How to do your top table
When I say the words ‘top table’, you likely envision a couple of trestles put together with the bride and groom, immediate family and best man/maid of honour sat in a line staring at the rest of the guests. Conversation is a little slow, you’re a little too far away from each other, and you watch on as your guests revel in laughter and frivolities. Well, it doesn’t have to be this way.
In fact, I actively encourage my couples not to do this (although, if you want a traditional top table that is completely fine!). The meal is an important element of your wedding day and you will have invested a large portion of your budget into the food and drink. Let’s make sure you have just as much fun as everyone else and that the meal becomes a highlight of your wedding day.
Here are some alternative suggestions:
Large table in the middle of the room/marquee - get all your friends and/or family on one big table in the middle of all your guests and find yourselves in the centre of all the fun. Doesn’t really matter who’s on this table, just as long as you want them there!
Sweetheart table - ideal for couples wanting a more intimate feel and to have a couple of hours as just the two of you after the ceremony and drinks reception. The wedding day can be overwhelming, so taking the meal to have some alone time is sometimes exactly what couples need. The downside is you are away from the rest of your guests.
Get rid altogether - rows of trestles, rounds, serpentine, it really doesn’t matter the room layout, you can get rid of a top table completely! Just put yourselves on a table, enjoy the meal and have fun. You’re the centre of attention throughout your wedding, it’s okay to take the meal to just be ‘one of the guests’ and relax.
Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s what you want to do and try to ignore everyone else’s opinions on the traditional top table.
