Considering Your Reception Seating

Whether or not you have a sweetheart’s table or a wedding party head table, reception seating etiquette says that your bridal party should be near the bride and groom. (Remember where the word “attendants” comes from; your groomsmen and bridesmaids are meant to “attend” you on your wedding day).

1. Map out your reception site and table seating. The decision between a head table and a sweetheart table depends mainly on the set-up of your reception site. Seeing a visual model will help you decide.
   
   
2. If you have a very large wedding party, it may be best to have a sweetheart’s table, as it may be difficult to fit the entire wedding party at one table.
   
   
3. If you do have a sweetheart’s table, don’t let the caterer set it too far apart from the other tables. Sometimes, the bride and groom can actually appear estranged from the reception party.
   
   
4. If you are weary of having the attention entirely on you during dinner, it may be best to have a head table. Though you are going to inevitably be the center of attention on your wedding day, you may not feel as self conscious at a table where you are surrounded by your wedding party. At the end of the day, it is a simple question of aesthetics and personal preference.

Read more:

• How to Arrange Wedding Reception Seating
  
• Designated Reception Seating: Advice from an Expert
  
• Your Reception Seating Guide