Head Table vs. Sweetheart Table

Photo Credit: Designs by Oochay/Shoot Happens Photography

I just finished my own wedding seating chart for my wedding this Friday (quick sidenote – YEA!!!) and I thought briefly about whether I wanted to do a head table or a sweetheart table. I have a relatively small bridal party – 3 ladies, 3 gentlemen, and 2 flower girls – so it was a definite possibility of having us all sit together. But my wedding party is diverse and I didn’t want them to have to be stuck with each other at a table all night. So I ultimately opted for the sweetheart table.

For those who may not know the difference, a head table is a larger table typically placed in a central location that includes the newlyweds, the bridal party and immediate family members (think parents). A sweetheart table is a table for two just for the newlyweds. Both options have the good and bad so I’ve put together some things to think about when making your own decision.

Pros about using a Head Table

• You get to sit with all your loved ones! Presumably your bridal party are some of your closest friends and your immediately family has (hopefully) supported you through that stressful wedding planning time.
• It honors those who are close to you. These folks said yes to standing beside you on your special day. Placing them at the head table signifies that they are important to you and can make them feel special and appreciated.
• You’re guests won’t feel separated from you. Since you’re surrounding yourself with others, your guests will feel as if you’re more immersed with them as opposed to isolated by yourselves.

Pros about using a Sweetheart Table

• You get to spend some one-on-one time with your spouse! You probably didn’t get much together time during the ceremony and having a sweetheart table will give you some time to each other. You’ll also get to take in the celebration together.
• Your bridal party doesn’t have to take center stage. For me, I wanted my bridal party’s job to be over after we walked back down they aisle and get them the opportunity to enjoy the reception! By sitting them together or with other guests they may know (sidenote – you don’t have to sit the bridal table all together; you can split them up too), you’ll give them the chance to mix and mingle with all your other guests.
• You’ll have to mix and mingle too. Since you’ll be sitting alone, it’ll be more likely that you’ll have to get out of those seats and say hi to all your guests. If at a head table, you may not feel the need to get up, but the sweetheart table option will make sure that you stop by those tables to say hi to everyone else.