Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding head table is a table where the newlyweds and some of their wedding VIPs, like their wedding party and their parents, sit during the reception. While it is not mandatory to have a head table, it is a centuries-old tradition. The head table is usually positioned facing the dance floor, giving the couple and their guests of honour front-row seats to any dances or toasts. However, some couples opt for a sweetheart table, which is a smaller table for just the newlyweds, allowing them to enjoy some intimate moments together during the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required? | No, it's optional. |
| Purpose | To allow the newlyweds to be surrounded by their wedding party and/or immediate family members. |
| Who sits there? | The newlyweds, their wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man, ushers), and sometimes their parents and other family members. |
| Plus-ones | Traditionally excluded, but modern couples may include them. |
| Alternatives | Sweetheart table (just the newlyweds), King's table (newlyweds and their wedding party with their plus-ones), or no special table at all. |
| Pros | Formal look, enhanced visibility, sense of camaraderie, intimate time with spouse. |
| Cons | May be too large for the venue, isolating for wedding party members in relationships, not intimate with spouse. |
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What You'll Learn
Sweetheart tables
A sweetheart table is a wedding table for just the newlyweds, offering them a bit of intimacy during the seated dinner. It can be a good option if you're in a tight spot with seating requests, such as when parents, siblings, and in-laws are all expecting to sit with you but don't get along. It also allows you to play into your wedding theme with flower arrangements, decorative linens, and more.
For a garden-inspired look, hang a fabric banner against a greenery wall and finish the decor with floral designs that mimic wildflowers. You could also position your sweetheart table away from guests, but not so far that you can't watch your party unfold. NKT Events placed the dance floor between the newlyweds' and guests' tables, creating a private experience for the couple without making them feel disconnected.
If you're looking for something more modern and minimalistic, consider an ethereal baby's breath arch that stands out against a black and white colour palette. Or, for a touch of sparkle, add a sequined tablecloth and a neon sign. You could even style your sweetheart table with seats that resemble thrones, like custom peacock chairs, for a royal feel.
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Head tables without plus-ones
While there is no requirement to have a head table at your wedding, it is a popular option. The head table is typically where the newlyweds and their wedding party sit during the reception. Traditionally, plus-ones have not been included at the head table, but this is changing.
If you want to have a head table but are concerned about excluding plus-ones, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could include plus-ones at the head table. This approach is becoming more popular, as couples want their wedding party to be surrounded by their loved ones. However, this option may not be feasible if you have a large wedding party, as the head table may become too big for the space. In this case, you could seat the wedding party and their plus-ones at tables near the dance floor, and opt for a smaller head table with just the newlyweds and their VIP attendants, such as the best man and maid of honour.
Another option is to forgo the head table altogether and instead have a sweetheart table, which is a small, intimate table for just the newlyweds. This option allows the wedding party to sit with their partners and friends, while still giving the newlyweds a special table of their own. Alternatively, you could simply sit at a regular guest table and do away with the idea of a sweetheart or head table.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a head table, and who to include, is up to you. Consider your priorities and what will make the most sense for your wedding.
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Head tables with plus-ones
While it's not mandatory to have a head table at your wedding, it is a tradition for the newlyweds to sit with their wedding party at a head table during the reception. This is considered an honorary placement, showcasing the importance of the people seated there. The best man and the maid of honour are usually seated next to the couple, with the rest of the wedding party occupying the surrounding chairs.
Now, when it comes to including plus-ones at the head table, there are a few things to consider. Traditionally, plus-ones have not been included at the head table. However, modern couples are increasingly choosing to add them, recognising that their wedding party members would appreciate being able to enjoy their dinner with their significant others. This is especially considerate if the plus-ones do not know many other people at the wedding.
If you have a large wedding party and want to include plus-ones, your head table may become quite big. In this case, you'll need to ensure you have the space for a large table without disrupting the layout and flow of the room. If space is an issue, you could consider seating the wedding party and their plus-ones at tables nearby, such as those closest to the dance floor, and opt for a smaller head table with just immediate family or a sweetheart table.
Alternatively, you could explore different head table configurations to accommodate plus-ones. For example, the U-shaped head table offers flexibility and can be adjusted to fit more people. The King Arthur Head Table, which involves doubling up on tables, also provides more space for additional guests. If you're set on the traditional head table layout, you can still include plus-ones by having them seated at the head table if their partner is one of the VIP wedding attendants, such as the maid of honour or best man.
Ultimately, the decision to include plus-ones at the head table is a personal one, and you should choose the option that makes the most sense for you and your wedding party.
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Head tables with family
There are no rules when it comes to where you and your partner sit at your wedding reception. If you don't want to have a head table, you can opt for a sweetheart table, creating an intimate space for just the two of you. You could also forgo the sweetheart table and sit at a regular guest table. Alternatively, you can have a head table with your closest friends and family members.
The head table is also known as Table #1 and is the heart of the room, so all your guests know where to find you and your partner. Traditionally, the newlyweds sit in the middle of the head table, with the bride on the groom's right side. The best man and maid of honour sit next to the couple, with the rest of the wedding party occupying the surrounding chairs.
If you have divorced or remarried parents, you may want to create a table for each parent, with their close loved ones seated with them. If everyone has a good relationship, a head table with your immediate family can be a perfect and meaningful choice.
If you have a large wedding party, you may not be able to fit everyone at the head table. In this case, you can opt for a larger table or choose to sit with just your VIP wedding attendants, such as the maid of honour and best man.
Ultimately, the decision of who sits at the head table is up to you and your partner. Consider who you want to spend the most time with during the reception and choose your tablemates accordingly.
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Forgoing a head table
Another option is to sit at a regular guest table, forgoing the idea of a sweetheart or head table altogether. This choice may be preferable for couples who want to spend their wedding reception surrounded by their loved ones and making sure they all enjoy the celebration.
Some couples may also choose to sit with their parents or siblings instead of having a head table. This option can be a fair way to ensure that all family members are included in the wedding celebrations. However, it may not be as enjoyable as sitting with the bridal party or close friends.
If a couple has a large bridal party, it may be challenging to fit everyone at the head table, especially if they want to include their plus-ones. In this case, the couple may opt for a king's table, which includes the couple, their party, and their party's dates. However, this option may not be feasible if the venue cannot accommodate a large table.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a head table at a wedding is a personal preference, and couples should choose the option that makes the most sense for them and their wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary to have a head table at your wedding. There are several alternatives, including a sweetheart table, a king's table, or simply sitting at a regular guest table.
The head table traditionally includes the newlyweds, their wedding party, and/or immediate family members. The best man and maid of honour are typically seated next to the couple.
A head table offers maximum visibility for guests, making it easier for everyone to see and interact with the couple. It also creates a sense of camaraderie between the couple and their wedding party.
The head table setup typically requires ample space and may not accommodate venues with limited capacity. It can also be challenging if members of the wedding party have partners or children, as they will be seated separately.
