Head Table vs. Sweetheart Table

wcvsb3b5

I have been going back and forth between the two options and was wondering what others did/are planning on doing. Any particular reason why?

joebeth22

I personally think the sweetheart table is corny, BUT my mom keeps telling me that when the bride and groom sit at a head table, they're  never there anyhow (always up dancing or meeting and greeting around the room) so there's always two empty seats at the head table and it's awkward for everybody else.  so, in short, dunno yet what i'm gonna do for june.

lyndausvi

I do not like either to be honest.

DH and I  must have ADD, because when we are with other people, we very social and do not need or even want alone time. 

So a sweetheart table was not considered.  We do not like head tables either.  We wanted our WP members to sit with their dates.  The venue would not have been able to have a table with all of them.


So we sat with the younger members of our WP and the other WP sat at tables with family or friends.

megk8oz

Sweet Heart tables are a nice way to get 5 minutes alone w/ your DH that day (I've heard this from just about everybody I know).

Plus, most Head Tables separate the WP members from their own dates, which is honestly kind of rude ("Hey, let's celebrate the joining of 2 people by not letting their 'honored guests' sit with their own dates!").

CaptiolBride

at first we wanted a head table. However, many of our WP will have a date so we are going to have a sweet heart table to allow everyone to  sit with their dates. Plus.. we will be up and moving majority of the night anyway,

SarahPLiz

I think it depends on your and your WPs preferences.
 
I assumed we would have a sweetheart table, but when I discused it with FI, he said that all that attention made him uncomfortable. Our friends had a sweetheart table at their wedding this summer, and he is not interested in that option because he is an introvert, and I think that having him stand up in front of all those people and say vows, and then dance, is asking enough of him for the day.

All of the tables at our venue are round, so its not like we would have the Last SUpper Table up in front of our guests, but he would like us to sit with our WP and their dates. Our WP is so small that we could do this with no problem.

fallbride1109

We didn't like the idea of a sweetheart table.  We wanted to have that time with our WP and family, even if it was just those few minutes at dinner.  

We sat down to eat dinner and cake and that was it.  So it's true you won't be there much so it's really not that big of a deal.  This is one of those things brides stress over that is really a non-issue.  Just do what you are most comfortable with for the 15 minutes you'll be there.

Da0419

We're going with a head table because everyone in our WP is either single and knows the other people in the WP enough not to be uncomfortable or their SO is also a member of the WP.  I also don't like the idea of all eyes on just the two of us while we sit for 5 mins and eat...it's like being a zoo exhibit.

LarissaAnn

We did a sweetheart table, and I honestly didn't notice anyone watching us.  I know they were watching while we were on the dance floor, but they were too busy eating while we were sitting and eating.  And they were socializing with the people at their own tables.  I'd be surprised if anyone really watched us at all while we were at the sweetheart table.

lyndausvi

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_head-table-vs-sweetheart-table-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:49c902c5-7fc9-44f2-96e9-5d0cf1335f27Post:8a7c6068-3db0-4ca2-b770-a5df13e46167">Re: Head Table vs. Sweetheart Table</a>:
[QUOTE]We're going with a head table because everyone in our WP is either single and knows the other people in the WP enough not to be uncomfortable or their SO is also a member of the WP.  I also don't like the idea of all eyes on just the two of us while we sit for 5 mins and eat...it's like being a zoo exhibit.
Posted by Da0419[/QUOTE]

Psst... guests watch the couple wherever then eat.  And yes, a big head table will bring just as much attention.

Just saying.

espressogirl717

I like the idea of sitting at round tables and letting WP members sit with their guests.  I've only seen one couple do it before (when I was working for a wedding videographer and saw a LOT of weddings!), but it seemed so natural and everyone was comfortable and happy.  The WP couldn't fit at one table, so some of them sat with other friends/family at tables closest to the couple.  I'm definitely stealing this idea for my wedding in May!

Annnek79

We are having the same debate for our January 16th wedding.  I personally like the sweetheart table since you're never sitting anyway and it will be easier to move around in the dress, instead of walking half way around the room.  A wedding is a celebration of the bride and groom and that is who everyone is there to honor, not the whole wedding party, but the couple.  This will be the first meal you have together as husband and wife and you should do it however feels most comfortable to you.  As great as what I'm saying sounds to me...it's not even making a dent in my fiance on the subject (who is die hard for a big head table).  I'm sure what ever you do it will be beautiful and come the wedding day there will be so much happening so fast you'll feel you're on cloud nine no matter what!

bfernz

I haven't been to/or in a wedding in the last 9 years where there has been a head table.  I had the feeling it was an outdated tradition?  I'm not one for the spotlight but on my wedding day I firgured a  "sweetheart table" would be the way to go.  The couple is not usually sitting much anyway as others have said.  I plan to be dancing!  Also, it gives the BP the ability to sit w/ their family/friends, and they all don't have to be at the same table.  As others have told me, it's your day, do what you want!

desireea0217

I went to awedding over the summer where there was no head table or sweetheart table at all. The bride and groom actually sat at a table with their parents and a few close friends and the best man and his wife. The rest of the wedding party sat with their dates at different tables. My fiance is good friends with the groom and the rest of the groomsmen and it was nice to be able to sit with our friends even though they were in the wedding party and we weren't.  It seemed to work out really well and a bunch of the guests all said what a great idea it was. In fact I plan on doing the exact same thing for my wedding.

banana468

Lynda, I'm with you.  I don't get how a head table means that the couple gets less attention either.  It draws MORE attention IMO.

That said, OP, go with the option that works for you and your WP plus their SOs so that no couples are split.