Both sweetheart tables and long head tables have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on your wedding style, guest count, and personal preferences. Our Event Manager, Gabrielle gave us a breakdown to help you decide:
Sweetheart Tables 💕
The sweetheart table might just be the perfect fit for you and your sweetie! If you are looking for an intimate dining experience, you can’t get more intimate than the sweetheart table.
Captured by Cassidy Danae Photo
What is a sweetheart table?
A sweetheart table is a small table, either a cocktail table or slightly larger, that is the perfect fit for two. At the Revel Center, a sweetheart table is included in your wedding rental.
Pros:
The more intimate feel allows you and your partner to share a private moment together
You have better visibility of your guests, and your guests can see you from every angle. This is great for speeches and photos
Simple seating logistics: You don’t need to figure out where to seat your wedding party with dates and plus-ones
Freedom to mingle! Without being locked into one group, you will have an easier experience breaking away to greet guests or stepping out for your sunset photos
Decorating a sweetheart table may be less expensive, or require less work to create a backdrop since it won’t occupy as much space
Cons:
You may feel slightly isolated, depending on your preference. Some couples find that rather than a one-on-one moment, they prefer to share their dinner experience with the wedding party
Less involvement for the bridal party: With the party scattered around the dining room, they may feel less involved, or may appear in fewer photos. However, if you’re concerned about plus-ones not fitting the aesthetic of your head table, a sweetheart table is the perfect solution
It can feel like too much attention—Again, depending on your preference as a couple, if you tend to feel more shy in a crowd, being the only people at the head table can feel a bit uncomfortable
Decoration can feel a bit limited, or you might feel like you NEED a backdrop, where with the head table model you may not. At the Revel Center, our Grand Hall is laid out to feel full and lush, even without an expensive backdrop!
Captured by Christina Vera Creative
Should I use a sweetheart table?
If you and your fiance would prefer to spend dinner feeling like you’re on an intimate date, sharing private conversations with a convenient way to step away, the sweetheart table may be for you. If you have a florist or decorator, ask them to see options for decorating a sweetheart table vs a head table. You may discover it’s more cost-effective, or more glamorous overall.
Captured by Kendra Lynece Photography
Long Head Tables 🥂
When most people envision a wedding, they picture the party sitting at a long head table. If you’re looking for that “classic” wedding vibe, or a more social experience, you might just prefer a long head table!
Captured by Lauren Wood Photography
What is a head table?
A head table is typically a series of rectangle tables, spread out so that your full party can sit with you at dinner. All party members are typically seated facing the crowd, requiring additional space. Decorations are often spaced evenly throughout. At the Revel Center, we include these rectangle tables in your rental, and will set up these tables on your behalf while you’re enjoying cocktail hour!
Pros:
You’ll keep your wedding party together, which can give a more “classic” feel to your photos
You can enjoy more camaraderie with the full party, laughing and sharing in your dinner experience
The bridal party may feel more involved, since they’ll also be in the “spotlight” during dinner
It is visually impressive, generally taking up a whole wall in your venue
Cons:
Whether for the sake of seating or cohesion, it can be difficult to accommodate the plus ones of wedding party members at a head table
A long head table can require more space, making seating the rest of your guests more difficult
If you have a large party, it may begin to feel more crowded, and almost certainly will feel less intimate for the newlyweds
Less flexible: Getting out from the head table becomes an event! It’s more difficult to excuse yourself for greeting guests or snapping golden hour photos
The additional space requires more decoration, which can potentially add to the budget. It can be more difficult to include a centered backdrop with a long head table
Captured by Tim Kamppinen Photo
Should I have a head table?
If you’re looking for a classic feel and a more social experience with your party, the long head table might just be for you! Particularly if you have extra room in the venue for seating other guests! If you’re strapped for space or want to share an intimate, date-like experience as newlyweds, a sweetheart table might be a better fit.
Captured by Johanna Grace Photography
Bonus: The King’s Table 👑
This bonus third option is only suitable for certain events with a limited number of guests, but if it fits your guest list, it can really make a statement! The King’s Table is a unique variation of the longer rectangular head table. It is composed of several rectangle tables with party members (and optionally plus ones) seated on either side. Often, the newlywed couple are seated at the “head” of the King’s table. Guests surround the King’s table in round tables, giving everyone a unique view of the party.
Captured by Kendra Lynece Photography
Pros:
You and your party can enjoy eating family-style, with lots of room for rowdy conversation
You may feel less “on the spot” because the table is set into the seating chart, rather than occupying a separate space at the back wall
It’s easier to include plus ones with the extra seating, and easy to slip away from the King’s Table
Cons:
Photos of the King’s Table will likely include photos of guests, who may not realize they’re included, and could be eating or talking amongst themselves, even during a heartfelt speech
Photos of the party are slightly more limited, as everyone is facing different directions. This can also be a pro, depending on what you’re looking for in your photos
King’s Tables are generally not recommended for larger events, as they are not as compact as the longer head table or low-imprint sweetheart table
Captured by Hayley Marie Photo
We only recommend the King’s Table setup for specific events with the right guest count, but if your event is the right fit for the elegant King’s Table, you might find it’s just what you’re looking for! In particular, if you’d like to have a more family-style feel with your party, or a specific vibe when it comes to photos, we might recommend considering the King’s Table layout.
Captured by Jessie Silva Photo
At the Revel Center, we prioritize elegant, intimate events, with a beautiful and spacious Grand Hall that can suit any of the above table types. Decorating the Grand Hall is a breeze, with elegant accents already in place to help your decorations shine—or limit that decor budget. Our team will help you find the right layout for your guest count to make sure you have your dream wedding experience! And our expert staff handles transforming your Ceremony into your dream Reception while you snap photos or enjoy cocktails in the upstairs lounge.
Not sure which table is right for you? We recommend scheduling a tour with the team so we can learn about your vision and recommend the right options for you. We’ll see you soon!