Top Table Flowers - An Empathetic Approach
Image by Hannah Brooke Photography
Top Table Flowers - An Empathetic Approach
Top Table Flowers
As your wedding florist, your top table flowers are very important to me - but not only for the reasons you might think. As well as considering a gorgeous, storytelling design for your top table (which is the focal point of your dining space), I’ll also take into account the room as a whole and any beautiful venue features that should be highlighted and maximised. The most important thing, however, is to help you decide which kind of top table is right for you - if I had my own wedding again, I wouldn’t choose the traditional long style facing everyone, and you may not want to either.
Image Hannah Brooke Photography
Top Table Flowers: What Are Your Options?
When I got married I had a classic top table, and honestly? I found it really overwhelming, and found it hard to relax and enjoy the evening because I felt like I was being watched - almost like an interview. Choosing a top table style that feels comfortable for you can really change the whole feeling of the day for you, so the first place I start with all my couples is to decide which of these they will enjoy the most.
Image by Clara McClaren Photography
Traditional top table
Usually positioned at the head of the room, one long table traditionally featuring both sets of parents and sometimes maid of honour or best man. These allow you to see all your guests and for them to see you, and provide a natural focal point for speeches. Personally, I found it a little restrictive because I was unable to freely talk to my parents (due to being sat in a line), and we had to walk through the middle of the room to reach the table which I didn’t enjoy!
Image by Clara McClaren Photography
Middle of the room
You can also choose to position your top table in the middle of your room, either in long banquet style or on a round. This may help you feel more connected to your guests, and encourage a sense that you are all dining together. Some of my couples have done this in the past and I think it’s really lovely.
Images by Emma Lou Photography
Long tables, couple in middle
Long, banquet style tables are popular now too, with all guests sat on one or two tables that span the length of the room. Usually you, the couple, sit in the middle, which makes it really easy to chat with everyone. Speeches work well with this format too.
Image by Emma Ryan Photography
Sweetheart table
Couples also sometimes opt for a sweetheart top table, which is just the two of you on your own little table for two. This is a lovely option because it allows you to have some quiet time, just the two of you.
Whichever you choose, it’s important to take into account the room as a whole; its shape and how many guests will be seated. Gone are the days where it ‘has’ to be a certain way, and now you can consider family dynamics and what you actually want from your wedding dinner to enjoy it as much as possible.
Image by Emma Ryan Photographer
Best Flowers for Top Tables
Once you’ve chosen the perfect style for you, we can start designing your top table flowers. I will always look at your room as a whole and see what beautiful venue features there are to highlight, for example a period fireplace or grand staircase. Just because your venue ‘usually’ does things one way, doesn’t mean you have to as well - we can get creative with the space, and use flowers to help guide the flow of the day.
If you’re going to be having speeches, I’ll ask whether you plan to do them at the table or from elsewhere in the room. If speakers will be staying at the table, it’s important to design your top table flowers with this in mind - leaving enough space and ensuring there aren’t great installations blocking people’s view when they stand up.
It’s much more than just putting a few flowers on the table, and I’ll always design arrangements and installations specifically for your top table. Repurposing can work, using meadow aisles or urns from earlier in the day, but when I create these I will consider that they may be moved in the design process. Some couples are tempted to add bouquets to their top table, but they really aren’t made for this purpose and don’t look as impactful as you would like.
Photographer Carla McClaren Photography
Where there is a room turnaround from ceremony to dinner, a big installation can be used as a focal point - something like a ceremony arch or set of abundant urns, or a floating flower cloud. The key for me is taking into account your overall room and the fine details, creating a gorgeous design that feels totally true to you and wows your guests.
Your top table flowers will be looked at a lot, and getting creative with the design is equally as important as ensuring you feel happy and comfortable when seated there. If you’re scrolling through Pinterest on another tab right now, you might like this blog on how to turn your inspiration into reality. And if you’re looking to get inspired for your bouquet or other wedding floral arrangements, you might like these two guides to give you insight into how we do things at Dittany Entwined:
A couple’s guide to flower installations.
Get in touch if you’d like to work with a florist who values empathy and understanding of your experience just as much as beautiful design. I’d love to hear from you.
