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Writer's picturecovesa

Anatomy of a Table: The Sweetheart Table

Updated: Mar 20

By: Covesa Kelly


Hey there!


I thought it would be fun to walk through my thoughts out loud about putting together the landscape of a specialty table for an event. In this scenario I'm using a sweetheart table AKA the table where a Bride & Groom sit for dinner at their wedding reception.


In this instance the bridal party sat at long table on either side of the couple. The bridal party included a maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen. The flower girl sat a a guest table near the front of the room with immediate family members not in the bridal party.


The bridal party table has evolved quite a bit over the last 2 decades. It's not always just several long tables spread out across the front of the room anymore. This sweetheart table was budget friendly and romantic.


Here is our picture:

Table decorated with candles and flower bouquet
Photos by @Stephen Midgett

This bride chose to have 2 long tables far away on either side of her small round sweetheart table.

What we did different on the Sweetheart Table:


Floor Length Satin Linen

Silver Shimmer Overlay (Sweetheart & Cake Tables)

Satin Napkins

Glass Charger Plates

Heavy Candlelight on Pillar Candleholders (do you see the hearts - I love detail)

Upgraded votive candle holders (look how they sparkle with the candlelight)

Glass vase specifically to hold the bride's gorgeous bouquet


The linens for all the tables were a beautiful floor length satin, but the only tables with the silver shimmer overlay were the Sweetheart & Cake tables. We did rent silver Chiavari chairs for everyone (truly transforms the look of a room). We did rent satin napkins for each guest and used a custom menu card inside of simple trim-fold for the napkin. Charger Plates were used at the sweetheart and bridal party tables only.


Pro Tip: Candlelight is your budget friendly decoration best friend! Candlelight softens the table and adds instant romance to your tables!


2nd Pro Tip: Use a smaller round table for your sweetheart and cake tables. It will help your decor to not get lost on the table. The smaller table gives the appearance that more is on the table.


Close up of yellow flowers and candles
White table decorated with tall candles
Table display with candles and plates


To complete the look, we kept the candle theme running along the bridal party tables on either side of the sweetheart table. We added a few tall vases with textured shades to give it a little razzle dazzle and finished the look with fresh roses at each place setting. We also used the bridesmaid's bouquets to the tables.


Long reception table with place settings and candles
Candle vases

Close up of a floating candle


If I could change one thing about this table, I would have added more glassware and upgraded the flatware (forks, spoons and knives) to a heavier more modern selection.


Drop your questions and comments below!


xo,

Covesa


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