When you’re choosing the layout for your reception space, the first thing you’ll pick out is the head table! Once you know this, you’ll be able to design the layout of the rest of the space. In terms of options, you have a ton of them! You and your spouse will be running around socializing all night, so the right head table for your wedding really comes down to personal preference and wedding party size. Check out the reception table basics below:
Traditional Head Table
This includes the bride, groom, and wedding party lined up on one side of a long table facing the rest of the reception. This option is great for pictures of your wedding party, since you’ll never catch the back of someone’s head. It’s also great if you want a good view of the entire reception from your seat.
Family Style
This includes the bride, groom, and their immediate families at a round or rectangular table. This lets you spend your dinner socializing with your family while also allowing the wedding party to sit with their dates and/or families.
King’s Table
Hosts the bride, groom, wedding party, and their dates. This is typically a long table, with people sitting on both sides, set up as a centerpiece in the middle of the room. This is an extremely social option as it allows everyone to sit together with their dates and talk easily to people across the table. This can be harder to pull off if you have a larger wedding party with a lot of plus ones, but if you can it’s sure to be a blast!
Sweetheart Table
This is a small table with only the bride and the groom set at the top of the reception. Just the newlyweds! This is the most intimate option, and it ensures that there won’t be empty seats at any of the big tables while you’re walking around socializing with guests. Additionally, this can save you money on head table décor since you’ll only need to go all out with a two-person table.
Split Wedding Parties
This option works in tandem with the sweetheart or family style tables, hosting groomsmen at once table and bridesmaids at another. This layout is good for people with larger wedding parties who are struggling to fit everyone at one table. Depending on the size of your party, you can even include their plus-ones.
Standard Table
This setting means placing the bride, groom, and wedding party at regular tables with the rest of the guests. Looking for the most casual option? Don’t designate a specific table for you and your wedding party! This table will look exactly like the other tables, which is great if you don’t want a lot of attention on you. This also allows your wedding party with sit with their family and friends.
When choosing the head table option that’s right for you, remember that you probably won’t be in your seat for very long! Aside from the toasts and dances, you’ll most likely spend the majority of dinner socializing with your loved ones. Once you have your head table chosen, make sure you aren’t forgetting anything else! Check out our 10 Things Every Bride Forgets blog post here.
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