There are many different ways to seat the head table and there is no wrong answer. So stop stressing and read our guide to find a setting that works best for you.
Your accompanying cast
Read any etiquette book and you’ll discover a different answer to the question of who should sit at the head table. While tradition stated the families would sit with the couple, these days most people opt to have their bridal party at their side. It’s really up to you as a couple. A growing trend is to have a sweetheart table, where the bride and groom sit alone at the head table. Other couples forego a head table and mingle with their guests instead. Just remember to reserve a special spot for your wedding party.
Front and centre
The placement of the head table usually depends on the layout of the hall or the size of the wedding party. In larger halls, people tend to place the head table at the front of the hall facing the guests. Based on its practicality, this has become the norm at most weddings. At smaller and more intimate weddings, the couple may choose to have their head table in the centre of the hall so they can sit among their guests.
Choice table
As new couples emerge, so do new styles. While most people are familiar with a rectangular table, there are other options available. A U-shaped table is a great way for the couple to converse with the bridal party on either side of the table. Similarly, an L-shaped table has the bride and groom share one side and their wedding party share the other. Sometimes couples will choose a round table, but remember the view of the bride and groom should not be obstructed so this is a more difficult head table to seat. If your wedding party is larger, a two-tiered setting might work for you.
Musical chairs
How you arrange your head table is completely up to you, but one thing always remains the same: the bride and the groom sit front and centre! Traditionally, the groom sits to the right of the bride. The two most common arrangements are as follows. The boy/girl setting places the best man next to the bride and the maid of honour next to the groom and a person of the opposite party follows each. Or seat the bridesmaids next to the bride, starting with the maid of honour, and the groomsmen next to the groom, starting with the best man.
Special decor
Remember, the head table is your table! Make it gorgeous and make it special. Decorate the chairs, use an elegant table runner or have your florist put together a floral garland to add that extra touch. Another great idea is to use your bridesmaids’ bouquets as an accent. Have them place their bouquets in a creative way in place of a centrepiece. However you choose to arrange your head table, have it reflect your theme and style.
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