Who Sits At The Head Table At The Wedding Reception?

Planning & Advice

Take a moment to envision your Big Day! You and your Other Half have officially tied the knot, you’ve had your gorgeous photos taken and you’ve just sat down for dinner. You’re sitting right across from the dance floor (arguably the best seats in the house) and you’re holding hands under the table. Now consider who you want sitting with you during this moment. If you’re not sure how to decide, keep on reading, as we break down head table etiquette.

Featured image credit: Golden Moments Wedding Photography & Film

 

What is a wedding head table?

Good question! Ultimately, the head table is where the newlywed couple and their VIPs sit. We’ll unpack this as we go on, but the VIPs could be your parents, your wedding party, or just the two of you. It’s really about who you want with you on the best day of your life.

 

Do I need a head table?

Well, technically, no. You don’t need a head table. For smaller weddings of 30 guests or less, a big banquet table might be a better fit. For larger weddings, a head table is a fab way to have the best seats in the house, for your guests to know where to find you, and to have all the perfect moments during speeches captured!

 

Who sits at the head table?

In short: it’s completely up to you and your Other Half. There will be social dynamics to consider, but today we will unpack the main head table seating options:

  • The sweetheart table – This is an intimate seating arrangement with just you and your Other Half sharing a table together. You can take it all in without anybody else at the table.
  • The couple plus two VIPs – For a slightly bigger arrangement, you could have a head table of four people. That would be you two plus two honoured guests. Just remember that if each honoured guest has a plus one, it is considered proper etiquette to seat them together, so you don’t separate them. In this case, the next option may be a better fit.
  • The couple, the wedding party and their plus ones – Another excellent choice is to share the moment with your wedding party (and their plus ones). You would sit in the middle, with your wedding party on either side. The plus ones could, in theory, sit together at another table, or you could seat them next to their partner.
  • The couple and immediate families – This is quite straightforward if both sets of parents are still married. In the case of divorce and remarriage, things get a little trickier. If everybody has a good relationship (divorced or not), then include your parents and siblings!