Sitting Sweet - A Guide to Sweetheart Tables

Photographer: Andy Seo Studios

In the last ten years there has been an influx of new wedding trends, including the first look, mix-matched bridesmaids dresses, and alternative dessert options like pie or cookies. Along with these trends, we’ve seen the rise of what we now know and love as the sweetheart table. This table, set up for the couple of honor during the reception, is a newer trend that we absolutely love because of the versatility of design and the opportunities it provides for newlyweds.

A sweetheart table is usually a semi-circle or rectangular shaped table reserved just for the newlyweds. This table is placed at the front of the room at the wedding reception, facing toward the guests. There are quite a few advantages of having a sweetheart table, first being that it allows the newlyweds to have some one-on-one time at their reception. Slightly separated from the rest of the guest’s tables, a sweetheart table gives the new couple time to eat and converse together. This is also a great way to direct the attention of guests during toasts and first dances, which usually will occur near the sweetheart table.

In terms of decor, a sweetheart table really opens up a lot of options for couples. Since the sweetheart table is special, a lot of couples choose to concentrate their decor on this table. Such a small table is easy to make look grandiose and creates a beautiful focal point for the reception. We absolutely love decorating sweetheart tables since couples are much more creative when it comes to one table; in the grand scheme of things, sequins on all your tables might be overpowering, whereas just on the sweetheart table it creates a striking look. It is also a great way to tie in the rest of your decor and incorporate elements from the sweetheart table among the rest of the reception tables.

There can be a few downsides to having a sweetheart table, but we have come to learn that the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. Some couples may feel too isolated from the rest of the reception at a sweetheart table, or even worry that guests will feel like they can’t approach the table. One great way to get around this is by doing table rounds during dinner. If the couple has a chance to eat during dinner service, made easier by a sweetheart table, then they are free to roam the reception and say hello to guests at each table. This way, you have the best of both worlds in getting that private table but also have plenty of time to speak to your guests.

The sweetheart table is a wonderful addition to wedding terminology that is a great way to add something extra to your reception. With countless design and logistical options, a sweetheart table is a romantic concept that gives the newlyweds their chance to shine and at the same time, share extra time together during the wedding reception. 

Canopies: Beautiful, Practical, and Everything In-Between

When you were young, did you ever dream of having a princess-style canopy bed? We did, too. While not all of us may be able to pull off a canopy bed as adults, you can at least bring the whimsy and romanticism of a canopy to your wedding and fulfill that dream, just for a day. A canopy is the perfect way to not only satisfy your inner child, but add elegance to your wedding and protect your guests from the elements.

Canopies are incredibly versatile, which is what makes them such an amazing addition to your event. They can be utilized indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, in any shape or size, and can be made with a variety of materials. The most popular form of canopy is found at outdoor wedding ceremonies, either highlighting the front of the ceremony space with an arch or four post structure, or a larger tent that stretches the entire ceremony area. An outdoor canopy creates shade to keep your guests from being sunburned, but at the same time allows for light to pass through the space, keeping you from feeling closed off or claustrophobic. You can also choose for your canopy to be open sided, creating more movement and space, or closed off on all sides, which can protect your guests from the rain. In case of inclement weather, a tent or canopy made from canvas or plastic sheeting keeps you and your guests warm and safe from the rain. 

An indoor canopy is a great way to break up the space in your venue and allow to decorate in ways that might not have been possible previously. By hanging a canopy from the ceiling of your venue, you can create light and depth with simple fabric and make space for hanging lights. Canopies can also be used to highlight areas of your ceremony and reception such as the sweetheart table, buffet, or dessert tables. There are endless types of designs you can incorporate into your space, such as maypole, where the fabric begins at the outer sides of your space and swoop together to meet in the center, zig zags running across the ceiling, or parallel draping. 

Guided by the Light: The Perfect Lighting for Your Event

Photographer - Kelly Waterman Photography

Lighting is a key aspect to any event and is one of the first things guests will notice when they arrive. Not only does it set the mood, lighting also highlights your space in the perfect way. Check out these different types of lighting to find out which one is best for you!

Uplights: Uplighting is the #1 way to create an ambience for your event and is extremely popular in the wedding and event worlds. Uplights are stationed throughout the space with light shining upward, usually onto a wall or ceiling. This creates a subtle and romantic glow that is great for photos and dancing, and the best part is, you can choose and even customize your colors!

Static lighting is one type of uplighting, and it is exactly what it sounds like: stationary lights with a fixed color scheme.

Intelligent lighting, also called programmable lighting, is another type of uplighting that changes colors, which creates dynamic movement throughout the room. 

Wash lights: This type of lighting is a projection of color throughout the whole room, created by placing colored gels over the lights. There are many types of washes and the color combinations are completely customizable. Wash lights are great if you want your wedding or event colors to really stand out and catch the eye of everyone in the room. 

Pattern lights: Similar to wash lights, a pattern light is projected over the ceiling and tables of the space to create texture in the room. This can really liven up your space, especially if the walls or ceilings are a solid color and you’re looking to jazz it up. 

GOBO lights: Projects a stencil or template onto any surface in the room. They are most often used to project the couple’s names or initials, but can be used in any way you like. They are the perfect addition if you are looking for that extra bit of personalization to really make your space pop.

Pin spot lights: Used to bring focus to one or multiple areas in the space, pin spots are a beam of light that is directed at the spot to create a lighted focal point. They are often used to highlight table centerpieces, especially florals, and bring the eye of the guests immediately to the illuminated point. Pin spots create a dramatic scene of illumination and are perfect if centerpiece design is a key aspect of your decor.

Whatever your goals may be, lighting is the perfect way to achieve them while elevating your wedding or event!