The bridal table is always at the centre of attention. Everybody wants to catch a glimpse of the happy couple. Traditionally the parents of both the bride and groom sat with them on the bridal table along with the best man and chief bridesmaid. Below are examples of bridal table arrangements that include parents.
Traditionally, the parents all sit at the same reception table, along with siblings not in the wedding party, the officiant and his or her spouse (if they attend the reception) and any grandparents.
The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right. At same-sex marriage ceremonies, the couple might assign each family a side, and seat guests on "Bill's side" or "Kevin's side" accordingly.
Where should parents and grandparents of the bride and groom sit? Depending on the size and shape of tables you have, it's common to have a family table where the bride and groom's parents and grandparents sit together. Or, each set of parents can host their own table and be seated with close family and friends.
In the most traditional Christian, heterosexual weddings, the bride's parents sit in the first row on the left side of the aisle, while the groom's parents will fill in the first row on the right side.
The first row is for parents of the bride and groom, and members of the wedding party who may need a seat during the ceremony. The second row is for siblings of the couple who are not in the wedding party. The third row is for grandparents and siblings who do not sit in the second row.
Typically, the bride sits on the groom's left, with the best man on the bride's right and the maid of honor on the groom's right. Head table seating is traditionally boy-girl, but you don't have to follow this tradition.
A wedding head table is a table where the newlyweds and some of their wedding VIPs, like their wedding party and their parents, sit during the reception.
The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn.
5 minutes prior to ceremony: The groom's mother is escorted to her seat by the head usher, a son, or the groom. The groom's father follows and sits next to her. The wedding processional follows. Read more about the wedding processional order here.
The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by her son if she has one. Otherwise, any close male relative, the best man, or a groomsman walks with the mother of the bride during the procession.
Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the wedding ceremony and reception which is why they take on the role of host/hostess. This responsibility includes determining the final guest count, making guests feel welcomed and seeing that everything goes smoothly. Oversee the closing of the reception.
Sometimes, parent dances occur immediately after the first dance. Other times, these dances will take place toward the end of dinner, after the toasts, or after the cake cutting. For heterosexual couples, bride dances with her dad, and then the groom dances with his mom.
The groom's or bride's father should give a speech that welcomes the bride or groom into the family. He should also mention the joining of the two families and express well wishes and thoughts of happiness for the newly married couple's future.
The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.
Wedding reception introductions are usually offered by the wedding DJ or an emcee. This act opens the activities of the wedding reception and it serves to offer formal introduction of the couple, bridal party, and their parents to the wedding guests.
The mother of the bride is the last person seated before the officiant, groom and best man take their places at the altar. She can walk alone or be escorted by her son, son-in-law or another relative. She is seated on the left side in the first row.
From walking down the aisle first to last, the traditional order is: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Grandparents of Bride, Grandparents of Groom, Groom, Officiant, the Wedding Party, Maid of Honor and Best Man, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and lastly the Bride and her Father.
Your mother and father.
In many cultures, it's traditional to have both the mother and father walk their daughter down the aisle. Some brides may find this more suitable rather than choosing just one parent to do the honor. If you prefer to be escorted by both your mom and dad, Erb says go for it!
Traditionally, for binary couples, the groom would sit on the right of the bride. A round table with the wedding couple in the center is the traditional table setting for the top table. The maid of honour and best man sit on either side of the couple.
Traditionally, the top table is the table at the head of the reception room where the newlyweds, their parents, the best man and the maid of honour sit facing the guests.
While table one most frequently includes the couple, their wedding party and the wedding party plus one's, "a head table can really be constructed in whatever way makes the most sense for the couple and who they want to sit with," says Jamie Chang of Passport to Joy.
The best man or woman and the maid or man of honor usually will be placed right next to the couple, and the rest of the party will take the other seats.
Some people believe that the bride stands on the left of the groom, because that is the closest place to his heart. Others believe this tradition exists, because men and women used to sit in separate areas during church. The men would sit on the right side and the women would sit on the left side.
The bride's and groom's immediate family members, such as grandparents, siblings and children, should sit together. Traditionally, the bride's family would sit on different tables than the groom's family. However, if you know they'll feel comfortable, feel free to mix and match.