Wedding Reception - Top Table?

Question

Does anyone know the correct seating plan for the top table? Do you split up the parents of the bride and groom or do they sit together?

Answer 1

http://www.weddingtoplan.com/structuring

This link should help you.

Answer 2

There is no correct seating plan for the top table, however the traditional seating for which is:

Usher - Chief Bridesmaid - Groom’s Father - Bride’s Mother - Bridegroom -Bride- Bride’s Father - Groom’s Mother - Best Man - Bridesmaids

Obviouly the Bride and Groom being the centre of the table!

Answer 3

From the left, as though you are seated at the table. Let's put the microphone/sound system at that end. Here goes:
Master or Mistress of Ceremonies
His or her spouse
Grandparents of the groom
Parents of the groom
Groomsmen in ascending order
Best Man
Groom
Bride
Maid or Matron of Honour
Bridesmaids in descending order
Parents of the bride
Grandparents of the bride

-- now this all depends upon the amount of space you have at the head table, and how many attendants you have. Some people don't put grandparents at the head table. I was at a family wedding where the parents weren't even at the head table (sure didn't like that!) - they just had the wedding party.

Answer 4

Its up to you, but generally, the wedding party are the only ones at the top table. Generally they are seated with the Bride and Groom sitting in the middle, with his best man at his side, the Maid of Honor sitting at her side, and then the rest of the wedding party sits in the same position they stood with the bride and groom at the altar.

I see some people included the parents in the list, but parents are generally put at their own tables with the other close relatives nearest the head table.

Answer 5

Hi you can put anyone you want on the top table it doesnt need to be in the right order. But traditionals it should be on your side, Your Maid of honour, you mum your dad and then grandparents, then on your parteners side it should be, His best man, your mum, your dad then grandparents. But you can have who you want.
I getting married this year and the top table is going to be quite big especially on my other half side as his parents are divorced and what not, so he wants his best man, his real dad, his mum and, his nana, and his grandma and his grandad, but his dad is divorced form his mum and hes got a wife but she isnt on the top table because of his mum. But on my side i have my mum dad, both my brother and their girlfriends as i dont have any grand parents left. But some people dont even have a top table especially if there is confilct and familys dont get on. You want the day to go smoothly for you so have how you want to have it and this goes with your table plan for the reception aswell.

And yes of course the Bride and Groom sit together. That about the only thing that is the must.

Answer 6

I've been to weddings where only the immediate wedding party was at a long table. I've also been to some where the wedding party's significant other was invited to sit with him/her. Lately I've noticed (my own daughters did this) there is no "top table" but what's called a sweetheart table just for the bride and groom. The wedding party sits (with their spouses or significant others, children) at tables like the other guests. Personally I like this, as it saves room for the dance floor.

Answer 7

Lots of correct answers but unless you are having an empty venue with no staff don't worry about it as the hotel, restaurant or whatever usually know exactly what to do and it is all done for you. Just give them the top table list, advising who is who as in Chief bridesmaid, bridesmaid 2, mother of bride etc.

Answer 8

Bridesmaids at each end, with the best man next to one of them, bridge and groom in the middle, then the father of the bride next to the mother of the groom and the mother of the bride next to the father of the groom.

Edit -

I think there may be a bit of a clash between traditions in the Uk and the US from these answers.

FWIW My answer is for the UK.

Answer 9

The Head table is just the wedding party (bride grrom, best man, maid of honor, briedsmaids and groomsmen) Each set of parents hosts thier own table with any siblings that werent in the wedding and grandparents, and any other honor guests (godparents, step parents etc)

Answer 10

Traditionally the parents don't sit at the wedding table, only those in the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc). Instead, you should have one or two (depending on size) "family tables" for parents, siblings and other immediate-close family members. Those should be set-apart or otherwise decorated differently to let people know those tables are the VIPs. Congtats and good luck.

Answer 11

Its your wedding hun, so your call - we had from left to right (as you look head on at the table) 3 x bridesmaids, brides mum (my dad has passed away), me, my husband(!), his mum, his stepdad, his brother (best man) and then his dad. In this day and age, with families as they are especially, do whatever you want!