Hey Beautiful Readers!
If you are a bride, or an involved groom, and you’re beginning to get the question of “how do you want your napkin folded?” or “how are you indicating meal choices for your plated dinner” than this weeks’ blog is for you.
Your wedding reception is a symphony of details, and the tablescape is one of the most fun ways to bring in unique details and personal touches that enhance your final look. It's the heart of your guest's experience, where conversations spark, laughter flows, and memories are made.
Most of us know the basics: table cloth, napkin, plate, stemware, flatware, and a centerpiece. But what are we forgetting? There are so many elements that go into a potential tablescape, and the intricacies of how it is designed help bring the couple's vision to life. Let's first explore the key components of a captivating tablescape to help you get started, and then we’ll discuss some more fun elements that you can add for more personalization and to further enhance your theme or design.
1. Linens
Tablecloths and Runners: Set the tone with your choice of fabrics. Consider the formality of your event, color scheme, and overall aesthetic. Crisp white linens exude classic elegance, while textured or patterned fabrics, or even bold, statement linens add a touch of personality. Table runners on their own enhance a wooden table, and table runners on top of linens help add dimension and texture. These typically work best on rectangular tables or wide feasting tables and sweetheart tables.
Napkins: These functional elements can also elevate your design. Play with colors, folds, and embellishments like ribbons, napkin holders, or sprigs of greenery. You’d be absolutely stunned at the amount of ways there are to fold napkins, and often your napkin will double as a place to sit your menu, thank you note, place card or other stationary. An intentional napkin fold and the proper setting (on top of, under, or on the side of your plate / charger) can add a layer of luxury to your tablescape with ease.
2. Plates & Chargers
Plates: Select plates that complement your overall style. Fine china brings timeless sophistication, while rustic stoneware or colorful patterns offer a more casual vibe. Consider using different plates for each course to add visual interest. Also consider the use of plates in the pre-set look as well. Sometimes, the charger and napkin alone complete the look, and your catering staff or venue will take care of the plates when they serve the meal, or open up the buffet. Uniquely shaped salad bowls or funky plates will impact your napkin folds and formal setting - so make sure when choosing elements you have all the components in mind to design one cohesive setting.
Chargers: These decorative plates placed beneath the dinner plates add dimension and drama. Choose chargers that contrast or harmonize with your dinnerware for a polished presentation. You could even think about using unique materials for chargers or placemats, such as wood slices or metallic trays, to introduce texture and depth. The charger is such an easy, and often a more budget friendly, component that completely changes the look of your table.
3. Glassware & Silverware/ Glassware: The right glassware enhances the dining experience. If you plan on serving champagne at your wedding, oftentimes a pre-set glass is the perfect accompaniment to your table setting, and will give the guests something to look forward to and use for the toasts in case their drink runs out. If you do not plan on providing wine service, a wine glass may be unnecessary and take up extra space. Consider using a rental company or even thrifting / purchasing ornate glassware to add color and texture. One absolute must is a water goblet. Your guests are drinking and will likely have spent some time outside, make sure there is a pre-set glass of water on the table. You can even have just this as your guests will continue to visit the bar and get fresh glassware for that throughout the evening - but even just a water glass adds a nice touch, especially if you go with an option outside of the basic glass.
Flatware: Choose flatware that complements your plates and chargers. Consider mixing metals for a trendy look, or keep it classic with a matching set. If you are doing a plated meal you will obviously have your silverware pre-set, however, I am a big proponent for pre-setting all silverware - even if you’re doing a buffet or stations. This will eliminate the need for your guests to carry both a plate and silverware while getting their food and walking back to their table, and it also makes for a more complete look when they walk in and find their seat. I also suggest only using what’s necessary, especially if you aren’t having a black tie event. You probably don’t need two spoons or two knives so don’t overcrowd the table with elements no one will even touch.
4. Paper Products: This is where you can really personalize your table
Menus: Printed menus add a touch of formality and inform guests about the culinary delights to come. Get creative with fonts, colors, and designs that reflect your wedding theme. This is especially nice for a buffet or stations as it tells your guests more of what their options are. If you have multiple courses for a plated meal it will help remind guests of the selection they made, probably weeks if not months ago.
Place Cards & Escort Cards: Guide your guests to their seats with stylish place cards or escort cards. Calligraphy, unique materials, or personalized touches make these elements extra special. Outside of having a general seating chart, these are smaller ornate components at every seat indicating the assigned seat to the guests. I did a Pinterest highlight on place cards and this is truly such a fun way to add more dimension to your table, and depending on what you choose - guests may even be able to take these home with them! It can serve as a favor, in addition to being a seat indicator.
Thank You Notes: Leave a heartfelt thank you note at each place setting to express your gratitude to your guests. Or, you could consider placing a small, personalized favor, like edible treats or mini succulents. This is such a personalized idea and would obviously be a large undertaking for a bigger wedding, however utilizing photos of you and that guest or just a simple generalized thank you are other ways to add this touch, use it as a seat indicator, and enhance your table setting even further.
*** Keep in mind, with these components, overdoing it may cause your table to look crowded or messy. I would suggest sticking to one or two of them, and making sure the elements work together if so.***
5. Table Size & Shape
Round vs. Rectangle: Round tables create an intimate and conversational atmosphere, while rectangular tables offer a more formal and structured feel. Generally speaking, 72in rounds can fit up to 10 guests, and an 8ft rectangular table with no one on the ends can fit 8. Using a combination of both is sometimes a great way to add more flare to your overall room design. Feasting tables are larger, double wide rectangular tables that offer much more space for table accompaniments and centerpieces. The size and shape of your table will impact the design of your centerpieces, the number of candles to consider, and how many guests you can fit at each table.
Number of Guests: As mentioned above, each table holds a different number of guests. Make sure that when considering the size and shape of your tables you know how many fit at each, how many total people you have, how you will disburse them amongst the tables, and how many total tables you can accommodate in the space. It is critical to still leave room for a dance floor, bar, cake, details table and potentially other additional interactions like a photobooth that will also fill the space.
Centerpieces: Choose centerpieces that enhance your tablescape without obstructing conversation. Floral arrangements, candles, lanterns, or unique objects can all create a stunning focal point. Play with varying heights and consider incorporating seasonal produce or thematic elements into your centerpieces. Having a varied height brings dimension to the overall room, and the use of interchanging colors, items or florals will give your room a cohesive yet fun feel. Round tables will often have statement pieces that lay in the center of the table, whether low or raised; while long tables will often be accompanied with lengthy arrangements, greenery flatlays, or potentially multiple statement bouquets along the middle. Unique vessels for your centerpieces can also be a moment of their own - are you using glass, colors, brass, maybe tall black lantern style fixtures - the possibilities are endless.
6. Lighting & Ambiance
Candles & Lanterns The soft glow of candlelight or the warm shimmer of lanterns can instantly transform the ambiance of your reception. Scatter votive candles across the tables, incorporate taper candles into your centerpieces or hang lanterns overhead for a magical touch. Adding variety in your candles as well helps to enhance your overall look. Floating candles, taper candles, candle sticks in ornate holders, tea light candles, colorful candles, there are so many options, and this is often a very cost effective way to fill up your tables.
String Lights and Hanging Light Fixtures: Draping twinkling string lights above your tables or weaving them into your centerpieces creates a whimsical and romantic atmosphere. You can also place string lights in a starburst around or over your dancefloor, and depending on the limitations of your venue, you may be able to add hanging light fixtures, accompany them with florals or bring in standing light fixtures to be adjacent to the tables. Lean on a planner and designer to contract the right rental companies that provide all of the additional lighting and decor options you may want and can set up and break down their items in your space with ease.
7. Interactive / Additional Touches
Conversation Starters: Place conversation starter cards or trivia questions at each table to encourage interaction and laughter among your guests. Another great trend is the similarities between your guests at each table, especially if you mix it up a bit and sit people with other guests they’ve never met before.
Photos & Mementos: Incorporate framed photos of you and your partner or meaningful objects that represent your journey together.
Table Numbers: Each table will have a number but you’d be astonished at how creative rental companies and shops on esty / pinterest can get with personalizing them. You can incorporate photos, interesting materials and textures, and add layers.
Seasonal & Thematic Elements:
Seasonal Produce: Embrace the beauty of the season by incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, or foliage into your centerpieces or décor. Think about religion or other important aspects of your life and relationship that can be used to pull inspiration for fruits or additional table elements.
Themed Details: If you have a specific wedding theme, infuse it into your tablescape through colors, textures, and decorative elements.
Budgeting for Your Tablescape
Creating a dream tablescape doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to consider:
Prioritize: Identify the elements that are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. Budgeting will also depend on the quality you are looking for in each element. Decide what you care about being the highest quality, and go down the list from there. Each tablescape is a unique final product, do not feel pressured to include elements you don’t “need” and be comfortable adding in those personalized touches to make it truly yours.
Rent vs. Buy: Renting linens, tableware, and décor can be a cost-effective option, especially for larger weddings. On the other hand, amazon and etsy are a great place to shop for cheesecloth runners and potentially other components such as table numbers, place cards and additional items.
DIY: Get creative with DIY elements like hand-painted place cards or repurposed décor to add a personal touch and save on costs. Repurposing bridesmaids bouquets or arch florals is a great way to save money on flowers but not compromise your overall reception vision. Make sure you consider all of the items you will need to complete a DIY project such as paint, glue, stickers, and other materials that will impact the total cost.
Shop Around: Compare prices from different vendors and look for seasonal sales or discounts.This goes for the DIY projects too. Around the holidays and at different times of the year etsy shops will host major sales that can save you a ton of money if going this route.
Pulling it all together
Start by envisioning the overall atmosphere you want to create. Is it romantic, rustic, modern, or something else entirely? Gather inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, and wedding blogs - and save as much as possible, even if only one little element of a photo stands out to you - add it to the board. Sometimes we think we know what we want, and then we see something else and completely fall in love. The beauty in this part of the planning process as it has no effect on the timeline, as long as you can find these components within your budget, you and your planner will be able to design a cohesive tablescape that aligns with your vision.
Once you have a clear vision, create an itemized list of all the components you want to include and start researching rental vendors or etsy creators that can help with execution. This will help you stay focused and make informed decisions throughout the planning process. If you are unsure where to begin or know what you want and can’t seem to figure out how to make it happen, lean on your planner or coordinator. Oftentimes we have a laundry list of rental companies, have seen a multitude of ideas come to fruition, and in the end, are the ones that on wedding day pull it together and bring it to life. Our expertise is commonly a pillar of support in understanding not only how to make things happen, but the limitations you need to be aware of when elaborate ideas may or may not be possible.
Remember, your tablescape is one of the easiest ways to make an impact and tell your story on wedding day. This is where your guests will first walk upon entering the room, and while little details are often overlooked by guests, this is where you get to have the most fun with design. Let it shine with creativity, personality, and a touch of magic! Don't hesitate to incorporate unexpected details and artistic installations to make your tablescapes truly unforgettable.
Remember, planning a wedding is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process of creating a tablescape that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests and while it is important to draw on inspiration from instagram and pinterest, don’t feel the need to do what’s “trending”. Use trends as a jumping off point and create your own designs!
Happy planning - I promise, this is one of the fun parts <3
Xoxo, Alyssa
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