mrs2be.ie

[LOK2be]

Ok so I know the traditional lay out of the top table, but I don't like it & nor does my h2b. So, we're thinking of something different? Are any of you going for an alternative 'Top Table'>?
Also, are you mixing up friends & family on both sides or are you letting groups sit together that already know each other?

[gigglebiz]

Hiya LOK2be, we're not having a top table at all. We're having a small wedding so figured the idea of a top table would take half the guests away - considering there'd be 12 people on it. We've worked it out that because a lot of our bridal party have partners we dont want to separate them so they're sitting together in tables with other friends. Its just our luck that our bestman and chief bm are single so they will be at our table (4 of us) and all the other tables have 6. We want to keep it relaxed and informal and don't want everybody looking up at us having our dinner so we'll just be on another regular table along with the rest of the guests. Everybody has their own idea of what they want to do so go with what you feel is most comfortable for you.

[BluefishJD]

I like your thinking LOK2be - I'm not fond of the traditional top table idea either nor is my B2B and think we are going to go with 6 on the top table which is to include us two, and then my best man (good friend) and his wife and B2B's chief BM (B2B's sister) and her husband - I think my thoughts on this stems from when i was a best man for my friend some time back and my now B2B (my plus one on the day) was left sitting away down the room and I didn't see her for most of it, she only knew a couple of guests including my parents so wasn't particularly nice for her and to be honest I would have preferred to be beside her ) - so with us 6 on that table then maybe two family tables close by (either side of us) and everybody else can sit where they want....BUT as there is more in my family as in 6 plus child compared to 3 plus child on B2B's side the two family tables will be uneven and is just a thing I've realized - I know we could put both families (as they are so small) on one table but B2B's mother and the other two who would be representing her side don't have great english and my family (shame on them) have very little polish so it would be all actions and mime rather than a comfortable chatty meal together! so I'm not rushing with the idea of them sitting together with no good translator to go between them... Just writing this has me thinking we need to sort it, I must bring it up later this evening - also I know the other option is to have us all on the top table but like what giggle biz said this would take away alot of guests as we too are having a small wedding...we had even tables for family (a table each) but of recently 2 of B2B's side are not 100% on coming as flights very expensive and a recent job loss has changed their mind which would leave her sides table short....I'm sure we'll figure it out maybe it is just me and we could put them all on the one table and let them off to try and understand each other?!? sorry didn't mean to jump in on your post but as in a similar situation it would be interesting to hear if anyone has any good solution - also Giggle biz's idea of no specific "Top Table" is interesting and could work.

[waterplily]

I also have some issues about our top table layout because h2b's dad won't be coming and 1 GM and 2 BMs have kids, so this is what I've decided might work. It could change, but it's my current thinking. We have 3 bridesmaids and 2 groomsmen and a best man.

best man, h2b's aunt, h2b's mum, h2b, me, my dad, my mum, my sister, priest

Then I'll sit each of the rest of the bridal party, with their other halves and children, with their friends so that everyone will be comfortable.

[ohlordy]

We're having a round "Top Table" in the middle of the room, with us, both parents, 2 bm's, 2 gm's and my Grandad at it. With it bring round everyone can talk to each other and nobody is stuck beside just one person to talk to, I will encourage shouting across the table H2b's mother will have a canary when she sees she's not getting her long table for "people to stare at us for the whole meal", should be funny.

[emaw]

We're having a round "Top Table" in the middle of the room, with us, both parents, 2 bm's, 2 gm's and my Grandad at it. With it bring round everyone can talk to each other and nobody is stuck beside just one person to talk to, I will encourage shouting across the table H2b's mother will have a canary when she sees she's not getting her long table for "people to stare at us for the whole meal", should be funny.

I could have wrote this myself. We decided to do away with the top table and go with the round in the middle of the room. I like the idea of being there in the middle with all our friends and family. We are decorating the room with black table cloths and black chair covers and will put a white table cloth on the Bridal table just to highlight it. The hotel said more and more couples are opting for this idea. And ohlordy, it did't sit well with my mil either

[sam-4-bob]

We are still not sure about ours, as H2Bs father wont be attending (he is a contrary old so and so -age 50!) . Im not too worried about my cbm (sisters) partner as he knows the family years and is regularly out with H2B friends so he can easily mingle and wont be alone! Not too sure about H2Bs head best man (his brother) as he is currently partnerless and Ive no idea who he might bring to the wedding. Now that the wedding is getting closer Im really starting to realise that the people who warned me about wedding politics were very much so right!!

[LOK2be]

Oh lordy, you make me laugh! That is a great idea but hilarious about the h2b mother, as I am worrying about the same thing, but you know what, ya can't please everyone and I love the idea of circular table in the middle so we're closer to all our friends and not sat like lords at the top of the room, much less formal and more craic to be had! Think that's my new plan! Good luck everyone! Wedding Politics is right!

[christelle]

My brother got married last year and they had a little round table for 2 beautifully decorated white chairs linen etc a little vase of flowers and their table was at an angle where everyone could see... it was so romantic looking. They got married in Texas she is half mexican so Mariachi played at their table first and then went along to all the tables.
Do as you please hunny

[feb2012]

We are doing our table plan at the moment. and OMG really didnt think that it was going to be that hard. Yes we are having a top table. But my mam and dad are sitting together and H2B parents are sitting together. We are also mixing family with friends, think it might be a better atmosphere.

[TanyaBranning]

Go with what you want. There is no right or wrong.

I had trad top table. BIL & his wife represented my deceased PIL. So I left them together and my parents sitting together as it was more comfortable for them and I wanted them to be comfy and enjoy it.

I went to a LOT of trouble drawing up a table plan with stroppy outlaws, family politics, work colleagues and friends to cater for it needed consideration. Everybody commented that they loved their own table and enjoyed the company for the night. So I was glad I put so much work in. I am not a fan of mixing up tables, as personally I would find it awkward.

[LOK2be]

[quote="feb2012"]We are doing our table plan at the moment. and OMG really didnt think that it was going to be that hard. Yes we are having a top table. But my mam and dad are sitting together and H2B parents are sitting together. Think they'll be more comfortable for everyone!
Thanks for all your helpful comments