When Edwin and I first got engaged, I insisted that we had to have a sweetheart table. There is something idyllic about sitting apart from the crowd and looking around a room filled with all of your loved ones as you take in a few quiet moments as newlyweds. Here are a few pretty stunners to inspire you! Check out place settings and wedding chairs to complete the look.
Edwin and I decided on a long table for the seating arrangements at our intimate wedding in Italy. I love how this sweetheart table is the "center" of the reception, connecting the two longer guest tables.
Photo via Heart Love Weddings*
A sweetheart table in the middle of the woods? That's my definition of wedding heaven. This gorgeous tent has a bohemian vibe—it belongs in my backyard immediately!
Photo Credit: Jonas Peterson
Talk about drama! Suspended florals and décor are right on-trend. Plus, it defines the bride and groom's space, making it stand out from the rest of the reception.
Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere
Design: The Flower House
Lighting Rentals: Hartmann Studios
If your wedding theme is A Midsummer Night's Dream, bring your enchanted vision to life with a sweetheart table. Recreate this look by adding florals to an arch or arbor. You can also repurpose your chuppah or ceremony arch flowers by arranging them above or around your wedding cake.
Photo Credit: Duke Photography
Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch
Coordinator: Fancy That Events
Flowers: Tic Tock Couture Florals
My fiancé constantly reminds me that less is more. The garland draped over this table shows that you don't have to go overboard to make a statement.
Photo Credit: onelove photography
I’ll admit that I’m not the most rustic bride out there, but this sweetheart table is as cute as can be. With its wagon wheels and chic touches, this is rustic elegance at its best.
Photo Credit: Leah McCormick. Flowers by Dragonfly Floral in Healdsburg.
When I spotted this sweetheart table, I knew I was in love. Not only is my fiancé wishing for a rooftop engagement party, but this photo was taken in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL. Add in the twinkle lights and this sweetheart table has our names written all over it.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Blair Photography
When this couple’s wedding photos came out blurry, they had a day-after photo shoot. Their sweetheart table was picture-perfect!
Photo Credit: Vanessa Joy Photography
Who knew that burlap would become a wedding trend? I certainly didn’t, but then again, look how chic this "xoxo" banner is.
Photo Credit: Orange Girl Photographs
Paper pinwheels and chalkboard are also hot wedding trends—use them sparingly to add a whimsical touch. The best part is that you can easily personalize this look for your own big day. Create pinwheels in your wedding colors and include one of your favorite quotes for the chalkboard.
Photo Credit: Driver Photo
There is something so sweet about snuggling close to your guy. This sweetheart table has a settee made for two. You can borrow, buy (to keep after the "I do's") or rent one for the day from a rental company specializing in wedding furniture.
Photo Credit: Blair Nicole Photography
The best way to make a little budget go a lot further is with color. I'm obsessed with the bold hues and the carefree vibe of this table. Crushing on those "Mr. and Mrs." wooden blocks? You can find inexpensive ones at your local craft store and paint them any color you'd like. Mine would undoubtedly be dipped in glitter (if I could dip my fiancé in glitter, I would!).
Photo Credit: Julio Fonyat, Spotlight Studios
This photo is from the most popular wedding of 2012 on my site, The Bridal Detective. The sweetheart table is one of the many fabulous details they planned for their big day. Adding colorful ribbon streamers dresses up the back of your wedding chairs (fast) and it’s great for budget brides.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Bagwell Photography and Meghan Wiesman Photography
I am a fan of chair covers and all the other various ways to make your seats stand out. I love that the bride's and groom's chairs are different colors.
Photo by: Dana Duncan Photography on Heart Love Weddings via Lover.ly
A luxe rosette tablecloth and initials bring this purple color palette to life.
Photo by: Kay Meyer Photography on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly
If I had to choose just one sweetheart table for my own wedding, this would be the winner. It incorporates lots of different flowers and has the perfect amount of glamour.
Photo Credit: Jackie Wonders Photographer
Tell us: Are you having a sweetheart table or a head table at your wedding?
*Know the original source? Email us!
—Angelica Bragg
Angelica Bragg is a real bride and the blog maven of The Bridal Detective. She and her fiancé, Edwin Mirzayans (a published author), are planning a destination wedding at the Italian Lakes in Summer 2014. With a stunning backdrop and "la dolce vita" attitude, the couple's soirée will be intimate and romantic, all while celebrating two cultures. When the couple returns from their Italian road trip honeymoon, they will throw a glam after-party with all of their loved ones back home in Jacksonville, Florida.
