My husband and I didn’t have a sweetheart table at our wedding. Instead (and to make my life easier with the seating arrangements) we left 1-2 spots open at most of the guests tables and, since we had a buffet meal, the two of us took turns moving around the room and sitting with different sets of family and friends. But I have attended a lot of weddings where they have had beautiful sweetheart tables set up for the bride and groom, and it made me wonder what other creative ideas were out there for these special settings.
Flowers as part of the sweetheart table setup are a given – some couples have empty vases or jars for the bridal party’s bouquets (a great way to get more use out of already-styled arrangements). Sometimes there are a few smaller specially-made arrangements placed on the table or a variety of pretty organics, including flowers, branches, moss, and even potted plants.
A sweetheart table can stand out from the other tables in the room with different (but equally gorgeous) stemware and dishware. There are “bride and groom” goblets you can buy, or details such as the addition of chargers.
I think personalized features are great for sweetheart tables. I found frames with the words “bride” and “groom” that can be placed on the backs of the chairs, or a range of differently monogrammed initials that can either be hung or displayed on the table itself.
Lighting is also key to a sweetheart table. A spotlight (or coloured light) can be projected onto your special spot, you can use candles (small tealights, medium votives or a grand candelabra), or you can erect a lighted archway over your table.
Other than the kitchen table at home, it’s not often that you and your husband will go somewhere and have a personalized, glitzified table all to yourselves. If you’ve decided to dedicate a sweetheart table to you and your groom on your wedding day, then don’t go generic – make it the dreamiest, most elegant spot that you’ve ever dined at.
