Wedding Head Table: Arrangements & Alternatives 2025

The head table is the main table where the newlyweds sit during the wedding reception, typically positioned facing guests as the room's focal point. Whether you choose a traditional long table with your bridal party, an intimate sweetheart table for two, or a modern King's table arrangement depends on your wedding style, venue layout, and how you want to spend your reception.¹

Approximately 82% of couples prioritise their venue selection first when planning, making seating arrangements one of the earliest decisions you'll face.² This guide covers every head table option, with regional considerations for couples in the US, UK, and Australia.

Traditional Head Table

Classic Seating Arrangement

The traditional head table features a long rectangular table with all seats on one side, facing guests:

Standard order (left to right facing guests): Bridesmaid - Groomsman - Maid of Honour - Groom - Bride - Best Man - Bridesmaid - Groomsman

In the UK, this arrangement is often called the "top table" and may include parents of the couple, following this order:³

British top table arrangement: Best Man - Groom's Mother - Bride's Father - Bride - Groom - Bride's Mother - Groom's Father - Maid of Honour

Dimensions and Space Requirements

Advantages

• Creates a clear focal point for speeches and toasts
• Classic, photogenic aesthetic with entire party together
• Fosters camaraderie among wedding party members
• Guests can easily see and photograph the couple
• Occupies impressive wall space at the venue

Disadvantages

• Wedding party cannot face each other for conversation
• Difficult to accommodate plus-ones for attendants
• Requires significant floor space
• Divorced parents create awkward seating decisions
• Can feel formal or dated for casual celebrations
• Reduces intimacy between the couple with large parties

Sweetheart Table

Setup and Positioning

A sweetheart table is a small, intimate setup for just the newlyweds—typically a round cocktail table or 90cm (3ft) square table positioned prominently in the room.¹ The couple sits side by side or at angles, facing their guests.

The sweetheart table has seen significant growth in popularity as couples prioritise private moments during otherwise hectic receptions.⁴

Why Couples Choose Sweetheart Tables

The arrangement provides rare one-on-one moments during an otherwise hectic day. As wedding planners note, sitting together gives couples their "best chance to actually eat" during the reception without constant interruptions.⁴

Key benefits include:

• Private time together: Dedicated moments as newlyweds
• Bridal party freedom: Attendants can sit with their partners
• Simplified logistics: Eliminates complex seating politics
• Better guest circulation: Encourages couples to visit tables personally
• Design flexibility: Smaller tables allow creative decor and backdrops
• Improved photos: Multiple angles and unobstructed views

Potential Drawbacks

• May feel isolating for some couples
• High visibility can be uncomfortable for shy personalities
• Wedding party scattered throughout the room
• Limited space for elaborate place settings

Sweetheart Table Decor Ideas

The intimate size allows for statement decorations that would overwhelm a larger head table:

Prices shown in USD. UK couples: reduce by approximately 25% for GBP equivalents. Australian couples: increase by approximately 50% for AUD.

Modern Alternatives

King's Table

The King's table is a unique variation featuring rectangular tables arranged so party members (and optionally their plus-ones) sit on both sides, with the couple at the "head" position.¹

Best for:

• Weddings prioritising family-style dining
• Couples wanting less "spotlight" pressure
• Receptions where plus-ones must be accommodated
• Medium-sized celebrations (80-150 guests)

Considerations:

• Guests visible in photos during speeches (potentially eating or distracted)
• Limited directional consistency for photography
• Generally unsuitable for very large celebrations

Family Table

The family table seats the couple, wedding party, and both sets of parents at one large round table—typically a 180cm (6ft) round seating 10-14 guests.

This arrangement works particularly well for:

• Small, intimate weddings
• Blended families wanting unity
• Couples with small or no bridal parties
• Celebrations emphasising family connection

No Head Table

Some couples eliminate a dedicated head table entirely, choosing to sit at a regular guest table with close friends or family members.

Advantages:

• Most casual, relaxed atmosphere
• Couple fully integrated with guests
• No separation anxiety
• Budget-friendly (no extra decor needed)

Best suited for:

• Micro-weddings under 30 guests
• Casual backyard celebrations
• Second marriages
• Couples who dislike being the centre of attention

Seating Arrangements Comparison

Regional Considerations

United States

American weddings commonly feature either traditional head tables or sweetheart tables, with the latter growing increasingly popular. The average US wedding costs $33,000, with reception venues and catering representing the largest expense category.²

Most US venues offer both rectangular and round table options, giving couples flexibility. Sweetheart tables are now offered as the default at many modern venues.

United Kingdom

British weddings traditionally feature the "top table" including parents, following formal seating arrangements during the wedding breakfast (the meal following the ceremony).³ However, sweetheart tables are increasingly popular among younger couples.

The average UK wedding costs £20,822-£23,420, with venues averaging £5,945-£9,811 depending on catering inclusion.⁵ London weddings average significantly higher at £36,778.

Key terminology differences:

• "Top table" instead of "head table"
• "Wedding breakfast" for the reception meal
• "Table plan" rather than "seating chart"

Australia

Australian weddings tend toward more relaxed seating arrangements. Round tables are particularly popular, with couples often choosing sweetheart or King's table setups over formal head tables.

The average Australian wedding costs $36,000-$54,000 AUD, with significant variation based on location and guest count.⁶ Sydney and Melbourne weddings typically cost 20-30% more than regional celebrations.

Many Australian couples hosting outdoor or winery weddings opt for long communal tables rather than traditional round guest tables, making King's table arrangements a natural fit for the head table.

Décor Considerations

Head Table Styling

Traditional head tables benefit from:

• Longer, lower floral arrangements that don't obstruct sightlines
• Backdrop elements such as greenery walls, fabric draping, or neon signs
• Upgraded linens in specialty fabrics or floor-length styles
• Uplighting to highlight the table against the venue backdrop
• Chair covers or specialty chairs for the couple

Sweetheart Table Styling

The intimate scale allows for bolder design choices:

• Statement centrepiece as the room's focal point
• Specialty chairs (ghost chairs, vintage pieces, or floral-adorned)
• Candle clusters for romantic ambiance
• Elevated or unique positioning such as a raised platform or alcove
• Dramatic backdrops (flower walls, fabric draping, foliage arches)

Budget Allocation

For couples with limited floral budgets, prioritise the head or sweetheart table décor over guest tables. This focal point appears in the most photographs and creates maximum visual impact.

Planning Your Head Table

Questions to Ask Your Venue

1. What table shapes and sizes are included in the rental?
2. Where is the recommended head table placement for visibility and photos?
3. Are there electrical outlets nearby for uplighting?
4. What backdrop options are available or permitted?
5. How will the DJ or band placement affect sightlines?

Timeline for Decisions

• 6-8 months before: Decide on table style (head, sweetheart, King's)
• 4-6 months before: Finalise bridal party size and plus-one policy
• 2-3 months before: Confirm décor plans with florist and venue
• 1-2 weeks before: Finalise exact seating arrangement

Coordination with Vendors

Communicate your head table choice to:

• Venue coordinator: For table placement and setup
• Caterer: For service logistics and timing
• Florist: For appropriately sized arrangements
• Photographer: For optimal shooting angles
• DJ/Band: For clear sightlines during speeches

Making Your Decision

Choose a traditional head table if you:

• Want a formal, classic aesthetic
• Have a large bridal party you want showcased
• Prefer the traditional look in photographs
• Have straightforward family dynamics

Choose a sweetheart table if you:

• Want private moments together during dinner
• Have complicated family situations to navigate
• Want your bridal party seated with their partners
• Prefer a romantic, intimate focal point

Choose a King's table if you:

• Want family-style dining atmosphere
• Need to accommodate bridal party plus-ones
• Prefer less spotlight pressure
• Have a mid-sized wedding party

Whatever you choose, remember that your guests are there to celebrate with you—they'll be happy regardless of where you sit.

Sources and References