The Best Man's Seat: Where Should He Be?

The best man is a key part of any wedding, but where they sit can vary depending on the preferences of the couple and the traditions of the culture in which the wedding is taking place. In some cultures, the top table is reserved for the happy couple, with the best man and maid of honour seated at a separate table with the rest of the wedding party. In other cultures, the top table includes the couple, the best man, and the maid of honour, with the rest of the wedding party seated at other tables. Some couples opt for a sweetheart table, where the newlyweds sit alone, while others prefer a family table, with the couple seated with their parents and siblings. Ultimately, the seating arrangement is up to the couple, and there is no right or wrong way to do it.

The best man sits at the head table with the groom and the maid of honour

The best man and maid of honour traditionally sit at the head table with the newlywed couple. The best man will usually be seated next to the groom, with the maid of honour next to the bride. The rest of the wedding party, including bridesmaids and groomsmen, will occupy the surrounding chairs.

This arrangement can be adapted to fit your personal preferences. For example, you may choose to include immediate family members or parents at the head table. If you don't have a wedding party, you can opt for a sweetheart table, which is a small, intimate table for just the couple. Alternatively, you could sit with your closest friends or immediate family at a head table.

The best man's partner may or may not sit at the head table

The best man's partner sitting at the head table or not is a matter of personal preference and there are several ways to approach this.

Traditionally, the best man and the maid of honour sit on either side of the couple at the head table. This is known as the 'party table' and is a common arrangement. However, this can be tricky if the best man's partner is a guest who doesn't know anyone else at the wedding. In this case, you have a few options. You could seat the best man's partner at a table near the top table, or at another table with people they might get on with. Alternatively, you could include them at the head table, but this may not be ideal if the table is already crowded.

Another option is to forgo the traditional head table altogether and instead opt for a 'sweetheart table', where just the couple sits together. This can be a nice way to create an intimate space for the couple to enjoy the celebration. If you choose this option, the best man and their partner can be seated at another table with friends or family.

Ultimately, the decision of where to seat the best man's partner is up to the couple and should be based on what they think will work best for their wedding. It's important to consider the comfort of guests and try to seat them with people they know or will get along with.

The best man walks down the aisle with the maid of honour

The best man and maid of honour walking down the aisle together is a cute idea, especially if they are married or in a relationship. However, it is more traditional for the best man to enter with the groom and for the maid of honour to enter alone.

There are many ways to organise the wedding party's entrance, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide. Here is one option:

• The best man and the groom enter together.
• The bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs.
• The maid of honour walks alone, right before the bride.
• The bride enters with her father or another family member.

For the seating arrangement, it is customary for the best man and maid of honour to be seated next to the newlyweds at the head table during the reception. This arrangement typically includes the wedding party but can also include immediate family members or close friends. If the couple chooses to forgo a head table, they can opt for a sweetheart table, creating an intimate space for just the two of them.

The best man stands with the groom at the altar

The best man is a key part of the wedding party and plays an important role in supporting the groom on the big day. Traditionally, the best man stands with the groom at the altar during the ceremony, symbolising the groom's honour and respect for his friend.

The best man is often one of the groom's closest friends or family members and is chosen for his loyalty, dependability, and ability to offer support and guidance to the groom. By standing with the groom at the altar, the best man provides a sense of comfort and camaraderie during this important life event.

During the ceremony, the best man may also have specific duties, such as holding the wedding rings, signing the marriage certificate as a witness, and delivering a speech during the reception. Having the best man stand with the groom ensures that he is readily available to fulfil these responsibilities.

In addition to the traditional role of standing with the groom, the best man may also walk down the aisle with the maid of honour, who is typically the bride's closest friend or sister. This pairing creates a sense of balance and unity between the wedding party and can make for a memorable entrance during the processional.

While traditions may vary across cultures and personal preferences, having the best man stand with the groom at the altar is a long-standing custom that symbolises the strength of their friendship and the importance of their bond on this special day.

The best man sits at the top table with the couple and their parents

The best man traditionally sits at the top table with the married couple and their parents. The maid of honour also joins them, sitting on the other side of the couple, with the best man by the groom and the maid of honour next to the bride. This is known as the 'party table' arrangement.

However, there are other options for the top table. One is to have just the married couple, another is to have the couple with their parents, and a third is to have the couple with their closest friends.

The top table is usually distinguished from the other tables with a floral arrangement or distinct centrepiece.

Frequently asked questions