- A sweetheart table is an interesting play on the usual head table, which includes all wedding attendants. Only the bride and groom sit at the sweetheart, while the couple's parents, families, and wedding attendants sit with their friends and loved ones. On a day devoted to their marriage, the couple get to spend surprisingly few moments together one-on-one, so this gives them a chance to focus on each other before returning to the party. In addition, the couple won't be tied down to entertaining guests at the head table, allowing them to mingle with other guests. Groomsmen and bridesmaids can sit with their dates and parents can sit with their friends instead of having to sit at a separate "head table." Since this table is just for the two of you, decorate it for a romantic dinner. Candle light and a special floral arrangement will set your table apart from the others. Adorn the chairs to signify that it's meant for the bride and groom.
- Incorporate the bouquets used during the ceremony into your bridal table. Speak to your florist ahead of time so they know you'll need bouquets sturdy enough to make the transition. Simply lay the bouquets on the table or place them in vases, with the bride's bouquet placed in front of her and the groom. This specialty floral arrangement will certainly set the bride's table apart from the crowd. Incorporating the ceremony's flowers into the reception decoration can help you cut down on floral costs, as well.
- Groups of long tables are becoming more popular in place of traditional round or square seating tables. Long tables tend to be more communal and inclusive than smaller tables, and that holds true for the bridal table as well. Traditionally, the head table seats people on only one side, facing the rest of the guests. You can fit more people at a long table if you seat people on both sides and your bridal party is more likely to socialize with each other. When decorating long tables, fill the center of the table with smaller decorative elements instead of one main centerpiece, like you would with smaller tables. Use a runner to draw attention to the length.
- Most bridal tables include the bride, groom and their wedding party. In the past, this left spouses and significant others relegated to different tables, often with people they didn't know well. If you've got a small enough wedding party (or a big enough table) your bridesmaids and groomsmen can be seated next to their guests. The expanded seating plan at this table is begging for special design elements. Alternate smaller decorations in accordance with the alternating genders of the guests. Signify the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and groomsmen's dates with a small collection of flowers. The best man, groomsmen and bridesmaids' dates can be signified with matching candles.
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