20 Head Table Ideas for Your Summer Wedding

bride in whtie gown and groom in black suit kissing at wedding reception head table during a sumer wedding — photo by perry vaile

Choosing a seating arrangement for your big day that includes a head table puts you and your partner at the center of your reception space, creating a romantic and celebratory effect for the reception portion of your wedding. The head table creates a focal point, providing seating for your wedding party (or closest friends and family members), with the happy couple in the center of it all.

And if you’re planning a summer wedding, whether hosting an alfresco dinner or a tented celebration, there are so many options for dressing up your head table to make it pop even more. The décor for a summer head table can incorporate the same details you’re planning to include throughout your reception space such as linens, florals, and candles. But often, just the slightest difference in the setup will truly set your head table apart, making a stunning statement.

Below, find head table ideas to inspire for your summer wedding.

01 of 20

Dress Up With Draping

outdoor wedding reception head table with white draping and large floral centerpieces — photo by Etcetera Photography

This outdoor space housed multiple round tables providing seating for guests, with a head table in the center. Flowy draping dressed up the space even further making a beautiful summer statement.

02 of 20

Play With Plenty of Pink

outdoor wedding reception head table with hanging pink floral arrangements and wicker lighting — photo by Heather Waraska

Bougainvillea is an incredible summer blossom with such a vibrant hue. We love the way this long head table incorporated this bloom in a variety of ways.

03 of 20

Make It Modern

modern wedding reception head table at an indoor wedding reception — photo by Jami Laree Jeskey

Love a black-and-white color scheme? You can make it work for a summer wedding too! This black table popped within a reception space with round white tables. Greenery and fresh white flowers completed the look.

04 of 20

Decorate With Citrus

summer wedding head table with citrus and orange and white fresh flowers — photo by Joel Serrato

Nothing screams summertime like fresh citrus. Why not add it to your décor? This table was dressed up with white and orange-hued blooms, paired with pixie tangerines for a summer farmhouse vibe.

05 of 20

Create a Focal Point

summer wedding head table with tree in the center of the room, accented with hanging lights — Photo by Valorie Darling Photography; planning by Lynden Lane

Not all summer weddings will have a vibrant color palette! We love the way this reception setup embraces neutrals while creating a natural focal point for the head table. Talk about an incredible way to command attention!

06 of 20

Choose Candelabras

pastel-themed summer wedding head table with fresh flowers and white candles — photo by Emily Nicole Photo

A light, airy color palette is perfect for a summer wedding. But to make the head table stand out, consider adding large candelabras—at different heights—to your centerpiece setup.

07 of 20

Wow With a Summer Color Palette

An orange-themed colorful summer wedding head table with fresh flowers and navy linens — Photo by Brett Hickman

Summer means stunning sunsets and plenty of time spent on the water. Create a head table that embraces the colors of the sun and ocean, even within an indoor space, by pairing navy-hued linen with plenty of colored vases and bright florals.

08 of 20

Add a Matching Floral Installation

Wedding reception space with large hanging greenery installation under a white tent — Photo by City Lux Studios

This outdoor tented wedding embraced a simple color palette but amped up the textured elements. Consider hanging a floral installation above your head table that matches your floral centerpieces to bring the look together.

09 of 20

Use Terracotta Pots

Outdoor summer wedding head table with potted flower arrangements with bright colored fresh flowers. — photo by Good Omen Co. Photography; Venue Madera Estates

Make it bold and vibrant! Consider using a unique vase option such as terracotta pots bursting with summer blooms for a stunning table display.

The Best Terracotta Wedding Décor Ideas

10 of 20

Line the Table With Candles

Summer wedding head table with tall candles, glassware, and fresh greenery with flowers — photo by Gabriele Stonyte Photography; Planning by Bellwether Events

Channel dreamy summer nights and candlelit dinners with a simple touch! This head table was lined with a vibrant floral garland, along with tall candles down the length of the table.

11 of 20

Go for Pastels

A pastel-themed summer wedding head table at a tented wedding reception with fresh flowers and pastel linens — photo by Jaine Kershner Photography

A tented summer wedding creates the perfect opportunity to embrace a pastel color palette. This table incorporated light and airy details with summer blooms and pastel pink candlesticks.

12 of 20

Use Floral Arrangements on the Floor

Summer wedding head table with floral arrangements on the floor accenting reception tables — photo by Kaley from Kansas

Make it look like your florals are growing out of the ground! This summer wedding head table was dressed up with a runner of greenery, with a tall floral installation at its base.

13 of 20

Choose Colorful Candles

Colorful summer wedding head table with pink linens, gold chairs, fresh flowers, and colorful tapered candles — photo by Justin Lee

For many summer weddings, it's all about a vibrant color palette. While florals can certainly help to achieve that look, don't stop there! Add a variety of brightly colored candles to bring it all together.

14 of 20

Go for Greenery

hanging greenery with purple flowers over summer wedding head table — photo by Lisa Boggs Photography; planning by Bellwether Events

Greenery is a beautiful addition to your summer wedding décor, no matter the season. We love the look of this hanging installation with pops of vibrant blooms, plus centerpieces to match.

15 of 20

Center With a Floral Arch

tented summer wedding head table with floral arch installation featuring fresh flowers — photo by perry vaile

While the setup within your reception space certainly matters, so does making an entrance! For this wedding, the couple chose to center their head table with an incredible floral arch installation.

16 of 20

Tie in Tropical Plants

lush, tropical greenery hanging installations and centerpieces at an indoor summer wedding — Photo by Megan & Kenneth

Tropical plants immediately evoke summer vibes! This reception table featured multiple types of floral arrangements, but it was the tall potted tropical plants that stole the show.

17 of 20

Use Trees

summer wedding head table space with trees in the reception space — photo by Ryan Ray

Summer is all about celebrating outside. Bring the great outdoors inside by using smaller tree limb centerpieces and a large tree installation over the head table for an incredible design.

18 of 20

Add Something Sparkly

summer wedding reception decorated with colorful hanging stars and white draping — photo by Valorie Darling Photography; planning by Jake Duke Studios

This Spanish-inspired Santa Barbara wedding featured a stunning, vibrant color palette for summer. We love the way the head table was set apart with flowy draping and twinkling stars hanging above for a special touch.

19 of 20

Choose Different Colored Linens

summer wedding reception space with colored tablecloths and large greenery centerpieces with smaller floral arrangements — photo by Studio This Is

Embrace plenty of color and texture while creating a beautiful tented space by setting the head table apart using a linen tablecloth of a different color from the other tables.

20 of 20

Play With Plenty of Texture

tented summer wedding head table with floral runner and hanging greenery — photo by Henry & Mac

Not only does this summer head table feature layers of lovely linens, but it also incorporates a wide variety of florals for a beautifully abundant display full of texture.

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