Should You Have a Top Table at Your Wedding?

The idea of a traditional top table sounds lovely and romantic, with both families by your sides, emotional speeches, and champagne toasts. However, it may not always be that easy, especially if your parents are divorced, one of the family has sadly passed away or there is some animosity between family members. Well, we’re delighted to let you know that this feature tackles the question all couples consider when arranging their seating plan, ‘Should you have a top table at your wedding?’.

The short answer is, ‘no, you don’t have to’! There are so many options available other than the traditional top table we’ve seen at wedding receptions for decades now. Remember, everything about your special day is your choice and it should be a happy occasion that you will always cherish, so if you want to break tradition and do it your way…be our guest.

Alternative Top Table Ideas

Some modern wedding couples opt for a sweetheart table; a small table for two exclusively for the newlyweds. This could be a nice option for the romantic souls out there as it allows you to have a quiet moment to yourselves, to catch up and engage with each other properly before the dancing and evening reception begins. This option also lets your families do their own thing, while you can have the freedom to mingle around tables between courses if you wish.

A fun option that we’ve seen grow in popularity is for couples to leave a free seat on every table. This can be a great way to actively encourage your guests to move around the room and socialise with each other. It also means there’s a space for you and your partner to be free to chat with your friends from school etc. or for other guests to meet new people too. Having less formalities could potentially lead to a lot less stress and a huge amount of fun!

A slightly more risky approach but a nicely informal seating arrangement would be to have no seating plan at all, allowing guests the freedom to sit where they like. This would be a great option if you’re having a relaxed wedding buffet and for those of you who love to work the room and thrive off introducing new people to one another. This type of seating can allow everyone to feel relaxed with the understanding that they are free to move about and socialise. The only caveat here would be to consider whether there is enough room for families and groups of friends to still sit together. Or maybe the idea of splitting them up is the appeal…!

Aside from the traditional ‘top table’ the next most popular seating arrangement for a wedding breakfast would be for the couple to slot in with their guests, either on one long banqueting table or a configuration of tables that doesn’t have a set ‘head of the table’. That way you can be in the thick of it and be surrounded by your loved ones, either opposite or near you, which will also make them feel suitably included in your special day.

Whether you decide to go for a top table or not, remember - the choice really is yours. Don’t feel you have to people please, choose between parents and / or leave people out. Go with whichever seating plan you think will be right for you and your guests. Now, enjoy the journey and get planning!