 The number of decisions on your plate before getting married is enough to make most couples’ heads swim! Whether it’s choosing which vendors to hire or making nitty-gritty decisions like setting the head table vs. sweetheart table debate, the overwhelm is real. If you’re considering your reception layout, the latter may have already begun to puzzle you. What is a head table, anyway? And will a sweetheart table provide the quality time together you’re craving—or will it just make you feel like you’re under a microscope? Today, we’re here to make your decision easier! We’ll lay out the pros and cons of each seating arrangement so you can make the best choice for your wedding day. Head Table vs. Sweetheart TableIt’s helpful to define these types of tables before deciding between them! A head table is a long table that seats you and your entire wedding party, usually at the focal point of the reception. Conversely, a sweetheart table is a smaller round or rectangular table that seats you and your spouse. Like a head table, most layouts position the sweetheart table at the head of the reception so every guest can see the newlyweds. Benefits of a Head TableSome couples prefer to be surrounded by their loved ones all day, especially those close friends they’ve selected as part of their wedding party. For these couples, a head table is the perfect choice! It allows proximity to your loved ones and honors them by placing them with you at the head of the reception. Furthermore, a head table may help you feel more connected to your guests since you aren’t seated separately from them, as with a sweetheart table. In short, the benefits of a head table are:
However, some couples may feel they’re losing out on quality time with their new spouse by choosing a head table.  Benefits of a Sweetheart TableFor couples who want their wedding day to prioritize their love story, a sweetheart table offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and share a private conversation. And since it’s just the two of you, eating may be easier—no small matter since many brides and grooms barely manage to eat anything amid the wedding day hustle and bustle! A sweetheart table also permits your wedding party to sit with their significant others or families and mingle with other guests. In short, the benefits of a sweetheart table are:
However, some couples may feel like a sweetheart table puts them “on display” and prefer to relax from being in the spotlight all day by choosing a head table instead. Ultimately, there’s no “right” answer to the head table vs. sweetheart table question. There’s only what’s best for you, your soon-to-be spouse, and your unique situation! If you’ve been struggling to decide, we hope this post has given you some clarity. One of the most commonly addressed (and divisive!) wedding day debates is whether or not to do a first look. We outline the trends’ benefits and drawbacks so you and your partner can find your preference in this post. Vendors: The scenery at this Vail destination wedding was drop-dead gorgeous! Jackie and Ian came to us knowing they wanted to host a Colorado wedding showcasing the state’s natural beauty. However, they also wanted the day to have an elegant, upscale feel to match the bride’s NYC upbringing. We helped them find the perfect mountain wedding venue in Camp Hale and assisted them with curating every element of the day. We’re so glad we could be their wedding planning team! Colorado Full-Service Wedding PlanningJackie and Ian knew they had a challenge ahead when they decided to plan their Colorado wedding. Sapphire Celebrations came to the rescue! As long-time Coloradans and experienced wedding planners, we knew how to bring their vision to life. Camp Hale was the perfect choice for their venue because of the beautiful outdoor ceremony location and onsite tent. The couple and their guests enjoyed sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains while dining on elevated fare catered by Footers. Jackie and Ian love to cook together, so we helped them brainstorm the perfect favor to gift each guest: a small bottle of specialty olive oil! Not only did the keepsakes make for a sweet personal touch, but the elegant glass containers coordinated beautifully with the décor on the tablescapes. We even had a hand in ensuring the couple’s photos turned out exactly as they envisioned! We held up our iPhones to create the perfect lighting for Mikkelle Carlson to capture portraits of Jackie in the middle of a dark mountain meadow. The stunning results are unlike any bridal portraits we’ve seen before. Jackie truly made the most beautiful mountain bride! Outdoor Wedding Reception at Camp Hale Camp Hale is a unique Colorado wedding venue with plenty of open space for outdoor activities. So, Jackie and Ian chose to take advantage of that to host one of the most fun wedding receptions we’ve ever attended! They incorporated activities showcasing their interests, including archery and flyfishing in the nearby lake (Jackie even reeled in a fish in her wedding dress!). However, those less inclined to rustic pursuits also had plenty to do. Guests could pose for the photo booth from Elite Entertainment or hit the dance floor while DJRIPM spun the tunes. It was our honor to assist Jackie and Ian with planning their destination wedding at Camp Hale! As Colorado wedding planners, we love planning events of all kinds, from the mountains of Vail to downtown Denver. No matter what kind of celebration you’re envisioning, we want to hear from you. vendors:Venue: Camp Hale
Wedding Planning: Sapphire Celebrations Photography: Mikkelle Carlson Officiant: Gary Buchanan Bridal Salon: a&bé Shoes: Bella Belle Hair and Makeup: The Loft Styling Studio Floral Design: Bustle + Bloom Stationery: Pier 9 Design Music: 5 Star Talent & Entertainment Catering: Footers Catering Décor Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals Photo Booth: Elite Entertainment Accommodations: The Hythe Vail Videography: Yonder Film Co.  The parent/child dances are one of the most heartwarming parts of any wedding day! As wedding planners, we’re still huge fans of this tradition. However, choosing a song to dance to can be difficult. Thankfully, there are a few tried-and-true tunes that couples and their parents have been turning to for decades! Stick around for a list of popular parent dance songs and our guidance for choosing the perfect one. Most Popular Parent Dance SongsFather of the Bride
Mother of the Groom
How to Choose a Parent/Child Dance SongWhen choosing a song to dance to, listen closely to the lyrics. You don’t want a sad song playing during this special moment! Similarly, avoid picking a song with overly romantic connotations (awkward!). The ideal parent/child dance song has meaningful lyrics, often with a nostalgic feel or well wishes for the child. While this may seem like tricky criteria, you aren’t alone in selecting a song. Ask your parent what they think! Is there an artist you’ve always enjoyed listening to together or a melody that holds a special meaning for both of you? It just might make the perfect choice for your dance. With whatever song you choose, be open to fading it about a minute and a half in (so, don’t choose a song that you only like for the ending!). Trust us: for your first dance and your parent/child dances, you won’t want to be up there with all eyes on you for much longer. After that point, you’ll likely lose your guests’ attention too.Your DJ can help you cut your song of choice into the perfect length without sacrificing your favorite parts. Do you want to include both your parents in your wedding more prominently? While the parent/child dance is the best-known way, it isn’t the only one (and it sadly excludes one parent). Recently, we joined other top wedding planners to give our advice for honoring your parents on your special day. To learn more, head to the feature on Everyday Bride! Vendors: |
Angela Johnston
LET’S CONNECT TO START DESIGNING YOUR DISTINCTIVE COLORADO EVENT TODAY
Sapphire Celebrations combines the energy, perspective and creativity of two generations when planning weddings and events throughout Colorado. Founded by a mother and daughter team, Sapphire Celebrations reflects their Colorado heritage. With family roots dating back to 1907 and covering the northeastern plains and Rocky Mountain vistas, there is no team better qualified to plan your Colorado wedding or special event. Pamela and Angie are proud of the high level of service for which Sapphire Celebrations has come to be known. Two principal wedding designers and four event concierges take pride in exceeding the expectations of couples who entrust us with their wedding day. Archives
February 2025
Categories
All
|
