included in the celebration and ensure they can enjoy their dinner with their loved ones.

If the couple does not want a head table, they can choose to have a sweetheart table and seat the wedding party with their dates at nearby tables. This way, the wedding party is still close to the couple but can also enjoy the company of their dates. Ultimately, the couple should do what feels right for them and communicate their decision to the wedding party ahead of time.

Frequently asked questions