Head Table vs Sweetheart Table

This is often a difficult decision. I find many of my couples think they want a head table, until they start to think it through…

Head tables often take up a really large footprint of your event spaces. Depending on your guest count, a head table might not even be feasible. Work with your planner and venue to see what your options are.

If a head table is an option for you, you still want to think twice before you go down this path. Depending on the size of your wedding party, your head table might be larger than you think. Also, if you have a head table, you will invariably separate your wedding party from their spouses or dates during dinner. While this might be no big deal to you. It can be uncomfortable for your wedding party and their plus ones. Also, this will also usually create a table of misfits in your reception – where all your wedding party dates will sit.

Therefore, I strongly encourage you to consider alternatives to a head table.

The most popular choice is the sweetheart table. The sweetheart table is a smaller table where just you and your partner will sit. Couples often make the sweetheart table fun by choosing fancy chairs for the table, adding fancy linens, special florals or other décor items to the table. The best part is, you can still keep your wedding party close, by seating them at the two closest reception tables to your sweetheart table.

However, if you heart is really set on a head table, I suggest considering just hosting your maid of honor, her guest along with your best man and his guest at the head table. This way you will still have the head table feel for your reception, and everyone will be able to sit with their loved ones during dinner.

Of course, remember it is your day! You can create whatever configuration you want. The dinner portion of your wedding is usually only a hour of your entire wedding experience. Your guests will be able to handle whatever seating diagram you choose for them.