we are having a 7pm wedding with a cocktail reception & dance to follow. No dinner just finger foods. So do I need formal table settings, or just casual??? Do I need a head table??? The wedding is formal, black and white, but we want it to be fun!!
2007-08-09 05:13:40 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I was thinking just round tables and designating some for the wedding party and parents at the front or off to the side.
2007-08-09 05:25:44 · update #1
It sounds FUN. I think what you've planned if fine - no need for a formal table settings or a head table - keep it casual. No place cards or designated seating. You might, however, want to keep a small "sweetheart's table" for just the two of you - keep it nicely decorated - a place for pics and all - I did this - got the idea from M. Stewart's weddings. You could also "reserve" a bridal and/or parents table. But that's really all you need to do - let the people just mix and match ^ don't sweat it!
2007-08-09 05:36:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Here's the best way to do this:
Formal table settings with finger food will confuse you guests. They might think you changed your mind and there will be a served dinner. Also, no head table, that doesn't make sense. So you should have a bunch of those cocktail tables that people can stand around and rent white lounge chairs and couches. You will still keep your formal and fun theme and people will be comfortable.
2007-08-09 13:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by Peace 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did the same thing and my caterer said people prefer to have the plates by the food so they can serve themselves. The silverware can either be up there as well (as we did) or if the table looks too bland you can have the silverware rolled in linen napkins with a napkin ring that has something tying it in with your theme.
I've seen it set up both ways before. However if its a cocktail reception most people will walk around and mingle, lots will not grab a plate of food but just an item or two with their drink. If you set the places on the table, people feel obligated to the spot and unable to wander around talking to people.
I did a head table simply b/c our reception hall had a stage area and it would have looked odd bare. Plus it gave my drink a spot to rest while I danced and I didn't lose my drink all night. (I believe I had a plate up there as well but I never go to touch it)
I decided to have the head tables set up like 3 sweetheart tables--his parents, my parents, and us. No one ever was really up there but as both Moms had a dress with a jacket, they had a spot to hang their jacket and clutch bags. I had one table reserved for the bridal party and guests but I didn't want them to have to sit at a head table. I didn't want anyone to feel like an outsider. My cousin was a bridesmaid and she is engaged. I didn't want to separate them, but 4 bridesmaids, 4 groomsmen, 2 ushers and 4 significant others was a little more than just a head table. If you get that many people at a head table, it seems to take away from the point of a head table.
So among the tables I had a reserved table for the bridal party, a reserved table groom and a reserved table bride--my grandparents were at their reserved table and they called out to who they wanted to sit with as they entered. The grooms table had his close family (grandmother, cousin and 4 kids). I didn't do a seating chart and all other tables were free. I think thats a great idea--and it ensured that our closest family had a good seat for the first dance, toasts, bouquet/garter toss, etc.
2007-08-09 12:25:58 · answer #3 · answered by phantom_of_valkyrie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would keep the table settings casual but elegant. I would supply a plate that is smaller, but with a wedding theme matching design on it. Also, I would supply a fork, knife and spoon even though it will be finger foods.
As for as a head table, it's up to you. I would probably just go for a table that included my groom and I, as well as either the bestman (and his guest) and the maid of honor (and her guest) OR our parents.
2007-08-09 12:21:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your plan sounds great. It is generally a good idea to deisgnate a few tables for "special guests" like the wedding party and families. Otherwise they may get shoved to the outskirts and miss something cute.
2007-08-09 12:33:45 · answer #5 · answered by corinne1029 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it's so late in the evening I think it would be nice to have it more formal, especially since you aren't serving dinner. I don't think you need to worry about a head table.
2007-08-09 13:33:20 · answer #6 · answered by Luv2Answer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest a head table. but keep it casual!
2007-08-09 13:37:46 · answer #7 · answered by betney109 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'd have tables set up so people can sit if they want too.. as for the head table why not :)
2007-08-09 12:24:20 · answer #8 · answered by steph 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you want...it's your wedding...you don't "need" anything.
2007-08-09 12:21:11 · answer #9 · answered by noelbutterfly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
look for questions like that at www.theknot.com
2007-08-09 12:28:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋