I still have five months to go, but I'm already stressing out about how to seat our bridal party at our wedding! My fiance and I each have four attendants. Two of his are his brothers, each of whom have two kids (ages 4-9). Two of mine are my sisters, each of whom also have two kids (ages 1-5).
I've never been a fan of head tables. I've sat at one as a BM and was really uncomfortable looking out over the entire reception and facing no one. I've also been in a wedding that follows what seems to be the more common trend of having a sweetheart table for the bride and groom, and seating the wedding party together with their guests. I think it's less awkward for the bridal party and is nice for their dates who, if they don't know anyone else at the wedding, won't be left stranded at a table full of strangers. And honestly with the craziness of the wedding day, I love the idea of a nice cozy table for two for my new husband and I. This is the route my fiance and I are strongly considering.
The only problem is the kiddos. His brothers' kids are probably old enough that if we stick them at a kids table without their parents, they'll be fine. But one sister has already asked how that would work if neither parent would be left to sit with their kids through dinner. I'm worried this might be an issue with the other sister as well. I feel like my only other option is splitting the bridal party into two tables (BMs and guests at one table, GMs and guests at the other) and including my sisters' small children at them. But that's not ideal either because it would result in my two BMs that don't have kids having to sit through a meal with four small children. And honestly, I want my sisters to be able to relax and enjoy their dinner with their husbands.
Any suggestions??
(By the way "don't invite kids" is absolutely NOT an option for us. We have more than a dozen nieces and nephews between us and we can't imagine our wedding without them all there!
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