As you have probably been told many times before, your wedding day will blissfully fly by. Time and time again our real wedding couples advise making time to spend together on the day and your wedding meal could be the perfect opportunity to do just that. With this in mind, let us introduce the sweetheart table!

While this intimate seating option might not for everyone, we dive into the pros and cons of this table for two arrangement seating trend so you can make up your mind as to whether a sweetheart table for you.

Image by Studio Brown via One Fab Day

What is a Wedding Sweetheart Table?

The sweetheart table is just what you may imagine, a table, just for two, at the top of the room that allows the newlyweds to sit together and enjoy their wedding meal in their own company. Of course, as with anything, there are pros and cons to forgoing the top table at your wedding in favour of a much more intimate set up. We have broken them down for you below.

Image by Megan Hannon via One Fab Day

Image by Olga Hogan Photography via One Fab Day

The Pros of a Sweetheart Table

1. It simplifies the seating plan. The top table usually hosts the newlyweds, their parents and the best man and maid of honour but it can be difficult to know where to draw the line with big families or wedding parties. You don't want to upset anyone by excluding them and you don't want to make anyone uncomfortable by separating them from their spouse/partner. The sweetheart table cuts out the stress of who sits where, and allows your wedding party to sit with their partners.
2. It gives you quality time together. You only get one wedding day so soak up as much as possible with your partner. The formalities of the day mean quality time with your other half are few and far between. The ceremony, photographs and spending time with your guests are special moments but don't allow for proper one-on-one time with each other. So a table for two to enjoy your wedding meal is ideal. If your top table was going to be a long trestle table it limits who you can talk to during dinner anyway. This way you still get to look out at your loved ones, but you can also focus on each other.
3. You'll be more approachable for guests to come say hello You rarely get the chance to have all the people you love together in the same room and try as you might, you mightn't get to have a word with everyone there. The good news is, that the sweetheart table gives your guests a chance to come to you without having to push past the wedding party on either side.
4. It creates a cost-effective focal point. A sweetheart table allows you to get your creative juices flowing to create a spectacular seating arrangement that becomes the focal point of the room. Go all out with candles, flowers, twinkling fairy lights - whatever you please and create a photo moment for your wedding album. Your budget may not stretch to do this with all the tables in the room but with the sweetheart table being much smaller by nature, you can have some fun with the decor!

Image by Cynthia Chung via One Fab Day

The Cons of a Sweetheart Table

1. Having less quality time with loved ones. Part of the magic of the wedding day is sharing these precious moments with your loved ones. Sitting apart means you'll get less time with them throughout the day, which may not be ideal if you don't get to see them very often. You don't want to have any regrets so honour the option that is most important to you and your partner.
2. All eyes will be on you! We know it's your wedding day and all eyes are on you already, but if you're a couple who feels uncomfortable in the spotlight, you may feel a bit too exposed sitting alone at the top of the room where you're in plain view for the entire occasion. It's okay to want to blend into the crowd somewhat and let your hair down after the ceremony. The sweetheart table can feel more formal, so if you feel your best surrounded by your family and friends, a group top table is a good option for you.

Looking for more ideas and planning tips for your wedding day? We have everything you need to know from speech inspiration to ceremony readings.