117 / 132
WEDDING PLANNER
CHICAGOWEDDINGRESOURCE.COMCHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
SPRING 2018
| 115
Head Table Seating Options
Here are a number of possibilities for placing guests on the Top Table/Head Table at your wedding. However, don't feel you need to
stick with a traditional setup. It's your day, so feel free to arrange your guests in a way that suits you best!
Traditional Layout
This is the traditional head table layout used in North America. In the UK, the Bride and Groom are sat with their respective
parents and the Maid of Honor and Best Man. However, in the USA parents host their own 'VIP' tables with the head table seating
the bridal party - Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.
Something Different
If you really can't get a top table layout that works for you, then how about trying one of these ideas.
A 'sweetheart table' gives the two of you some precious time together while you eat or why not have no top table at all!
Have a couple of extra chairs at various tables around the room and sit with different guests for different courses.
You could, perhaps just have a top table consisting of yourselves and the Best Man and Maid of honor. Or if you already have
children, why not have them with you on the top table.
Alternative Layout
Unfortunately, modern families aren't always straight-forward and it's often the case that parents are separated, divorced or
possibly even re-married. Working out not only who is sitting where at the table but also who is actually at the head table can be a
real headache! Here are an alternative layout for accommodating parents.
Maid of
Honor
Bride
Bride's
Mother
Groom's
Mother
Groom's
Father
Bride's Father
Groom
Best
Man
Groom's
Mother
Bride
Maid of
Honor
Bride's
Mother
Bride's Father
Best
Man
Groom
Groom's
Father
Bride
Groom
Sweetheart Table for Two
Maid of
Honor
Bride
Groom
Best
Man
Table for 4
Ask your officiant to include a “deep breath” moment so
you can look over the audience, gaze at your spouse,
and burn the memory into your brain.
Daughter
Bride
Groom
Son
Table with Children