Stand-Out Wedding Party Table Ideas
A bride and groom kissing at their wedding party table sitting with bridesmaids and groomsmen. Image by In the Booth.
The bride and groom are the stars of their wedding day. When it’s time for them to kick back, relax, and eat at their reception, they often settle into a head table.
Located at the front of the reception area, this area allows the couple to catch some quiet moments together, surrounded by their wedding party or all alone if they prefer.
Let’s look at different types of wedding party table ideas and some decor ideas to make this space the focal point of your wedding reception!
Types of Wedding Party Tables
Some couples opt for a head table, where the newlyweds, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen sit during the reception. It’s a great way to keep the wedding party together so everyone is close for speeches and special moments.
There are several different approaches you can use. The first is a sweetheart table. This is a two-seater set-up meant for the bride and groom. The rest of the wedding party would sit at a designated table or with their plus ones after the bridal party entrances are over.
Another popular option is an alternative or extended head table, where the happy couple, their wedding party, and any significant others would sit. This keeps other couples together and allows them to stay close even while their spouse is performing wedding duties.
No matter which configuration you choose, you’ll want the wedding party table to look stunning and stand apart from the tables meant for guests. Here are some ideas you can use to
Wedding Party Table Ideas
Varied Colors
A bride and groom kissing at a sweetheart table decorated in several colors. Image by Frankely Photography.
A great way to distinguish the head table from the others is by infusing colorful elements into the decor. Bright tablecloths in fun patterns will catch everyone’s eye. You can find great options at thrift stores or ask friends and family if they have anything that matches your vision.
You can also add color by using colorful bouquets or chair covers in vivid versions of your wedding colors. Keep the guest table decor in neutral colors to really make the head table stand out!
Scattered Rose Petals
A wedding party table with scattered rose petals. Image by Truly Engaging.
If you opt for a long head table that faces out to the guest area, you’ll want decor that has a low profile so you can watch everyone have fun! Rose petals are beautiful, fragrant, and easy to scatter.
Match the napkins and other decor elements to the shade of petals you choose. You can opt for silk, reusable versions or go au natural with fresh petals. Spread them along the front side of the table to keep the eating area clear while still achieving that romantic vibe.
Romantic Seating for Two
A sweetheart wedding table with pink chiffon and floral arrangements. Image by Wedding Connexion.
If the idea of a sweetheart table appeals to you, surround you and your spouse with romantic touches. You can achieve this by creating a stunning draped fabric backdrop, complete with greenery and tapered candles.
Dial up the romance by adding a vintage love seat rather than two separate chairs. This will allow you to snuggle up and enjoy each other's company during the reception.
Enchanting Lights
A long wedding party table with string lights underneath. Image by Oh My Veil.
Ambiance lighting is always in style. Add an amazing glow to your evening reception by hanging LED fairy lights from the head table and draping sheer fabrics over the top.
Since LED lights don’t let off heat, they can safely be layered to create this romantic, fairy tale glow. Not only will it set your head table apart from the rest, but it will provide beautiful lighting for slow dancing!
Flower Waterfall
A wedding party table with waterfall white flowers spilling over. Image by Suzanne Delewar Studios.
If you are striving for a luxurious feel, a cascade of flowers will certainly help you achieve that. Display a thick floral garland across the front of your wedding party table, ensuring you have enough length to drape it down the side!
Embellish this showstopping piece with pearls or rhinestones. You can go as full as you want to, but make sure everyone can see the rest of the party over the waterfall of florals!
Rustic Fall Vibes
A wooden sweetheart table with rustic, fall decor. Image by Emily B.
Getting married in the fall? Then rustic fall wedding themes are perfect, especially if you will be surrounded by beautiful autumn colors. Choose a vintage table complete with rustic ironwood chairs. Macrame runners, thick candles, and pinecones add beautiful, natural elements as well.
You can elevate the look with some fall-themed hanging decor that frames your sweetheart table. It looks great in photos and is an awesome way to make a big impact on a budget.
U-Shaped Floral Showstopper
A wedding party table with table runners and floral decor. Image by Diaqnoz.
If you want a wedding party table but don’t have space for a long, expansive table, you can opt for a space-saving U-shaped set up. This arrangement works well for smaller venues or if you want to feel more connected to your bridal party.
Not only will you be able to see and speak with all members of your wedding party, but there will be more space for you to get inventive with table decor. Drape a long garland of greenery dotted with your wedding flowers or use candles to create a romantic glow.
Shine Bright with a Custom Neon Sign
A bride and groom at their sweetheart table with a neon sign reading “The Kontos” above. Image by Etsy.
Custom touches always make sweetheart tables extra special. You can achieve this with custom signs made of wood.
But a light-up neon sign with the couple’s new shared last name is a great way to honor the union and add a unique touch to your special spot at the reception. Choose natural accents and skip the fairy lights to ensure the neon sign is the star of the show!
The Extended Head Table
A long wooden table with greenery table runner and chairs. Image by Fab Mood.
If you don’t want to sit at the front of the reception space and want to include the significant others of your wedding party, a long, extended table is a great way to achieve this. This “family style” of seating will allow you to have a wedding party table without having to feel like you’re in the spotlight.
Decorate the center of a long table with greenery, tall vases, and LED candles. Create seating on either side so guests can talk with each other as they eat. And since your groomsmen and bridesmaids can sit with their significant others, they will feel more at ease. The more, the merrier, after all!
T-Shaped Head-of-the-Table
A T-shaped wedding party table with flowers and candles. Image by Hitch Studio.
Another alternative to the traditional head table is to create a “T shape” that seats the happy couple at the head of the table, with the rest of their wedding party seated in a family style formation.
Place a comfy but elegant loveseat at the top end of the table and add decor that matches your wedding theme. You can repeat this decor throughout the table, making the display near your seat more elaborate to designate it as reserved seating.
The Flower Wall
A sweetheart wedding table with a white flower wall backdrop. Image by Palace Somerset Park.
You’ll likely have lots of pictures snapped of you sitting at the sweetheart table with your new spouse. So you’ll need to ensure the backdrop is just as stunning as the table itself.
A flower wall, made from either fresh buds or silk stems, will act as the perfect background for your photos. You can choose a neutral color that blends with your decor or go all out with brightly colored flowers that will make your white dress pop!
The Tableless Head Table
A stage with loveseats and circular flower decor. Image by EVENTertainments.
Sometimes the bride and groom will be so busy at their reception that they will need a moment to relax. Enter the tablesless head table: a VIP lounge area at the front of your venue where you and your wedding party can relax in between dancing and eating.
This space will offer respite from all the chaos and set your special squad apart from other guests, making them feel special and included. Add coffee tables or end tables so you can rest your drinks and plates on them.
Conclusion
No matter which version of the wedding party table you choose, make sure it reflects your unique vision. Sweetheart tables are great if you want alone time with your new spouse, but bridal party tables rock if you want to spend as much time with your wedding party as possible.
Make this space your own with special touches that match the overall theme. Then, get ready to party knowing you have a wedding party table to retreat to when you need to rest your feet!