Handling seating assignments at weddings and events can be one of the most challenging tasks for our clients. As a wedding and event planner, it would be difficult for us to assign guest tables or seats since we don’t know the relationship our clients have with the guests. For our clients, every couple has a different preference for where they sit during their reception. This post is the first of a three part series we are featuring this week on seating arrangements and styles at weddings.

Today, we are covering the main types of seating for the bride and groom at a wedding.  The three most popular  types of seating for the bride and groom are:

• Head tables – In the past, head tables were very common. This is traditionally a long table where the bride, groom and wedding party sit. The head table is often placed at the front of the reception room for the guests of honor to be on display for everyone to see. It is appropriate for the wedding party to be seated at the head table WITH their significant others when space allows. While some couples still choose to have a head table, it is not nearly as popular as it has been in the past few decades.

• Sweetheart tables – Brides and grooms may choose to sit at a sweetheart table which is a small table just for the bride and groom. The sweetheart table gives the bride and groom more time to enjoy their wedding dinner together without the distraction of the wedding party or family members seated at the same table.

• Seated with guests – Brides and grooms can choose to sit with guests, bridal party or family members at a regular table at the reception. This is ideal for brides and grooms who hate to be the center of attention and would be nervous sitting at a traditional head table or sweetheart table.

The current seating trends dictate that anything goes. Whatever the bride and groom feel comfortable with is acceptable etiquette. Tomorrow, we will talk about the three main types of guest seating at weddings and events.

What is your favorite type of seating for the bride and groom? Do you recommend one particular style for all of your clients.