Head Table Options On Your Wedding Day

Head Table

Photo by Alisha Tova

Written by Michelle Brown, Design Director with Urban Allure Events Floral + Design

When it comes to reception design and décor, there are big choices to make that can impact your floorplan and your guest experience. Most importantly, the table you and spouse choose to sit at during dinner will can play a large role in that. Not only will it be the focal point of the room but it will also be the most photographed area of the reception. 

When it comes to table options, there are three that are the most common.

Sweetheart Table

Photo by Dani Dahl

  • A Sweetheart Table is a small 4-6ft table, or half round, that seats only you and your sweetheart <3

  • A Head Table seats you, your spouse, and the chosen special people in your wedding party. It can be anywhere from 12ft - 32ft long, with guests seated on only one side, or wrapped around the short sides to be seated in the ‘front’ (usually the table space directly in front of the newlyweds will be left open)

  • A King’s Table is similar to a Head Table, except in addition to you, your spouse, and your wedding party, you may also choose to include the wedding party’s dates and/or plus one’s. They can also be double wide to give everyone ample elbow room! 

Whether you’re seated at a Sweetheart, Head Table, King’s Table, or VIP guest tables, there are endless décor possibilities! 

Economical $

Repurpose ceremony décor

The most popular way to decorate the wedding party table is to repurpose elements of décor from the ceremony. A grounded meadow can be placed on the floor in front of a Sweetheart table OR Head Table in the open space in front of the newlyweds.

Freestanding floral pillars, columns, or ‘deconstructed arches’ are wonderfully versatile! They can be placed directly behind the couple to frame them during dinner. (The same would be true for altar pieces repurposed from a church)

If it makes sense, a ceremony arch can be moved in its entirety to frame the couple, however sometimes location and size constraints won’t allow for the structure to be moved. In that case, the floral embellishments can be repurposed to the table top for a lush garland effect! 

Mid-Tier $$-$$$

Candle and Floral Meadow (use table length as a guide)

There is no better way to fill the length of a Head Table than with a candle lit runner and floral meadow. This table style is typically a coordinating collection of all the best bits of your centerpieces! Candles, bud vases, low and lush centerpieces, bouquets - you can fill the table with as much as you want! Keep in mind that the length of your head table will determine the overall cost, as well as the floral varieties and specific rental elements used throughout the reception. Plan on spending anywhere from 3-5x the cost of your guest table centerpieces for a full look!

Head Table

Photo by Michelle Brown

Luxe $$$$

Elevated Table Runner

For a truly LUXE look that stands out from the rest, try an elevated floral runner!  Benefitting from the extra depth of a King’s Table, the elevated (or suspended!) decor decorates the space above the newlyweds and their special people. The elevated nature of the design allows for conversation across the wide expanse of the table, while not skimping on impact! 

A note from this Designer:

Think carefully about repurposing your bouquets! By the time bouquets make it to the reception, they can look less than their best. If your floral designer is still onsite, have them inspect the blooms so they look absolutely perfect before putting them out on display! 

From more info, a quote or a consult, contact Michelle at Urban Allure Events Floral and Design.

Tips & Tricks, Florals, Head Table, Table, Decor, ReceptionMichelle CoxUrban Allure Events Floral and Design, Urban Allure Events Floral + Decor, Urban Allure Events