For many years, the Head table has traditionally been a long table that faces outwards towards guests, with the Bride and Groom in the centre, and their bridesmaids and groomsmen on either side. There would typically be draping behind you to create a backdrop, and some large-scale floral centrepieces on stands behind the bride and groom. There are many more options available these days when it comes to Head Tables at weddings. Read on to find out the different options, and some pros and cons of each.

Traditional Head Table:

Pro – Anyone sitting at it can see the room clearly

Pro – Guests can see the Bride & Groom clearly

Pro – Provides a big impact in terms of decor since traditional head tables are usually quite large

Pro or Con – Puts the Bride & Groom and the wedding party / family on display

Con – Costs more to decorate since they are so large

Fun tidbit: in some cultures (like Jewish weddings for example) it is traditional to have your immediate family at your head table, not your bridal party.

Sweetheart Table:

A Sweetheart Table is as sweet as the name implies – it is a smaller table facing out to the guests, where only the bride and groom sit.

Pro: Gives the bride and groom some alone time to enjoy dinner together 

Pro – Takes up less space (if your guest count is getting tight for the size of your venue, this can be a great option, and allows for more creative floorplans)

Pro – Much more cost effective than a traditional head table (less area to decorate)

Pro – Guests can see the Bride & Groom clearly

Pro – Your bridal party can sit with their significant others and friends 

Pro or Con – You don’t get to sit with your bridal party or family during dinner

Kings Table:

I get asked a lot what a King’s Table is. It is like the name implies – the Bride and Groom sit at one end facing out to the guests in the room, and the bridal party or family sit down either side of the table, so instead of facing out to guests, they face each other. Typically we use two rectangular tables (industry lingo is double wide) so there’s lots of space for decor and place settings, with a third rectangular table at the top where the Bride and Groom sit. Picture a large T shape.

Pro – Easier for bridal party or family to see and talk to each other

Pro – Is more cost effective than a traditional head table (since there is less table length to decorate, and a smaller backdrop would be needed)

Pro – Takes up less space than a traditional head table (which means you can get more creative with your floorplan or fit in more guest tables)

Pro or Con – Less formal and attendants will feel less on display 

Con – Sometimes the bride and groom are a bit harder for guests to see

My friend Kristina over at Elysian Weddings & Events wrote a blog post about head table options too – go have a look if you need any more info!

So, where do you think you’ll be sitting at your wedding?

Goodbye for now,
Alana xo