Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's easy to get caught up in the small details. Napkins, though small, are an essential part of your wedding tablescape and can add a touch of elegance to your decor. It's important to get the right number of napkins to avoid a shortage, which could leave guests with dirty hands and messy clothes. The number of beverage napkins you'll need depends on the number of guests, the type of food and drinks served, and the style of dining.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of beverage napkins per guest | 2-4 beverage napkins per guest |
| Number of luncheon napkins per guest | 1-2 luncheon napkins per guest |
| Number of dinner napkins per guest | 1-2 dinner napkins per guest |
| Number of guest towels per person | 2.5 guest towels per person |
| Napkin size | Pre-folded paper cocktail napkins: 5" x 5" (unfolded: 10" x 10") |
| Paper luncheon napkins: 6.5" x 6.5" (unfolded: 13" x 13") | |
| Paper dinner napkins: 8.5" x 8.5" (unfolded: 17" x 17") | |
| Guest towels: 4.5" x 8" (unfolded: 12" x 17") | |
| Napkin usage | Beverage napkins: drinks, appetizers/snacks/finger foods, cake/desserts |
| Luncheon napkins: breakfast/brunch/lunch/supper buffets, outdoor picnic-style reception, cake/desserts | |
| Dinner napkins: formal dining, catered dinner, buffet/cafeteria-style dinner | |
| Guest towels: bathrooms, spill-prone areas |
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What You'll Learn
Number of napkins needed per guest
The number of napkins you need for your wedding depends on the type of napkin and the purpose it will serve. Here is a breakdown of the number of napkins you should provide per guest:
Cocktail Napkins
Cocktail napkins are the smallest of the three standard napkin sizes and are typically used for serving drinks, appetisers, and desserts. It is recommended to provide 2-4 cocktail napkins per guest for drinks, as guests tend to make several trips to the bar or drink station. If you are serving appetisers or starters, provide 1 cocktail napkin per guest, as not everyone will indulge, and those who do will likely only visit the table once. For the cake and dessert table, 1 cocktail napkin per guest is also sufficient, as guests usually only visit this table once. If you opt for personalised cocktail napkins, you may want to order a few extra as souvenirs or in case of unexpected guests.
Luncheon Napkins
Luncheon napkins are a good option for wedding breakfasts, brunches, lunch or supper buffets, and outdoor picnic-style receptions. They are a convenient size for carrying with flatware when guests are self-serving. For these purposes, it is recommended to provide 1-2 luncheon napkins per guest. Luncheon napkins can also be used for the cake and dessert table, providing 60% more surface area than cocktail napkins. In this case, provide 1 luncheon napkin per guest. If you are providing to-go boxes or bags for a casual wedding reception, it is recommended to place 2 luncheon napkins per guest inside or on top of the box or bag.
Dinner Napkins
Dinner napkins are typically used for formal dining and are placed under or wrapped around the silverware. They are also larger than luncheon napkins, providing more lap coverage for guests. For a catered dinner, 1 dinner napkin per guest is usually sufficient, although you may want to provide a few extra for messier eaters or those with children. For a buffet or cafeteria-style dinner, it is recommended to provide 1.5-2 dinner napkins per guest, as they may make multiple trips to the buffet table.
Guest Towels
Guest towels are larger than dinner napkins and are used in bathrooms or spill-prone areas. Each guest will likely use at least one guest towel during the reception, and some may use more, so it is recommended to provide 2.5 guest towels per person.
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Napkin sizes for different uses
Napkins are an essential part of a wedding's table setting. They can add a touch of elegance and refinement to your wedding decor. When choosing napkins, it is important to consider their size and intended use.
Cocktail Napkins
Cocktail napkins are the smallest of the three most common napkin sizes, which also include luncheon and dinner napkins. They typically measure 5 by 5 inches when folded and 10 by 10 inches when unfolded. Cocktail napkins are perfect for standing events and cocktail parties as they allow guests to hold them while sipping drinks and having appetizers or desserts. For a wedding, plan to order two to four cocktail napkins per guest for drinks, one for appetizers, and one for cake and desserts.
Luncheon Napkins
Luncheon napkins are larger than cocktail napkins and are a versatile option for various wedding events. They usually measure between 14 and 16 inches square when folded. Luncheon napkins are suitable for meals that require utensils, such as a wedding breakfast, lunch, or supper buffet. They are also a good choice for an outdoor, picnic-style wedding reception, providing ease of handling for guests who are self-serving. For these events, plan to order one to two luncheon napkins per guest. Luncheon napkins can also be used for cake and desserts, offering 60% more surface area than cocktail napkins. Order one luncheon napkin per guest for this purpose.
Dinner Napkins
Dinner napkins are the largest size, typically measuring 18 to 20 inches square for informal dinners and 22 to 26 inches square for formal, multiple-course meals. They are often intricately folded or placed on charger plates and are large enough to cover a person's lap while eating. For a catered dinner at a wedding, one dinner napkin per person is usually sufficient, with a few extras for later or unexpected guests. For a buffet-style dinner, it is recommended to provide 1.5 to 2 dinner napkins per guest, as they may make multiple trips to the buffet table.
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Choosing between custom and non-custom napkins
When planning a wedding, it's important to consider the different uses for napkins and how many you should order to ensure you don't run out. From cocktail hour to dessert, different types of napkins can add a touch of elegance and refinement to your wedding tables and dinnerware.
Custom napkins can be a great way to add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding. You can choose from printed or foil-stamped napkins, with elegant foil colours to match any wedding theme or colour scheme. You can also select from hundreds of templates or send your own unique artwork to decorate your napkins. Custom napkins can be coordinated with the style and colour scheme of your event, and they can even be used at future celebrations or as mementos for your guests to take home.
On the other hand, non-custom napkins can also be a stylish and cost-effective option for your wedding. You can choose from a variety of disposable paper napkins in different colours and styles to match your wedding theme. Non-custom napkins can also be a more affordable option, especially if you're ordering a large quantity. In addition, some couples may prefer the simplicity and versatility of non-custom napkins, as they can be used for multiple purposes during the wedding reception.
When deciding between custom and non-custom napkins, consider your budget, the level of personalisation you desire, and the overall style and theme of your wedding. Custom napkins can add a unique and memorable touch to your event, while non-custom napkins can be a more subtle and cost-effective option. Ultimately, the choice between custom and non-custom napkins depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your wedding.
To ensure you have enough napkins for your wedding, it's recommended to order two to three cocktail napkins per guest for drinks, one cocktail or luncheon napkin per guest for appetizers, and one napkin per guest for the cake and dessert table. For a catered dinner, one dinner napkin per person is usually sufficient, but it's always a good idea to order a few extra to avoid running out.
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Napkin colours and styles
Napkins are an important part of your wedding decor, and choosing the right colours and styles can enhance the appearance of your wedding tables and dinnerware.
When selecting the colour of your napkins, consider your wedding theme and colour scheme. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, opt for soft pastel hues that evoke the seaside. If your wedding is in the fall, consider colours like emerald green, burnt orange, willow green, or chocolate brown. For winter, royal blue, navy blue, burgundy, or plum are romantic choices. Spring calls for pastel yellow, baby blue, mint green, or blush pink, and in summer, fuchsia, yellow, turquoise, or orange are vibrant options.
The colour and finish of your charger plates and dinnerware should also be considered for a polished look. A metallic charger and tableware pair well with grey or navy napkins. It is also important to keep a slight contrast in colour between your napkins and table linens. If they are too similar, the napkins will not stand out.
In addition to colour, there are different styles of napkins to choose from. The three most common sizes are cocktail, luncheon, and dinner napkins. Cocktail napkins are the smallest and are used for serving drinks, appetizers, and desserts. Luncheon napkins are a versatile option between cocktail and dinner napkins and are suitable for breakfast, brunch, and dinner buffets, as well as outdoor picnic-style receptions. They offer 60% more surface area than cocktail napkins, making them a good choice for the cake and dessert table. Dinner napkins, the largest option, are typically used for catered dinners at the dinner tables. They provide a 60% larger surface area than luncheon napkins and are often folded and placed under or wrapped around the silverware, sometimes secured with a napkin ring.
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Napkin placement and presentation
Napkins are an important part of your wedding tabletop design and can add a refined touch to your wedding décor. Here are some ideas for napkin placement and presentation:
Napkin Placement
- If you are not using plates at each place setting, drape each napkin off the edge of the table to demarcate each place setting.
- For a casual, unfussy look, place a loosely rolled napkin on top of each plate.
- For a chic, unfussy look, tuck each guest's napkin beneath their salad plate. First, loosely gather the napkin and place it at an angle before topping it with the plate.
- For a modern look, alternate the colours of the plates and napkins. Fold each napkin into a crisp square, adding a sprig of fresh greenery and finishing off with some luxe velvet ribbon.
- If your plates are ornate, place the napkins at the top of the plates.
- For a soft, relaxed feel, use soft, washed-linen napkins. Tie them in an elegant knot and place each napkin on the guests' salad plates, along with colour-coordinating flatware.
- For a unique look, fold the napkin into a rectangle and place it at an angle under slender rose gold flatware.
- For a classic, elevated look, use a linen hemstitch napkin with a fold highlighting a custom monogram.
- If you are serving a wedding breakfast, lunch, or supper buffet, place a luncheon napkin at each setting for guests to carry their flatware when self-serving.
- For a picnic-style wedding reception, place a luncheon napkin at each place setting for ease of handling.
Napkin Presentation
- Wrap your napkin and menu card together with twine or string to keep your table settings tidy.
- Add a subtle ribbon to a classic fold, such as a diamond fold, for an updated presentation.
- Combine the look of a roll with a fold to add extra dimension to the tabletop.
- Secure a belly band, similar to the ones around wedding invitations, horizontally around the charger.
- Use a contemporary paper clip to connect the napkin and menu card.
- Fold the napkin into a knot and then wrap it into a circular shape. Place a bowl or guest favour on top to weigh it in place.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of beverage napkins you need depends on the number of guests and the type of food and drinks you serve. As a rule of thumb, you should have 3-4 beverage napkins per guest. You should also provide 1 extra napkin per guest if you're using napkins for the cake or dessert table.
You should plan to order 2-3 beverage napkins per guest for serving drinks. Each beverage will be served with a single napkin to absorb moisture and dry lips, and guests will usually make several trips to the bar.
Order 1 beverage napkin per guest for appetizers. Not all guests will eat appetizers, and those who do will probably only go to the table once.
Order 1 beverage napkin per guest for the cake and dessert table. Guests usually only visit the dessert table once.
You should consider the style, appearance, and cost of the napkins. Personalized napkins can be expensive, but they can add a refined touch to your wedding decor. You should also check if your venue provides napkins as part of your cost.
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