Post # 1
Member
7 posts
Newbee
Ok Bees so here is the problem. We are needing to figure out if we want a “sweetheart” table or a “Full Bridal/Groomsman table” for the reception. Here’s the main reason why I ask this, my fiance’s groomsmen all have kids and are married, so I feel like they would rather be helping their wives with their children. Plus one of my bridesmaids has a family as well. We figured with a sweetheart table it would be just for us, so we don’t have to deal with empty chairs at our table if we did it the other way. What are your thoughts?
Post # 3
Member
1357 posts
Bumble bee
We went half way. We had one of the normal round tables near our “head” table to seat most of the wedding party and their SOs. We didn’t have a full sweetheart table however, as we sat the Maid/Matron of Honor and best man at our table so they would be easily visible for speeches and photos, plus the DJ could find them easily with the mic.
I think it’s fine either way. It’s just a matter of what’s important to you. Do you want your wedding party to be able to sit with their SOs/families (and they will be fine if you don’t), or do you want photos of your wedding party during dinner and speeches in addition to photos of you and your new husband?
Post # 4
Member
4439 posts
Honey bee
- Wedding: January 2013 - Harbourfront Grand Hall
Usually I hate the idea of a sweet heart table, but you’re considering the enjoyment of your Bridal Party and it makes sense in this situation!
Post # 5
Member
161 posts
Blushing bee
We had the same problem. I wasn’t going to separate my bridal party from their +1s, but we couldn’t fit everyone at one table. On the other hand, I didn’t want to do a sweetheart table because there are going to be moments my fiance is occupied talking to someone and I don’t want to be sitting alone (and vice versa). We’re both close with our parents, so I think we’ll have a table with the two of us and our parents.
Post # 6
Member
2515 posts
Sugar bee
we had a sweetheart table. we got married at city hall so the Bridal Party was my sister and DH’s brother. it worked out better to have them sit with family at the tables instead of having a head table (which would look silly with only 2 people in the BP).
Post # 7
Member
196 posts
Blushing bee
I plan to do a sweetheart table for the exact reasons you are considering it. Our bridal party will consist of people with families, such as SOs and children. I want them to be able to spend dinner with their family so no one is left out, or no random relative is suddenly in charge of multiple children during dinner.
Added bonus of a sweetheart table – with all the craziness of a wedding day, I can’t wait to have an “intimate” dinner with just my NEW husband! Afterall the day is about our love, so it will be great to get a brief moment of time where we are still the focus, yet removed just enough so that we have some personal time. 
Post # 8
Member
1475 posts
Bumble bee
We are doing a sweetheart table out of consideration of the spouses/fiances of the people in our bridal party. I’m sure they would have no fun sitting by themselves.
Post # 9
Member
1877 posts
Buzzing bee
@anemonie: I love sweetheart tables. They look better to me than a long table. They are elegant and photogenic. Plus you’ll have a more intimate, romantic time eating your first meal with your new husband and your guests will be happier.
Post # 10
Member
7 posts
Newbee
Thanks guys you are really helping out a lot! Im thinking of having reserved tables just for the Bridal Party & GP to our left and right!
Post # 11
Member
293 posts
Helper bee
We are doing a sweetheart table…I rather have that time to be with FH and not have anyone else around us plus I wouldn’t want to separate people from their plus ones.
Post # 12
Member
905 posts
Busy bee
I dislike both the Last Supper style head tables AND sweetheart tables. Neither really facilitates socializing with the folks who are there to spend time with us. And both cause people to stare awkwardly.
Most of the tables at our reception at 6-top so we’re going to make a table of us, the best man and his wife, and the maid of honor and her boyfriend. That way we can enjoy that dinner! The rest of the bridal party will be seated at tables with their spouses/significant others/friends like normal guests.
Post # 13
Member
589 posts
Busy bee
I had a sweetheart table but honestly the only time we were there was during the speeches. We were either going around the room or dancing. I voted for sweetheart table because I think it’s better for the bridal party to just sit with their family.
Post # 14
Member
396 posts
Helper bee
We are doing a sweetheart table with 3 Bridal Party tables around us. Almost everyone in our Bridal Party is married, married with kids or in a serious relationship. The last 3 weddings I have been to fiance has been a Groomsmen and I hate sitting apart from him at places where I knew about 5 people. It just made me feel awkward. I decided for ours I wouldn’t make our Bridal Party sit apart from their families because that isn’t what I would want. We are all still close at the “front” of the reception but we have our own space to chit chat while we eat and our Bridal Party can enjoy their dinner with their loved ones.
Post # 15
Member
1572 posts
Bumble bee
I think I am doing a sweetheart table as well, but will make sure the bridal party is situated nearby. 🙂
Post # 16
Member
115 posts
Blushing bee
We got married on Saturday and we did a sweetheart table. It’s just much nicer for the Best Men and Bridesmaids to spend some time with their families. I think the MOG, MOB, FOG and FOB would have loved to have sat on a top table but I thought it would look bad if we just excluded the Bestmen and Bridesmaids. So we thought it would be best to just have us 2 on the table. I have also been at a friends wedding, where I was a Bridesmaid and I would have dearly loved to have spent it with my family but couldnt. People think its a selfish thing, I think it’s very much the opposite 
