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Royal Affairs Ballroom

Alternatives to a Head Table



Many wedding receptions feature a table for the bride, groom, and wedding party commonly known as the head table. The head table is a place of honor for the bride, groom, and wedding party to enjoy their meal and focus on their start as a married couple with their closest friends.


What if you don’t want to have a head table at your wedding? We have some great suggestions on how you can do something new at your wedding. 


  1. Sweetheart Table

  2. King’s Table

  3. Family Style Seating


Sweetheart Table

We have seen several sweetheart tables at Royal Affairs. The sweetheart table is a great alternative to a traditional head table featuring only the bride and groom. The sweetheart table is set apart as a focal point of the room with decoration that matches the theme. There are so many great ways to dress up the table and make it special for the bride and groom. Some great ideas we have seen include neon signs with the new couple’s last name, “Mr. & Mrs.” signs for the chairs or on the table, and the use of backdrops with gorgeous florals.


This example of a sweetheart table at Royal Affairs was captured by the talented Jamie Park Photo. The florals, candles, and neon backdrop created a magical space for the newlyweds.


The King’s Table

The King’s Table is another option that includes the bride, groom, and bridal party, and a plus one for each of the bridal party. This becomes a grand table featuring the bride and groom, but allowing space for significant others who are connected to the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This can be a round table or it can be several 8-foot tables set together to create a large space for a big group of people. Let your creativity flow as you find the right setup for the special people in your wedding. 


Family Style Seating

Family-style seating includes the bride, groom, parents of the bride and groom, and the bridal party. This can be accomplished using 8-foot tables in a U shape to accommodate the number of people needed. Similar to the seating at the wedding ceremony, the bride’s family can occupy one side and the groom’s family can occupy the other. The possibilities here are endless, so there is freedom to set up the seating as you desire. 


While seating can be a stressful part of the wedding planning process, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many ways that a venue can set up tables to allow for great conversation among family and friends. We love this article by Emily Crall on creating a harvest table instead of a table. 


It’s also important to keep in mind that most people will not be seated for long at the reception. Most people will be up dancing, milling around, and talking throughout the evening. The seated part usually only lasts about 30-45 minutes unless you have a long session of speeches or toasts. Even so, the guests won’t be talking to each other seated for very long, so do not spend a lot of energy stressing over who is sitting next to whom. Other areas of wedding planning require more time, attention, and focus. 


The staff at Royal Affairs works with brides and grooms to find the best seating arrangement for each wedding reception. We would love to work with you as you plan your wedding, reception, or other special occasion party. Private tours are available by appointment daily. Call us today to schedule yours at 972-221-6565.


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