Where should parents and grandparents of the bride and groom sit? Depending on the size and shape of tables you have, it's common to have a family table where the bride and groom's parents and grandparents sit together. Or, each set of parents can host their own table and be seated with close family and friends.
Traditionally, you would seat both sets of parents together at the same table, along with other immediate family members such as siblings and their partners. Alternatively, you may prefer to give each set of parents their own table, allowing them to sit with more of their immediate family and close friends.
The table of honor—located near the head table—is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception.
Classically, the groom sits to the bride's right and the best man sits to her left. The maid of honor sits to the groom's right. Depending on how large the table is, the other attendants can also be seated near the couple.
Traditionally, the newlyweds sit in the middle of the table, with the bride seated to the groom's right. Same-sex couples can feel free to seat themselves as they'd like. For a male/female pattern around the table, seat the best man next to the bride and the maid of honor next to the groom.
The bride and groom should be seated at the center of the head table, with their attendants flanking them. Some couples include the ushers in the wedding party table seating while others choose to reserve a table near the front of the reception for them. Flower girls and ring bearers usually sit with their parents.
At the wedding reception the head table is where the Bride and Groom sit. From there it is completely up to you on who else you want to sit with you. Depending on the arrangement, some or all attendants and parents may join you.
The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right.
Do the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Need to Sit Together During the Wedding Reception? Ultimately, it's up to you, but there are a few things you should know before you finalize your seating chart.
At a traditional, formal Christian wedding or a large civil ceremony, the bride's family and friends are seated on the left and the groom's on the right.
Wedding reception introductions are usually offered by the wedding DJ or an emcee. This act opens the activities of the wedding reception and it serves to offer formal introduction of the couple, bridal party, and their parents to the wedding guests.
Your parents can also be considered part of your wedding party as they give speeches and may help pay for the big day. Of course, who is in your wedding party is up to you and your partner.
5 minutes prior to ceremony: The groom's mother is escorted to her seat by the head usher, a son, or the groom. The groom's father follows and sits next to her. The wedding processional follows. Read more about the wedding processional order here.
Unbreakable Rule #1: RSVP Promptly
If you're one of the chosen few to be invited, make sure you respond promptly. Many wedding invitations will include a deadline to reply. Prompt RSVPs are important because wedding venues and vendors require a firm headcount ahead of time.
A receiving line is also a great (and efficient) way to be sure that all the guests have a chance to meet the couple's parents and attendants. At a small wedding, it's fine for the bride and groom to visit with each table—usually during the meal—to greet, thank and chat with their guests.
Seated with guests – Brides and grooms can choose to sit with guests, bridal party or family members at a regular table at the reception. This is ideal for brides and grooms who hate to be the center of attention and would be nervous sitting at a traditional head table or sweetheart table.
Are you looking for an alternative to a traditional head table at your wedding reception? If so, then you may want to consider a sweetheart table! This is a smaller table that solely seats the newlyweds, while the rest of the bridal party and immediate family are seated elsewhere.
Typically, the couple will sit with their immediate family members—parents and siblings—but they may also sit with their wedding party (and their plus-ones) and give each set of parents their own table to sit with loved ones.
The bride's and groom's immediate family members, such as grandparents, siblings and children, should sit together. Traditionally, the bride's family would sit on different tables than the groom's family. However, if you know they'll feel comfortable, feel free to mix and match.
The groom's parents can also walk down the aisle together, followed by the groom as he walks alone. Or the groom might opt to use one of the above options, such as walking down the aisle with both of his parents.
The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
Traditionally, the groom's mother will take care of the rehearsal dinner arrangements and help prepare the guest list for the groom's side of the family. Both tasks should be done with both the bride and the groom's input. Any other responsibilities can be negotiated among the families.
When you're planning your wedding, one of the most important things to consider is who will be sitting at the top table. This is the table that is reserved for the bride and groom, their parents, and the wedding party.
5. The Parents of the Bride and Groom and a Table of Honor. Sometimes, as previously mentioned the bride and groom have their parents sit with them at the head table. Alternatively, the parents can be at a nearby table to the wedding party table - a table for guests of honor.
The bride's parents and grandparents are seated together, often with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren if space is available. The groom's parents and grandparents are seated at another table, often with their children, children's spouses, and grandchildren if space is available.