The seating plan for a wedding can be a tricky affair, especially when it comes to the wedding party. The top table or head table is usually reserved for the wedding party and is laid out with seats down one side. Traditionally, the groom sits to the right of the bride, with places alternating between male and female. However, this can be a sensitive issue, especially when dealing with divorced or remarried parents.
When it comes to the bridesmaids, there are a few options. Some brides opt to have their bridesmaids seated in the front row during the ceremony, either with the family or the ushers and groomsmen. Others prefer to have their bridesmaids standing by their side during the ceremony, showing their support. This is more common in American weddings, where the maid of honour holds the bride's bouquet and the groom's ring. Ultimately, the decision of where the bridesmaids sit is up to the couple, and it is often a good idea to have a rehearsal to ensure everyone knows where to go.
What You'll Learn
Bridesmaids sit in the front row
Bridesmaids traditionally sit in the front row with the bride and her father, and the groom and his best man. The front row is reserved for the wedding party and the couple's immediate family. The bridesmaids sit on the bride's side, while the best man and ushers sit on the groom's side.
The wedding party is usually seated at a long table with seats down one side, known as the 'top table' or 'head table'. The groom sits to the right of the bride, and places alternate male-female. It is also common to have the bride and groom at their own table, known as a "sweetheart table".
The bridesmaids play an important role in the wedding ceremony, supporting the bride and taking part in the planning and execution of the event. They walk down the aisle ahead of the bride and may help with her dress and flowers before taking their seats.
The seating arrangement for the wedding party and family members can be a sensitive issue, especially in cases of divorce or remarriage. It is important to resolve any potential issues well in advance of the wedding day and consider the comfort and visibility of all guests.
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They sit to the left of the bride
The wedding party is usually seated at a long table with seats down one side, known as the 'top table' or 'head table'. The groom traditionally sits to the right of the bride, and places alternate male-female. However, there are no hard and fast rules, and couples should do what feels right for them. For example, it is becoming fashionable to have a 'sweetheart table', where the bride and groom sit alone.
The bridesmaids, as part of the wedding party, will usually be seated at the top table. Traditionally, the bridesmaids sit to the left of the bride, with the groomsmen sitting to the right of the groom. This means that the bridesmaids and groomsmen are sitting opposite each other.
There are a few different options for where the bridesmaids sit during the ceremony. One option is for them to sit in the front row, on the bride's side. Another option is for them to stand next to the bride during the ceremony, and then sit down during the service. If there are ushers, they may also stand at the back of the ceremony room, as they are often responsible for showing guests to their seats.
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They stand and wait for the bride to arrive
While there are no fixed rules about where the bridesmaids should be before the bride arrives, they usually stand or sit near the front. In a traditional wedding setup, the bridesmaids will walk down the aisle ahead of the bride and then go to one side, either sitting or standing, and wait for the bride to arrive. This is done so that they can easily participate in the recessional and be close to the bride to help with her dress, flowers, or veil.
If the bridesmaids are standing, they should be mindful of not obscuring the guests' view of the bride. It is also common for the bridesmaids to sit in the front row, usually on the bride's side, with the groomsmen on the opposite side. This ensures that they are still close to the bride and can quickly take their place beside her when needed.
Ultimately, the decision of where the bridesmaids stand or sit while waiting for the bride is a personal one and can be discussed during the wedding rehearsal. It is important to ensure that the chosen setup does not cause any discomfort or obstruction for the guests or the wedding party.
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They sit with other guests in the front row
Bridesmaids traditionally sit in the front row with the bride's family on her side of the aisle. This is usually alongside the bride's father and mother (if the bride wants her mother seated in the front row). The bridesmaids sit with other members of the wedding party, such as the best man and ushers, and they sit opposite the groom and his family.
The front row is reserved for those walking down the aisle, including the father of the bride, the bridesmaids, the page boy, the best man, and sometimes the ushers. The bridesmaids walk down the aisle ahead of the bride and then take their seats.
The wedding party is usually seated at a long table with seats down one side, known as the 'top table' or 'head table'. The groom sits to the right of the bride, and places alternate male-female. The top table is usually reserved for the wedding party only, with partners seated at other tables.
However, there is no one way to organise seating, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide where they would like their wedding party to sit.
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They sit on the 'top table' or 'head table'
The wedding party is usually seated at a long table with seats down one side, often referred to as the 'top table' or 'head table'. The top table is a great way to ensure the bridal party is involved in the celebrations and feels important. It is also a good way to bypass any issues regarding seating arrangements, especially if the parents of the bride or groom have divorced and remarried.
The top table is usually reserved for the bridal party, with the groom sitting to the right of the bride, and places alternating between male and female. This means that the bridesmaids, as part of the bridal party, will sit at the top table. It is also traditional for the best man and chief bridesmaid's partners to sit at other tables.
However, there are no rules when it comes to your wedding, and you can choose to have a 'sweetheart table' where only the bride and groom sit together, or no top table at all, instead choosing to have two free seats at each table so you can mingle with your guests.
The top table is usually located at the front, with the bridesmaids sitting in the front row. This means they can easily participate in the recessional and support the bride as she walks down the aisle.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridesmaids traditionally sit in the first row during the ceremony, on the left side of the bride. However, in some cases, they may stand throughout the ceremony, particularly in American-style weddings.
Yes, you can change the seating arrangement to suit your preferences. For example, you could skip the processional and have everyone arrive through side entrances, or have the bridesmaids enter first and stand for the duration of the ceremony.
When sitting, bridesmaids can pass their bouquets to the maid of honour or another bridesmaid to hold.
The bridesmaids traditionally sit in the first row, with the bride and groom's parents and immediate family.
The wedding processional is the start of the wedding day. It involves the entrance of the officiant, the groom (with the best man), and then the bride, accompanied by her bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys.