Wedding Party Seating: Who Sits With Their Dates?

There are a few options for seating the wedding party and their dates. One option is to have a sweetheart table for just the couple and then seat the wedding party with their dates at nearby tables. Another option is to have a head table for the wedding party and their dates, although this can get crowded if there are a lot of people in the wedding party. A third option is to have a king's table, which is a large table with seating on all sides, for the wedding party, their dates, and sometimes the couple as well. Ultimately, the decision of where to seat the wedding party and their dates is up to the couple, but it is important to consider the comfort and enjoyment of the wedding party and their dates when making this decision.

Sweetheart table for the couple, with the wedding party sitting with their dates at other tables

A sweetheart table is a small table set up for the newlyweds at the wedding reception. The couple sits together facing their guests, with their wedding party and families at tables in close proximity. This setup allows the couple to spend some quality time together and enjoy their meal in peace. It also provides an opportunity for the wedding party to sit with their dates and mingle with each other more easily.

Advantages

• Intimate moment: The wedding day is a whirlwind, and a sweetheart table allows the couple to enjoy a rare, private moment together.
• Better photo opportunities: With a sweetheart table, couples can get creative with their decorations, making it a beautiful focal point for the reception and providing excellent photo opportunities.
• Less intimidating for guests: With just the couple at the sweetheart table, guests may feel more comfortable approaching them.
• Breathing and eating space: The couple gets a rare chance to enjoy a meal and a quiet moment alone, which is especially important if they have been interacting with out-of-town guests.
• Wedding party can sit with their dates: The bridal party and groomsmen can sit with their partners, avoiding the awkwardness of separating couples.
• Makes mingling easier: The bridal party won't be lined up at a long head table, making it easier for them to converse and mingle with each other and their dates.
• Decorating opportunities: The small size of a sweetheart table allows for more creative decorating options, such as using a backdrop from the ceremony or opting for a loveseat instead of standard chairs.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

Potential Disadvantages

• Perceived as snobbish: Sitting separately might give the impression of 'holding court', especially if the couple doesn't interact with guests after the meal.
• Feeling of isolation: The couple might feel physically separated from their guests and miss out on spending time with friends and family.
• All eyes on the couple: The sweetheart table gives the couple added attention as they can't blend into the crowd as easily.

Ultimately, the decision to have a sweetheart table or not depends on the couple's preferences and what fits best with their wedding theme and venue. It's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed choice.

King's table for the couple, wedding party and their dates

A King's Table is a great option for couples who want to sit with their wedding party and their dates. This setup involves a large rectangular table that sits in the middle of the room, accommodating the newlyweds, their wedding party, and their plus ones. It allows everyone to sit together and have open conversations, making it a more inclusive and fun option than a traditional head table or sweetheart table.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the size of the table can be a challenge, as it requires multiple tables to create a very large one, and may not be feasible for smaller venues. Secondly, while it fosters conversation among the wedding party and their dates, it might make it more difficult for the photographer to get clear shots of just the couple.

Some couples opt for a sweetheart table for just the two of them, with the wedding party and their dates seated at nearby tables. This can be a good compromise, allowing the couple some private time while also keeping the wedding party and their dates close by.

Ultimately, the decision depends on the couple's preferences, the dynamics of their wedding party, and the layout of the venue. It's important to consider the pros and cons of each seating arrangement to ensure that everyone, including the couple, the wedding party, and their dates, has an enjoyable experience.

Head table for the couple, wedding party and their dates

There are a few options for how to arrange your head table, and it's worth considering what will make your wedding party and their dates most comfortable. Traditionally, the head table is for the couple, the wedding party, and their dates, but this can create a very large table. If you have a large wedding party, you could consider a sweetheart table for just the couple, with the wedding party and their dates seated at other tables. Alternatively, you could have a head table for the couple, wedding party, and their dates, with seating on all four sides, or a long rectangular table. If your table is large, you could also seat the wedding party and their dates at tables close to the head table.

It's worth noting that separating couples is generally considered outdated and rude, and can make for an uncomfortable evening for those who don't know anyone else at the wedding. If you do decide to separate couples, it's a good idea to seat dates with people they know well, or other dates, so that they have company they're comfortable with.

Sweetheart table for the couple, with the wedding party and their dates sitting at tables nearby

A sweetheart table is a small table set up for the newlyweds at the wedding reception. The couple sits together facing their guests, with their wedding party and families at tables in close proximity. This arrangement allows the couple to spend some quality time together and enjoy their meal in peace. It also makes it easier for wedding guests to spot the couple from their tables.

• Consider the venue and theme: If your wedding has a particular theme or colour palette, incorporate those elements into the sweetheart table design. For example, a rustic wedding could feature a wooden sweetheart table with natural elements like roped chairs and a blue-and-white tablescape for an ocean-inspired look.
• Add unique touches: Make your sweetheart table stand out by adding personal touches such as over-the-top blooms, stylish chairs, antique tables, or a wooden structure framed with blooms.
• Create a private yet accessible space: Position the sweetheart table away from guests but not too far that you can't watch the party unfold. You can also add a third chair for guests to come up and chat with the couple during the reception.
• Incorporate comfortable seating: Opt for a loveseat or peacock chairs to snuggle up and add a cosy touch to the sweetheart table.
• Enhance the table with decorations: Decorate the sweetheart table with flowers, candles, linen, and other decorative items that match your wedding theme. You can also add a backdrop, such as an oversized greenery wreath, cherry blossom trees, or a custom neon sign.
• Include the wedding party: If you wish to include your wedding party at the sweetheart table, consider a U-shaped or long rectangular table with the couple in the centre. This allows the couple to have some intimate time while still being close to their wedding party.

Head table for the couple, with the wedding party sitting separately and their dates sitting together at a different table

The wedding couple can choose to sit with their wedding party at a head table, or opt for a sweetheart table for just the two of them. If they go for the former, the best man and maid of honour will usually sit either side of the couple, with the rest of the wedding party filling the remaining seats.

However, if the wedding party is large, this can result in a very crowded head table. In this case, the couple may prefer to sit separately from their wedding party, who can be seated with their dates at another table. This is also a good option if the wedding party members' dates don't know many other people at the wedding, as it can be awkward to be separated from your partner and left alone for a long period of time.

If the couple does choose to sit with their wedding party, it is now common to also include the wedding party members' dates at the head table. However, if this would make the table too large, the couple may prefer to sit at a sweetheart table, or at a head table with only immediate family members.

Frequently asked questions