While it may not initially seem like it, the set up of your reception space actually has a HUGE impact on the reception as a whole! A large part of the set up of your reception space comes down to where you, the newlyweds, will be sitting. You could sit at the same table as your wedding party, your family, or other guests of your wedding, but today we’re here to talk about another amazing option for your wedding reception seating, having a sweetheart table! What’s a sweetheart table you might be asking? Or what’s the draw of having one? I’m glad you asked! Let’s get into it!

What’s a Sweetheart Table?

First, before we discuss why having a sweetheart table for your wedding reception is a great option, what exactly IS a sweetheart table? A sweetheart table is a small table at your wedding reception that is set up for just the newlyweds to sit at. The table usually sits somewhere in the reception space where the couple can see every table and all of their guests, and vice versa. Oftentimes the sweetheart table will have extra décor around it such as an archway or additional floral decorations. There are many reasons that couples choose to have a sweetheart table, 5 of which we’re about to cover next! It’s important to note though that the experience you’ll have at your reception varies greatly depending on where you’re sitting, so talk things over with your partner before deciding on whether to have a sweetheart table or something else.

5 Reasons to Have a Sweetheart Table at Your Reception

1. Time Alone Together

The first reason I love to suggest having a sweetheart table for your wedding reception is for you and your partner to actually have some quality alone time together on your wedding day! While you’ll be together most of the day, you’ll be spending a majority of that time with your wedding party, family, and other guests of your day. You actually hardly get any time alone together on your wedding day at all! That’s why I suggest having a sweetheart table as it is a built-in portion of your wedding day that you two will have some time for just YOU. You can reminisce on your favorite moments of the day, and be present in the moment taking in just how incredible the day has been so far.

2. Time to Eat

I know what you’re thinking, “we’ll have time to eat regardless of what type of seating arrangement we go with for our wedding, right?” Not exactly. While yes, the time to eat is technically there when you sit with your wedding party, family, or other guests, you’d be surprised at how many couples don’t take advantage of it.

As a Chicago wedding photographer I can tell you first hand that couples often get so caught up in the excitement and conversations they’re having with their guests that they forget to eat all together. This can lead to you getting sick from an empty stomach, or the liquor hitting you too quickly which no one wants! A sweetheart table for your wedding reception comes into play here as it’s much easier for you and your partner to chat with one another while eating than it is to try and hold conversations at a table full of your best friends. 

3. A Unique Perspective

Something people often overlook when it comes to having a sweetheart table at your wedding reception is the unique perspective you get for your wedding day. When you think about it, your wedding is really the only time in your life that ALL of these different people from both of your lives will get together. It’s a wonderful, magical, and one of a kind experience! Sitting at a sweetheart table means that you’ll have a clear view of all of these different worlds colliding, which is SO cool to witness! 

4. Great for Speeches

Another benefit of having a sweetheart table for your wedding reception is that it’s great for speeches! It makes it simple for your guests to look at the person giving the speech while also having a clear line of sight to see your reaction. It also makes it easier on you, the couple, to see the person giving the speech and give them your full attention. If you were to be sitting at the same table as the person giving your speech it can then be difficult to do this as they may be standing directly beside you, or across the room where you may have to look over other guests to see them.

5. Great for Wedding Party

The last benefit of sitting at a sweetheart table for your wedding reception doesn’t directly affect you, but more so improves the experience of your wedding party members! Depending on the venue’s seating options, if you decide to sit with your wedding party the spaces may be limited to the point where their significant other has to sit elsewhere, likely with people they don’t know or hardly know. On the other hand, if you sit at a sweetheart table it allows you to be more flexible with your seating for your wedding party so that everyone is able to sit with their significant others! This makes things much more enjoyable for your wedding party and their partners, especially if they happen to be more on the introverted side of things!

And there you have it, 5 reasons why having a sweetheart table can be a fantastic option for your wedding reception! If you’re in need of more wedding planning assistance you’re in luck as I have a TON of resources on my blog. For a look at more of my work be sure to check out my Insta, and if you’re ready to book me for your wedding day send me an inquiry via my contact page!