You've spent an AGE chosing your dress and flowers, arranging the tables, deciding where to put your guests, who to sit next to who...... what table arrangements you want..... but the chances are you've totally neglected the most important table in the whole wedding...THE TOP TABLE.
We've put together a little guide for you with common questions, to make your life a little easier.
WHO SITS ON THE TOP TABLE?
Who ever you want! Forget the stuffy etiquette regime which existed in 1800, we're in 2009 now, and you have those who are special to you on the top table. BRIDESMAIDS? They don't HAVE to sit on the top table. Especially if they're married with family, chances are they will want to sit with their own ! TALK TO THEM and decide between you where they would /where you would like them to sit. PARENTS who have split up. HHmmmmm a difficult one. Again TALK TO EACH OTHER, I'm sure that both sets of parents can be accommodated at different ends of a long top table. If they know how important it is to you, they'll put up with it, but chances are you havent TOLD them how important it is to you, so they won't know!
We have also seen a top table just seating the Bride and Groom.... but personally thought this a little sad.... you have the rest of your lives together and WE FEEL this is a day for celebrating with others- but this is YOUR day and you should do what you feel is right.
What table decorations should we have on the top table?
Whatever you want! As a general rule, avoid any table arrangements which are tall being placed in front of the BRIDE AND GROOM, that is if you want to be able to see your guests. A "LONG AND LOW" arrangement is the traditional floral decor, it can take many many forms - all of which should be fashioned by YOU. Don't let your florist push you into a decoration you dont like or don't want. Insist on your choice. Even if its not "normal" - you deserve exactly what you want on the most important day of your life!
Below are a few examples of top table arrangements we've provided in the last 12 months. Whilst they may not all be to your taste, they are INDIVIDUAL and crafted to the requests of the brides.
What about top table runners or something to decorate the front of the table?
We can supply photos of MANY venues we've decorated to give you inspiration but at the end of the day this must be YOUR decision........ its YOUR wedding and you should chose whichever you like best. Chose from * Top table runners * Top table swags and bows * Top table long and low arrangements * Top table candles * Top table scattered petals * Top table Swarovski crystals * Top table tealights * Top table floral arrangements * Fairylight backdrops for your top table. Seen something else you like but it isn't listed? Email a picture for a quick quote (include your wedding date and venue please)
How much will top table decór cost from wedding wow?
Less than you'd think!
Firstly if you're having a civil ceremony we recommend you re-use a table tray, by placing it on the signing table and then moving to the top table.
A "long and low" arrangement matched to other flowers you're using usually costs (2ft) £25 (3ft) £35 (4ft) £45. You can have most designs for this price, and it includes delivery as long as we're delivering other goods to you on the day. Prices would increase during BH's or Valentines etc, and if you want very expensive flowers included. We can advise on cost once we know what flowers you want, but generally speaking we'll do it for the prices above.* Top table swag costs from £15. This is sometimes free when you book chair cover hire and table centres or floristry goods. * Top table runners from £10. As above, sometimes free.* Tealights, £2.95 for 3 including glass holder, fragrances tealights and setup. (allow 1.2 per guest sitting at top table) Combine with fresh petals for a very pretty look along the edge of your table.
No idea what we're talking about? A picture speaks a thousand words!:
SWAGS:
Above, table swags in TAFETTA shown at the three salmons hotel (left) and canada lodge (right). Below, organza swag at J28 restaurant.
TOP TABLE FLOWERS
Long and low arrangments (aka- tray or spray arrangements)
Above, 3ft arrangement before the top table swag was added, below with the swag.
Below, informal arrangements
Below, more structured, formal arrangements. Table arrangements are available in any shape or colour
