We have a pretty extensive bridal party - 7 on each side. With that size, I wasn't enamored with most conventional head table set-ups. If we do one long table, it will be one long table. I want our bridal party members to have a fun reception, and plopped down at the no-man's-land end of the long head table isn't my idea of fun. You don't get to see or talk to that many other people without leaving your seat, plus you're facing the entire crowd of guests, meaning they can watch you eat. And that's just creepy to me.
Image via Ruth Ueland Photography
Another popular option is a U-shaped head table. This helps to make the whole bridal party crowd feel a bit more connected, since at least you can put your eyes on everyone else without craning around, but it's not a realistic option for us. It still makes having lively conversation a bit difficult, plus, a large, U-shaped table isn't a very effective use of space in our reception venue.
Image via A Perfect Day Wedding Planning
I'm really excited about this decision. We get to have the best of both worlds, as we'll be one-on-one at our own table through the meal, but our bridal party members will be seated at tables immediately flanking our sweetheart table. This entire set-up just seems more relaxed and at ease, which sounds pretty perfect for a way to unwind after a busy beginning to our wedding day.
To whet your sweetheart table appetite, here are a few photos to show off exactly how cute a table for two can be:
Image via WeddingBee Boards
See? Totally adorable!
What are your thoughts on a sweetheart table?
We did a sweetheart table and it was the best decision. So nice to have those moments together during a busy day!
ReplyDeleteSweetheart table alllll the way. I agree that sitting the bridal party in the front for everyone to see is sort-of creepy.
ReplyDeleteI could have written this exact same post because I was the sammme way. Totally against it at first, but now so excited by it. Everyone told me it was the only way to go, and now I love the idea!
ReplyDeleteFound your blog through WeddingBee!
ReplyDeleteI've been pro-sweetheart table from the start. Like you, we have a 14 person wedding party, and a few people who are in it, but their SOs aren't. We didn't want to leave all those poor couple stranded apart during dinner, or squeeze even more people into an already packed table, so we're going the Table for Two route as well.
BTW, I loooove that one pic with the XOXO bunting. So cute!
Found your blog through WB!
ReplyDeleteWe have a 12 person bridal party, plus us, so the traditional head table was out.
Our way of dealing with it was to have us, and then the two MOH's and two Best Men up with us. That would fit on our stage perfectly, and the rest of the bridal party could sit with the rest of the guests.
However, you've got me thinking. We may need to work this one out.
I was sooo anti-sweetheart table until our coordinator pointed out the pros. I'm so excited now!
ReplyDeleteI think a sweetheart table it a cute idea and looks great. But I think it's quite likely that you won't have a chance to both sit down there at the wedding. And it makes me sad that the sweetheart table has a chance of never being used. That's one of the reason why I like bridal party tables better, because that way there's at least someone at the table
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the inspiration photos- they make me more confident that having a sweetheart table is the way to go, even though my venue and florist have never heard of anything but the huge head table :)
ReplyDeleteYeah I also did same. Sweetheart table idea was loved by everyone in my wedding at San Francisco wedding venues. Everything was managed perfectly by wedding planner. Decoration was done with white and purple Lilly flowers.
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