Head Table vs Sweetheart Table: What’s Best for You?

Every couple goes through compiling guest lists, assembling a bridal party and arranging seating charts. But after all is said and done, where will you be sitting at your wedding? The two most common options are sitting at a head table with your new husband or wife along with your bridal party, or dining at a sweetheart table for just the two of you.

Many couples go back and forth trying to decide what’s best for them, their style and their guests. Unfortunately for some, there is no right or wrong way to plan your wedding and there is no right or wrong place to sit at your wedding reception. We’re here to help ease the stress of deciding where you will be sitting on your big day by weighing out the pros and cons of a head table and a sweetheart table.

Head Table

Pros: The more traditional route to take is the head table, where you will be dining alongside your bridal party. A head table is a great way to keep your groomsmen and bridesmaids all together and enjoy each other’s company. Some couples sit in the center with all the groomsmen next to the groom and all the bridesmaids next to the bride. Other couples mix it up and seat their bridal party alternating groomsman and bridesmaid.

Cons: When it comes to conversation, a head table can be like sitting at a bar. Conversation may be limited, especially while you are eating, to those who you are seated right next to. Another deal breaker may be when a groomsman or bridesmaid has a plus one. Typically, the plus one would not be seated at the head table as this is traditionally just for the bride, groom and bridal party. For this reason, you might prefer to keep dates together and will opt for seating your bridal party among the guests, or at designated tables just for the bridal party and their dates. However, there are always exceptions to the rules when it comes to your day!

Sweetheart Table

 Pros: You and your husband or wife will be able to share some special moments together while you look on to the rest of your wedding reception and soak it all in. As this is your wedding, spending the night at a sweetheart table might seem fitting to share your first meal together as newlyweds and simply enjoy the company of one another. Your bridal party will be seated among guests and their dates, friends and/or family which they may, or may not get to visit with very often especially if they are from out of town.

 Cons: Depending on the shape and size of the room, you might feel removed from the wedding reception and feel more like “onlookers.” This may also depend on how the other tables are positioned in proximity. Also, keep in mind if you plan on mingling with your guests during dinner, as some couples decide to say hello while everyone is seated. If your bridal party is a part of the guest seating, this portion of the night may take longer if you find yourself mingling with the bridal party as well, since they aren’t seated at the same table as you.

 How to choose?!

 A good way to decide between a head table or sweetheart table is to think about the style of your wedding and what would best fit your theme or design. Also, take into consideration the layout of the room, its shape and size and if a larger head table or smaller sweetheart table would work best with the room. Finally, think about your guests, and most importantly who you want to be sitting next to on your day! Maybe you’d prefer to sit among the guests as well!

Still unsure of which direction to go in? Talk with our pros for more insight on layout, design and style at events@bookmcr.com!