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There are two main options for dinner seating arrangements for the newlyweds at their reception: the head table and the sweetheart table. With a reception that has a head table, the entire wedding party is seated together in a long table at the front of the dining space. And a sweetheart table is quite the opposite. For weddings being planned for 2025, the most popular option for couples is once again expected to be the sweetheart table. Let's a look at this fantastic choice!
The Sweetheart Table
The sweetheart table is a small table set aside just for the bride and groom. It's found in many shapes, such as a half-circle, round, square or rectangle, however its small size accommodates just two people. This lends itself to a more informal, intimate appearance. Having a sweetheart table can truly add to the romance of your day. It gives you an opportunity to spend some 'alone time' together to talk in private, reflect on your day and kiss some more! And it gives your photographer and videographer a perfect opportunity for newlyweds-only photos and video.
There are some considerations to keep in mind if you're leaning towards having a sweetheart table at your reception. First, this arrangement may not have the same grand visual impact as with having a head table for the wedding party. If placed in too close a proximity to the guests' tables, the sweetheart table may also have a tendency to blend right in with the other tables. But by carefully centering it in the reception hall and allowing for a significant amount of space around the table, you can be sure to give it more prominence.
Another thing to remember is that although it's physically more convenient for guests to stop by for a visit, quite often guests are less inclined to because they feel they're interrupting a private moment shared by the newlyweds. Some couples see this as a positive though because it gives them a prolonged quiet moment to enjoy each other's company... and the fine food they’ve so carefully selected for the event!
And with a sweetheart table for the bride and groom, the wedding party is able to sit with their own significant others and families for dinner. Many embrace this opportunity to dine comfortably with their loved ones rather than perhaps with someone who they’ve only met a few times in preparation for your wedding day.
Plus, partners of wedding party members there won't have to sit awkwardly with guests they don't know, too! But if you also like the look of a head table for your wedding party, you can always have one long table at the reception set up for them and even allow their plus ones/partners to dine there as well.
Both head table and sweetheart table arrangements work beautifully at wedding receptions. In a nutshell, even if sweetheart tables are the most preferred option by couples today, there is no right or wrong table choice. The decision should be made based upon your own wants and needs, taking the scope of your venue, wedding party size and your own personalities into consideration.
Want to see a beautiful wedding where the couple chose a rustic chic sweetheart table for their reception seating? Check out Laura and Chris' amazing Wyndridge Farm wedding and discover for yourself the charm of a sweet, sweetheart table!
