Believe it or not, the dilemma of Reception Seating comes up almost every wedding. Couples have to choose where they want to sit at their wedding, and then where they want their wedding party & their plus ones to sit. Depending on the size of your wedding party, it can be a large table. We’re chatting pros, cons and tips to both options!
A sweetheart table creates a focal point for the newlyweds. It allows them to enjoy their meal just the two of them (which might be the only time you get together all day). It also then allows the rest of the reception seating to be fairly easier than if you did a head table. Your wedding party and family members can sit with their dates/significant others and it doesn’t get complicated. However, some couples do not want all of the attention on them (even though the entire day is about them!). We always tell couples to do what fits your vision best, but don’t make anyone, including yourselves, feel uncomfortable either.
On the other hand, a head table also creates a focal point, but it’s usually an entirely different focal point because of its size! Couples that choose this option love to be surrounded by their closest friends & family, sharing the attention. It’s usually at the front of the space, and this reception seating option can be a bit more complicated and add up quickly. If you both have 6 in your wedding party on each side, and each one of them brings a date, that’s 26 people at that table (including the two of you)! If your venue can accommodate this, it can certainly make a dramatic impact to your overall design. We strongly discourage your wedding party not sitting with their dates or families because that can make someone uncomfortable or an awkward situation with that table of random people that were forced to sit together because their dates are in the wedding.
A quick pro tip we’re seeing is to have both! If space allows, you can have your sweetheart table for the two of you, but then have head tables flanking you. This is the best of both worlds, while keeping your friends close by, but still giving you your space.
Whichever reception seating option you choose, make sure it fits with your venue and your guest count (i.e don’t have a head table of 30 people if you only have 50 guests total). Also, remember not to stress about this detail either because it is only for the dinner option and your guests are most likely out of their seating the rest of the night enjoying themselves!
For more ideas on your sweetheart or head table, visit our Pinterest board Reception Details.
