Help w/ head table design

MeghanJustin

There are so many head table options...I can't decide.  Hoping some of you have great insight to steer me in the right direction.

Here are the stats:

Our reception will be in a ballroom, when you walk in it's like walking into the center of a rectangle (long side).  To the left is a large stage (DJ) and to the far right is the built in bar.  THe wall in front of you is all windows.  Wedding party = 16ppl

Question:
Do I put the head table opposite the entrance (traditional) with the dance floor infront of the dj (to the left).  And... if I do this do I put a small round in the middle and two long sections on either side. or just traditional long tables?

or

DO I put the head table in the middle with people facing each other (which splits the room in two).

Other ideas?  I'm not a super fan of the sweetheart table, but could be swayed...

TIA!!

banana468

How many people can sit at the head table?  Who is in the BP?  Are they bringing SOs or dates?

MeghanJustin

there are 7BM and 7GM.  Not planning on seating SO's with the party. Only half of the party has SO's...

although... that's when I start to wonder, would it be better to just do a sweetheart table and flank it with BP at surrounding tables?

lol, I'm so lost!

banana468

Seat the BP with their dates/SOs.  It's rude not to do that.

I like your idea of the sweetheart where the BP are at surrounding tables.  Put them there with their dates or other mutual friends/family and your problem is solved!

aerinpegadrak

Definitely seat your WP with their dates.  Head tables are going extinct for many good reasons, and you'll certainly appreciate having some alone time with your new husband (because you won't get much all day).

As for placement of the tables, I don't think it makes a ton of difference, especially if you're sitting at the same type of tables as everyone else.

trix1223

I'm voting in the sweetheart table camp, and here's one reason you should be swayed.  When you're at a long, traditional, head table, you can't really talk to your WP anyway.  You can talk to your DH who will be on one side, and whoever it is that's seated on your other side.  So really, what's the point?

With a sweetheart table, you and your new DH get the very, very little time alone that you'll have all day.  Even if it's just 15 minutes to have a drink and eat your dinner, it's couple time.  And you'll savor each of those 15 minutes.

It's inconsiderate to split up your WP from their S/Os, especially on a day that celebrates becoming a couple.  And your WP doesn't have to all sit together anyway. 

Once the ceremony is over, their responsibilities are over and they are guests at the party, just like everyone else.  They just happen to be the only guests in matching clothing. 

At DD's wedding, she had 6 BMs.  Three were college friends, 1 was her sister, one was her SIL, and one was her FSIL.  She let her college friends sit together, her sister and SIL sit with their cousins, and her FSIL sit with her family.  All were happy.

Did I sway you?  I hope so.  There's a reason that head tables have gone the say of 8 track tapes.  Because people are smarter now.

MeghanJustin

Alright... I'm definately swayed to the sweetheart table! I was mapping out in paper and pen and the tables are just too big, or too long which felt impersonal.

Thank you all for your input! It is nice to have a voice of reason!

danyl87

You also just swayed me at a sweatheart table!! Lol.  I never really thought about it since all the weddings I have been to have had the head table.  A few of the people in our BP are from out of town and I like the idea of keeping them with their spouse/guest.  You can always set the BP tables of either side of the Sweatheart table so that they don't have to be too far away.  Should the sweetheart table be decorated different than the regular tables?  I'm doing tower vases with ostrich feather arrangements on top.  Maybe do a taller more elaborate version..or could it be the same?

trix1223

Since a sweetheart table is smaller, I'd avoid putting a huge CP on it.  Brides often use their bouquets as decoration.  My DD found a second cake topper that she really liked.  She used that surrounded by flower petals.  That left plenty of room for their dinnerware, toasting flutes, and other glassware.