Where Should I Sit, Anyway?
[4 minute read]
For many years, the Head Table was the traditional place for the Bride & Groom to sit at their wedding reception. With the Bride and Groom front and centre, bride’s attendants lined on her side and groom’s attendants lined on the other, and everyone on display to the guests, often up on risers with an elaborate background, large floral arrangements framing the table and the front of the table likely lined with lights, table skirting and other adornments. But in recent years we’ve seen other trends arising, have you thought about your options?
Head Table
+It’s tradition!
+It allows for the guests to all clearly see the Bride, Groom and every member of the Wedding Party
+/-Creates a barrier between those sitting at the table and the guests (again - pro or con!)
+Usually provides the largest area to decorate for couples that are looking to make a statement with this table
Models Kelsey and Mat sitting at a traditional head table (photo by Jenna Rachelle Photography)
King’s Table
I’ll never forget the first groom who asked, “Is it like the King’s Table from Game of Thrones?” Yup! The general idea is the same. The Bride and Groom sit at the head of the table with the bride’s attendants down one side and groom’s attendants down the other, but rather than everyone facing the guests, the attendants are all facing each other and the bride and groom are facing the guests. Sometimes a King’s Table will incorporate the couples’ parents and/or other important friends or family. We find couples really like this idea for a few reasons:
+Often we’ll execute this table with banquet (rectangle) tables placed double-wide which allows for a nice wide area to decorate. Since the attendants are facing each other rather than only being spread out on one side of the table, this means we actually have half the length of table to decorate, so it’s a budget saver!
+It makes it easier for your attendants to talk to each other and for you to talk to them as well.
+It’s easier to get creative with floor plans because it makes for a smaller table.
+/-Sitting at a head table makes the bride and groom more accessible to their guests - this can be a pro or con, depending on if you mind being disturbed during your meal or not!
+A head table can be more easily placed amongst your guest tables, which makes for a more intimate feel - you aren’t blocked off from your guests, and the guests tables can be placed beside the King’s table rather than just in front as is the case with a traditional Head Table
+You may not require as large of a backdrop for a King’s Table as you may only need to frame the Bride & Groom rather than the full length of the table
Kevin & Amanda’s King’s Table (photo by Nicole Anne Photography)
Sweetheart Table
A sweetheart table is one for just the Sweethearts - often our couples don’t get much time alone throughout the span of the day so the idea is to allow them to enjoy their first meal as husband and wife in peace together. Our couples like this idea for a few reasons:
+It allows the couple some intimate time together to regroup, which may not otherwise happen through the span of the day or evening
+As in the case of a King’s Table, it also comes with the benefit of allowing for more creative floor plan options
+Also comes with the benefit of being easier and more affordable to decorate, and also potentially requires a smaller backdrop
-Some couples dislike this idea as they would prefer to eat with their friends they have chosen to have in their Wedding party!
Models Lindsay & Logan sit at their Sweetheart Table to cheers (photo by Terri-Lynn Warren Photography)
In the end there’s no right or wrong answer, as long as what you do suits you as a couple! What option will you choose for your wedding?
Until next time,
xox K