As you get further along in planning for your wedding day, you will need to decide whether to set your reception seating up as a Sweetheart Table or a King’s Table. There is no right or wrong choice—rather the decision belongs to you and your soon-to-be spouse. Below is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each option, to help you with your decision.

Sweetheart Table

With a Sweetheart Table you provide seating for just you and your groom. Traditionally, the table is at the front of the room and you look out at your guests gathered together. The Sweetheart Table is a great way to set aside time during a very busy day for the two of you to talk and share time alone. Often you will find that there has been little time for the two of you to speak one-on-one and share intimate moments on the day, so the Sweetheart Table can act as a way for you to reconnect (even briefly) before the evening ends.

Sweetheart Tables also present an opportunity for you to be a bit more creative with your setup and placement. Smaller tables are ideal for original decoration ideas and fun draping/canopies. They also allow for easy placement in different areas of the room. If you want to look out on the guests gathered before you, you can always add height.

Fair warning, Sweetheart Tables are not for the couple that shies away from attention and hates to be the focal point with all eyes on them.

King’s Table

On the opposite spectrum from the sweetheart table is the King’s Table. The King’s Table is a rectangular table set up to accommodate the bridal party, dates, family members and whomever else you decide to invite. Although it sounds a bit overwhelming on the outset, it is intimate due to the nature of who is invited to sit with you. It is also a nice gesture for the dates of the bridal party, so they do not feel left out and alienated among the guests they may not know.

The King’s Table does not allow as much room for creative overhang and tenting, but it is open to an elaborate centerpiece that helps balance the size of the table. You can also use this opportunity for fun place cards and wedding favors. This table is conducive for toasting, as everyone who is going to participate is in one central location.

There are a few things to keep in mind with a King’s Table. It is intimidating for guests of the wedding to approach, so if you make this choice, it is important to make the rounds throughout the rest of the room. It can also be sensitive to wedding attendees if they are not invited to sit at the table and they feel as though they should have a space reserved.

Whichever layout you choose to go with at your wedding, as long as you make your rounds and don’t hide from the well-wishes of those around you, you’ll end up having a wonderful reception, with plenty of opportunity to not only spend time with your friends and family, but with your special someone as well.