bride and groom seated at head table overlooking their wedding reception

Wedding Head Table Styles

First things first; what is the wedding head table? It is a designated table for the married couple, and typically their wedding party. It is usually the focal point of the reception space as this is where toasts will occur.

Here are a few of the varieties of Head Table Styles you will see for head table set-ups:

“Sweetheart” Table

Instead of having a table with their wedding party, the married couple chooses to sit only with each other. The sweetheart table can be circular or rectangular. In this case, typically the wedding party and family are seated close by at another table.
The sweetheart table option is a great way to have some one-on-one time with your significant other during the hustle and bustle of the wedding day.

“U-Shape” Head Table

Instead of one long table in a straight line, the head tables are shifted to make a “U” which allows a welcoming space for guests to come up to the married couple during the evening.

“King Arthur” Head Table

Traditionally, the head table would only have guests sitting on one of the long sides of the table. In this case, a King Arthur or Family Style head table is set up with chairs on both sides to create a more intimate way of the wedding party able to chat amongst each other but the married couple are together at one end or in the middle.
If this is the set-up that you are looking to use, ask us about our King banquet tables so each side has enough space for their table setting, plus you also have enough space for a fun table runner or center piece design!

Combination of Sweetheart Table & Traditional Head Table

This is a fun one! Are you looking for the intimacy of sitting with your spouse but also want to make sure your wedding party isn’t too far away? Try the best of both worlds. Use a small round table for the center, then flank long tables off of both sides for the wedding party.

Remember this is also a perfect area, since it is a large focal point of the evening, to re-purpose florals or archways from the ceremony and utilize them as a head table or sweet heart table backdrop!

Check our our Event Gallery for wedding inspo and design ideas!

sweet heart table wedding flowers
sweet heart table
farmhouse head table with backdrop under a tent

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