Who Sits Where: Top Table Etiquette For The Best Man

The top table at a wedding is traditionally reserved for the wedding party, with the best man and maid of honour seated next to the couple. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and couples can choose to deviate from tradition and include their parents or the wedding party's plus-ones at the head table. While it is not customary for the best man's wife to be seated at the top table, some couples opt to include her to avoid any discomfort, especially if she doesn't know anyone else at the wedding. Ultimately, the seating arrangement is a personal choice, and couples can decide what works best for them and their guests.

The best man's wife is not part of the wedding party

The top table is considered an honorary placement, showing a person's importance in the room. While the couple can choose how to organise their reception, the newlyweds traditionally sit with their wedding party at a head table. The best man and maid of honour are usually seated next to the couple, with the rest of the wedding party occupying the surrounding chairs.

If the best man's wife is not part of the wedding party, she can still be treated as a good friend. She can be seated with people she knows and introduced to other guests ahead of time, for example at a bridal shower or bachelorette party. The best man can also join his wife at her table after the dinner, toasts and bridal party dance.

The best man's wife can be seated with people she knows

The best man's wife sitting at the top table is not traditional, as the top table is usually reserved for the wedding party only. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to seating arrangements, and the couple can choose to seat the best man's wife at the top table if they wish.

If the best man's wife is not seated at the top table, it is important to be a good host and ensure she feels included. One way to do this is to seat her with people she knows so she can enjoy the dinner and the wedding as a whole. This could be people of a similar age or from the same town, for example. It may also be a good idea for her to attend pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower or bachelorette party, so she can get to know some of the family or friends of the bride and groom beforehand.

Additionally, the best man can join his wife at her table after the dinner, toasts, and bridal party dance. It is also worth noting that some couples opt for a sweetheart table, where only the newlyweds sit together, or forgo a head table altogether and simply sit at a regular guest table.

The best man can join his wife at her table after the dinner

The best man's wife is not typically considered part of the wedding party and, therefore, would not usually be seated at the top table. However, there is no fixed rule, and some couples choose to include plus-ones at the head table.

If the best man's wife doesn't know many people at the wedding, it's a thoughtful idea to seat her with people she may have something in common with. The couple could also invite her to any pre-wedding events, such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party, so she can get to know some of the family and friends of the bride and groom.

After the dinner, toasting, and bridal party dance, the best man can join his wife at her table. Even if she is not part of the wedding party, she should be treated like a good friend.

The best man's wife can attend a bridal shower or bachelorette party

A bridal shower is a more sophisticated and gentle gathering, usually held during the day and closer to the wedding date. It often involves gift-giving, family-friendly games, and light refreshments. The guest list is typically larger and includes family members, close friends, and coworkers.

On the other hand, a bachelorette party is a more spirited and raucous event, often involving drinking, partying, and naughty games. It is usually held a few months before the wedding and can span an entire weekend. The guest list is smaller and reserved for the wedding party and a few close friends.

While the best man's wife may not be included in the typical guest list for a bachelorette party, there are no strict rules prohibiting her attendance. It is ultimately up to the bride and the organizer of the event to decide. If the best man's wife is invited, it would be essential to consider her comfort and ensure she knows at least a few people at the party.

In terms of seating arrangements at the wedding, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people stick to the tradition of having the best man and maid of honor (or bridesmaids) at the top table with the bride and groom. Others opt for a sweetheart table, including only the newlywed couple, while the bridal party and their partners host separate tables. It is essential to consider the dynamics of the group and make decisions that ensure everyone's comfort and enjoyment.

The bride and groom can opt for a sweetheart table

A sweetheart table allows the couple to be more approachable to guests who can come up and say hello without having to navigate past the wedding party. It also creates a cost-effective focal point for the room, providing an opportunity to get creative with spectacular seating arrangements, such as candles, flowers, and twinkling fairy lights.

However, it's important to consider that a sweetheart table may result in less quality time with loved ones, as part of the magic of a wedding day is sharing these moments with those closest to you. Additionally, all eyes will be on the couple, and some may feel uncomfortable being in the spotlight.

For those who prefer a more traditional setup, the top table typically includes the newlyweds, their parents, the best man, and the maid of honour. It's worth noting that seating arrangements can be flexible, and ultimately, the decision rests with the couple.

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