Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding reception can be a daunting task, but deciding on the place settings can be a fun and creative process. From elegant and refined to bold and vibrant, the options are endless. Whether you're having a formal plated dinner or a laid-back buffet, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests with thoughtful table settings. The key is to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding, the venue, and your personal style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tableware | Cutlery, plates, glasses, napkins, chargers, salt and pepper shakers, bread plates, butter dishes, wine glasses, water glasses, etc. |
| Table Decorations | Floral runners, candles, greenery, tablecloths, name cards, menus, favours, etc. |
| Table Layout | Round tables, rectangular tables, number of guests per table, spacing between settings, etc. |
| Dinner Service Style | Buffet-style, plated dinner, BBQ, etc. |
| Practicalities | Flatware needed for different courses, whether to pre-set salads, etc. |
| Aesthetics | Color scheme, wedding theme/style, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a theme: natural, coastal, ballroom, boho, etc
Deciding on a theme for your wedding reception place settings can be a fun and creative process. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Natural Theme
If you're looking to bring the outdoors in, a natural theme is a perfect choice. Keep your plates, napkins, and silverware simple and dress up each setting with greenery found around your venue. Wooden chargers, dark brown candle holders, and gold flatware can also add a natural, yet elegant touch. For a pop of colour, consider using sage green napkins or incorporating wildflowers. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make custom wax seals for your place cards.
Coastal Theme
For a coastal or beachside celebration, opt for coastal-inspired colours and elements. Blue and white are a classic combination, and you can incorporate these colours through your chargers, plates, and napkins. Consider adding coral designs or citrus hues to your place settings and centrepieces for a bright and summery feel. Shells, starfish, and other seaside-inspired accents can also be a lovely addition to your tablescape.
Ballroom Theme
If you're going for an opulent ballroom reception, rich colours, interesting textures, and luxurious details are key. Think gold flatware, gold-rimmed glasses, and crocodile-patterned chargers. Add a touch of glamour with custom foil menus and elegant centrepieces, such as candles of varying heights. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours, textures, and patterns to create a unique and memorable tablescape.
Boho Theme
A boho-themed wedding is all about celebrating the earthly and divine. Bring an airy, ethereal feel to your reception with billowing fabrics and draping. For place settings, incorporate earth tones, fringe-covered placemats, and knotted napkins. Greenery-rich arrangements and floral elements with a loose, natural look can add to the free-spirited vibe. You can also use stone escort cards or seating charts surrounded by greenery to bring a touch of nature to your tablescape.
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Tableware: plates, cutlery, glasses, and napkins
When it comes to tableware, you can choose from a variety of options to match the style and formality of your wedding. Here are some ideas to consider:
Plates
The type of plates you choose can vary depending on the theme and style of your wedding. For a simple and refined look, classic porcelain plates or neutral-toned plates can be a great option. If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider gold-rimmed or metallic-rimmed clear plates. For a more rustic or natural feel, wooden chargers can be used as plates or as a base for other plates. If you're having a buffet-style reception, you might want to consider using chargers or doilies on the tables, with plates provided at the buffet line. This can add a nice touch to the aesthetics of the table setting.
Cutlery
Cutlery, or flatware, is an important part of the table setting. Typically, a salad fork and knife, along with a dinner fork and knife, are sufficient for most weddings. If you are serving soup, you might want to add a circular soup spoon. Dessert forks are usually added above the dinner plate if dessert is being served at the tables. Gold flatware can add a touch of luxury to your table setting, especially if combined with rich colours and interesting textures for an opulent ballroom reception. Alternatively, bamboo utensils can be a fun and eco-friendly choice, especially for more casual or outdoor weddings.
Glasses
Glassware is another essential element of your table setting. Water glasses are a nice touch to have on the tables so that your guests have something to drink upon sitting down. You can also choose to use wine glasses or other types of glassware depending on the beverages you plan to serve. Coloured glassware can add an interesting twist to your table setting, especially when paired with vibrant linens and patterned chargers.
Napkins
Napkins provide an opportunity to add a creative and personal touch to your table setting. You can choose napkins in colours that complement your theme or add details like napkin rings or customised designs. For a rustic or natural look, consider using linen napkins, or opt for high-quality fabrics to add a touch of luxury. Napkins can also be used to hold menu cards or personalised notes for your guests.
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Table layout: spacing, seating, and centrepieces
The layout of your tables and chairs is the best place to start when planning your wedding reception seating. The style you choose will determine what else can be placed within the space, as well as dictating the guest experience. Rectangular and circular tables are the two most popular shapes. Rectangular tables are perfect if you have a large guest list as they'll allow you to fit numerous guests on one table without taking up too much space in the room. Round tables, on the other hand, allow all guests to interact with each other, no matter the table size. For a more intimate feel, you could try a U-shape design.
For long banquet tables, a good rule of thumb is to allow no less than 50cm per guest per side of the table. For an 8-foot table, you could seat 4-5 guests per side, or 8-10 in total. For a 60-inch round table, 8 guests will have more room than 10. As a general rule, allow for 20 inches per guest, especially since the average plate charger is 12-14 inches. You'll also need to allow for space between the tables—approximately 60 inches centre-to-centre, so that chairs can be pulled out with ease.
When it comes to seating, it's a good idea to group people by relationships or interests to spark engaging conversations. Diplomacy is key—not all guests will get on, so it's critical to think carefully about where each guest will be seated. You might want to seat family members together with the happy couple in the centre.
Centrepieces can be styled differently for each table, offering the chance to mix it up in terms of flowers and heights. For a natural look, consider greenery such as fern or eucalyptus sprigs, or large monstera leaves. For a more opulent feel, choose rich colours, interesting textures, and gold flatware.
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Decorations: flowers, candles, and tablecloths
Flowers, candles, and tablecloths are essential decorations for a wedding reception. When choosing decorations, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding, your colour scheme, and your venue.
Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding tables. Consider using complementary and accent colours to suit your palette and adding height to the table. Flowers can be used as centrepieces or as part of a table runner. For a summer wedding, fresh flowers such as botanical blossoms or flower garlands will bring life to your decor. In contrast, dried grasses can be used for a moodier aesthetic.
Candles can add height, light, and interest to your tables. Consider using candles of varying heights and complementing them with matching votive candle holders. Taper candles in soft, simple colours, such as grey, can create a refined and elegant look. For a boho-inspired wedding, opt for votive or taper candles in earthy tones.
Tablecloths are a great way to add colour and pattern to your wedding tables. Choose a colour and pattern that complement your overall wedding decoration and colour scheme. Polyester tablecloths are ideal for outdoor events, while lace tablecloths can add a touch of elegance to your reception. Consider using table runners to add texture and interest to your tables. A vibrant table runner, such as burnt orange, can add a pop of colour to a plain tablecloth.
Other decorations to consider include place cards, napkins, and cutlery. Place cards can be personalised with a custom wax seal or painted rocks for a unique touch. Napkins in complementary colours, such as sage green, can add a subtle pop of colour to your tables. Cutlery in gold or silver can add a touch of elegance, while wooden cutlery can bring a natural, organic feel to your tablescape.
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Extras: favours, menus, and thank-you notes
Place settings can be a great opportunity to add a personal touch to your wedding reception. Beyond the cutlery, plates, and glasses, you can include favours, menus, and thank-you notes to make your guests feel special. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Favours
Favours are a lovely way to thank your guests for attending your wedding. Instead of traditional favours, you can get creative and make them unique to your wedding. For example, you can offer a "stamp card" that guests can use to avail a free dish or drink after a few visits to your favourite restaurant or cafe. Alternatively, you can donate to a charity in lieu of favours and inform your guests about it through a note at their place setting.
Menus
Menus are a practical addition to your place settings, especially if your guests will be ordering from the table. You can personalise your menus with a heartfelt thank-you note, the food choices, and even engagement photos. Consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding when designing your menus. For instance, if you're going for a simple and refined look, wrap your menu cards in velvet ribbon to complement the candles on the table.
Thank-you notes
Thank-you notes at each place setting are a thoughtful way to express your gratitude to your guests. You can write a general statement of thanks and then personalise it for each guest. However, some people may consider this wasteful, especially if you're sending thank-you cards after the wedding. As an alternative, you can give a welcome and thank-you speech before dinner or include a thank-you message on the back of the menus.
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Frequently asked questions
The place settings for your wedding tables are completely up to you and are an extension of your wedding design. They can be as simple or as vibrant as you like. You can choose from a variety of dishware, flatware, and glassware to complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding.
For a 60" round table, 8 guests are recommended, whereas for an 8' table, 10 guests can be seated. Each guest should ideally be allocated 20 inches of space, especially since the average plate charger is 12-14 inches.
You can add pops of colour, textures, and patterns to your place settings. For a natural look, consider wooden chargers, and for a moody aesthetic, try dark napkins and deep-hued menus. You can also incorporate personal touches such as a custom wax seal on the place card or a thank-you note.
For a buffet-style reception, you may choose to skip the place settings and only provide water glasses and small plates. Alternatively, you can provide chargers or doilies at each setting, and guests can collect their plates from the buffet. You can also rent china for a nicer look and better photos.
