Do we have to sit with the parents?

It is the old tradition but I don't think it's done as much as it used to be. You could have single parents, step parents and/or parents that hate each other so those situations might not fit neatly into the tradition anymore. If it would make your day less stressful then put them on a different table and surround yourselves with people who will make you laugh and feel relaxed. That could be bridesmaids/groomsmen/siblings/friends etc. Your parents could host a table of their friends/family if you have guests that they would like to talk to.

You could have no top table, or just the two of you (though that might be a bit exposed if your SO doesn't like being the focus point). Essentially it's up to you what works best for you, and is nobody else's business why you've done it how you have!

We do not have a top table but myself and my other half are having a sweetheart table x

Do what makes you both feel relaxed and comfortable, you get to define what is right for you and if something feels weird or not - on my top table I am having my auntie, and then my other half and just his parents. My dad will be seated happily at a guest table - I don't expect anyone to bat an eyelid! I can't imagine anyone coming up to a bride on her wedding day to express their opinion on the seating plan - but if they did just smile and say 'thanks for noticing, we made sure the seating was just right for us'. Hope you have a lovely day x

We had the wedding team on a round top table... Me wife best man, her brother who walked bride down the aisle, flower girls and their parents.


My parents were with key members of my family on another table and the same for brides family

We had my parents (and my dad’s wife), my MIL and her partner and the best man and his partner on our round top table. My FIL was on another table because that is where we wanted him to be! We kept the seating plan secret to avoid anyone whinging/asking to be elsewhere/causing any stress.
It is your wedding and your decision who sits where!! In any event, it’s only for one meal (although I appreciate it doesn’t feel like that when planning!).

I think this is quite an old tradition now, we're not sure how we're doing our top table yet but we've been to a couple of weddings this year, the first the top table was with the maid of honour and best man plus partners and the second wedding's top table was simply just the bride and groom. There's so many different options, no right or wrong

YESSSS, me and my fiancé will be sitting by ourselves on the top table which in this case is called “sweetheart table”. You barely get a chance to enjoy the day with your new husband so this is perfect. The photo opportunities of you two just enjoying each other’s company will be amazing also.

I’ve finished my seating plan and I didn’t put my parents on the top table with me and my fiancée. It’s alright if you don’t. Just see what they think.