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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M115
W E D D I N G P L A N N E R
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
Maid of
Honor
Bride
Groom
Best
Man
Daughter
Bride
Groom
Son
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
Table for 4
Table with Children
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.