AisleDash

The Head Table. The bride and groom in the center, their attendants ranging out on either side. For years, this has been the standard reception arrangement. While it has its advantages -- mostly for the guests, who can see you all easily during the toasting and speeches -- it's not the only possible arrangement.

Another popular variation is to let the attendants sit with their dates or spouses, and for the couple to sit with their parents. If some of the parents are divorced, however, the logistics of this can get to be challenging, never mind any potential conflicts and awkwardness.

Which may be why the "sweetheart table" is increasing in popularity. The two of you, just the bride and groom, sit at their own table-for-two. You are easily visible to your guests. you can be toasted and can offer toasts, and everyone else gets to sit with their sweethearts, too. You can get up from your table and visit with your guests -- in fact, you should. Don't use the sweetheart table as a way to ignore your guests. But who knows? Maybe you'll even get a moment for a quiet couple of minutes almost-private conversation!