By Mallory Gladman, WasteKnot Weddings and Events
What is a Sweetheart Table? What is a Head Table?
At a wedding, you might see the happy couple at a long table facing the guests with their entire wedding party. This is referred to as a Head Table. Or, you might see them at a table just for the two of them, which is called a “Sweetheart Table”.
Head Table example:
Sweetheart Table example:
As a wedding planner, I encourage my couples to consider a Sweetheart Table for their wedding, unless they have a very small wedding party (ex. one maid of honour, one best man) or just REALLY want their closest folks to join them. Why do I encourage this type of table?
- The attention is on the couple the entire day, whether they like it or not. The photographers/videographers will prioritize shooting their clients- the couple. Having a table to themselves makes this easier and also allows the couple to take in the moments together and eat together more intimately. Your wedding party may not want to share the spotlight with you either (for instance- having everyone staring at them while they eat).
- The speeches are made for the couple, so the smaller table allows closer proximity to them- which is good for the photographers/videographers to capture the person making the speech as well as the couple’s reactions. (You can see this in the above photo).
- The Sweetheart Table can look different and be totally customized for the couple! I LOVE when couples want the Sweetheart Table to include special decor touches, a nice vase for the bouquet, and maybe a different colour table runner.
Other items you can include on your Sweetheart Table:
- Repurposed decor from the ceremony. Have pillars with flowers or an arch with greenery? Maybe it can be used for the reception as well! *Just PLEASE consider if it can be moved easily, and let your wedding planner or coordinator handle it. I have seen a bride’s family member try to be helpful, but ended up injuring his back while trying to move the wedding arch from one side of the room to the other, dropping it in the process, and ultimately breaking it. While we love when friends and family members offer their help, moving large items like this without proper guidance or support can cause injuries and liability.
- Memorial tokens, figurines, or candles in dedication of a lost loved one or someone who cannot physically be present at the wedding. If they were close in your life, they deserve to be recognized in a meaningful way- so maybe hold them close to you.
- Other personal touches that are meaningful to the couple or on-theme. Do you both have a favourite book or movie? Is your wedding decor inspired by music you love? Did you propose in another city or country? Consider having that represented on your table to bring you a smile.
For example, my husband and I had a small Sweetheart Table on a vintage writing desk that belonged to my late great-grandfather. On top I included a hummingbird figurine to represent all the people who could not physically be present. I also included the Time-Turner necklace from Harry Potter, since our wedding day included some meaningful quotes and other subtle touches from the book and movie series that we both love so much.
So when would a Head Table might be a better option?
- Venue: When you are approaching maximum capacity, you have less floor plan options at some venues. In this case, a Head Table might make the most sense to seat everyone appropriately for the reception.
- Hosting and Games: If your wedding party members want to play certain kinds of games during the reception, they might want to be seated alongside the couple as part of the Emceeing/Game agenda. For example, maybe the groom’s best man wants to Host the evening and play a Trivia Game about the Couple with the guests- his proximity in sitting near the couple could be preferred.
- You just really want to eat and chill with your besties!
Remember, it is up to the couple to decide seating, which can be very stressful for some people. Choose what you feel the most comfortable with, and try not to let others influence you too much or make the decision for you. It is YOUR day- no one else’s!
Did you find this blog useful? Please let us know below.
Cheers, Mallory