Emma's answers to Seating arrangement for top table

Question

Could you please tell me the seating arrangement for the top table.

Answer

Traditionally, the wedding party, who sit at the top table, comprises the bride and groom, the bride and groom's natural parents, the best man and chief bridesmaid. Even where the parents are separated, remarried or divorced, it is still usual for only the natural parents to sit at the top table. Other family members, such as step-parents, are not part of the traditional bridal party but are treated as honoured guests. As honoured guests, they should be given importance by being seated on a table close to the top table. Having an honoured guests' table also solves the problem of where to sit bridesmaids and ushers. Since these helpers are also honoured guests, they would join step-parents, and
partners of separated parents, on this special table - although young bridesmaids and page boys should sit with their parents.

Here is the top table seating arrangement for the traditional bridal party, from left to right (from a guest's point of view):

Chief Bridesmaid
Groom's Father
Bride's Mother
Groom
Bride
Bride's Father
Groom's Mother
Best Man


Should you decide, for whatever reason, to have a different seating arrangement to the above, there are a few points worth mentioning. It is usual for the bride and groom to sit in the middle of the top table - with the bride seated to the
left of the groom - and for the gender of those seated to alternate. It is also generally accepted that the hosts of the wedding, whoever they are, sit at the top table.

Emma x