The Art Of Filling Wedding Tables: A Guide To Fullness

There are many ways to make a wedding table look full, from centrepieces to table runners, napkin choices, and place settings. A multi-level candle setup with different heights of candles in vases and votives can add a warm, timeless look, especially when paired with metallics and green foliage. For a rustic feel, use wooden crates instead of vases for flowers. Interspersing bud vases with wildflowers and colourful taper candles also adds a pop of colour. For a beach or oceanic setting, seashell-shaped dinnerware and flatware, nautical-inspired stationery, and organic-shaped glassware can create a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere. A bold, creative spirit can be expressed through colourful settings, with mismatched or complementary plates and chargers in vibrant colours.

Multi-level candles

Varying Heights

Add visual interest to your wedding tables by using candles of different heights. Alternate between tall taper candles and smaller votives or tea lights. You can also play with the height of the candleholders or candlesticks to create a multi-level effect. This will help to break up the table and make it appear more full.

Colour and Scent

Candles come in a variety of colours and scents, so you can choose ones that complement your wedding colour palette or add a pop of colour to your tablescape. Fragranced candles can also lend a signature scent to your reception, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

Centrepieces and Displays

Candles can be used as centrepieces or as part of a larger display. For example, you can place candles in floral arrangements, around greenery garlands, or in clear vessels filled with sand for a beachy theme. Floating candles in transparent displays or suspended candles installed above the table are also unique ways to incorporate candles into your wedding table décor.

Spacing and Arrangement

When arranging your candles, consider spacing them out to create a sense of abundance. You can also try clustering candles together in groups of varying sizes and colours to create a bountiful and elegant look. Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of candles to add depth and texture to your tables.

Safety Considerations

When using candles, ensure that they are placed in a safe location where they won't be easily knocked over and are away from flammable materials. You may also want to consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative, especially if your venue has any open flames or sparkler restrictions.

Rustic flowers

Rustic wedding table decor is all about creating a feeling of coziness and warmth. Think peaceful countryside, or a fire in a stone fireplace filling a cottage with light. The rustic aesthetic is also often associated with the outdoors and nature, so it's the perfect choice for weddings held outside or in venues with an 'old-timey' feel.

• Use burlap. This fabric is reminiscent of the outdoors and adds the perfect neutral background for bright wildflowers. You can use it for table runners, napkins, or even to tie around bouquets and boutonnieres.
• Opt for a combination of vases in different shapes and sizes, such as mason jars, bud vases, and wooden vases. This creates a vintage, natural texture that is a key part of the rustic aesthetic.
• Include daisies or monte casino asters. These flowers are often found in natural fields and can trigger wild, naturalistic memories for your guests.
• Use lots of fillers and greens, such as Solidago and Queen Anne's Lace. These are important for staying on budget and contributing to the rustic and natural theme.
• Mix roses in with wildflowers. This formalizes and softens the look of the arrangement. Peaches, pinks, yellows, and whites are the most rustic-looking roses.
• Use natural materials such as wood, stone, hay, dried flowers, and greenery.
• Choose an earthy color palette with chocolate browns, sensual taupes, subtle beiges, and passionate terracottas.
• Add fabrics and ribbons in neutral or earthy tones, such as linen, burlap, lace, canvas, or twine.
• Create romantic, rustic garlands with delicate eucalyptus and willow leaves, or chic beige roses.
• Include sunflowers, lavender, or baby's breath in your floral arrangements. These flowers are reminiscent of a hazy summer day in the countryside and will add a cheery, charming touch to your tables.
• For a unique twist, add vegetables to your floral arrangements, such as purple cabbage, heirloom tomatoes, or orange and yellow carrots.
• Use pampas grass for a versatile, wheat-like element that can be used in centerpieces, sign decor, or bouquets.
• Opt for terracotta vessels to add a natural, Old World touch to your floral arrangements.
• Hang greenery garlands above your tables to create a romantic, enchanted forest feel.
• Incorporate mini trees, such as dwarf fruit trees, as centerpieces. These add instant charm to your tables and can even be replanted after the wedding as a memento.
• Add interest to your tables with ceramic tiles. You can even have them custom-painted for your special day.
• Use glass bud vases, antique candle holders, and vintage flatware to create a rustic, vintage look.
• Include pressed leaves, ferns, or flowers in your table settings or centerpieces for a unique, photogenic touch.
• Get inspired by your surroundings and use local flowers and greenery in your arrangements.

With these ideas in mind, you can create beautiful, rustic floral arrangements that will make your wedding tables look full and stunning.

Colourful glassware

There are endless possibilities when it comes to coloured glassware. You could opt for bold, vibrant shades such as cobalt blue or rich purple to create a striking statement. Or, for a more subtle approach, pale blue, pink or green glassware can add a delicate touch of colour that complements your floral arrangements and other table décor.

If you're looking for something elegant and unique, consider smoked glassware. This can add a sophisticated touch to your tablescape, especially when paired with rich, deep-coloured centrepieces. Alternatively, for a fun and playful feel, you could mix and match different coloured glasses for each guest, creating a vibrant rainbow effect across the table.

When choosing coloured glassware, consider the overall colour palette of your wedding and the specific shades used in your floral arrangements and table settings. This will help you select colours that complement your theme. For example, if you're having a spring wedding with lots of pastel colours, pale pink or blue glassware could be a lovely addition.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different colours and shades. You can also mix and match coloured glassware with other unique tableware, such as gold-trimmed plates or copper chargers, to create a truly unique and memorable tablescape that your guests will adore.

Seasonal touches

If you're getting married in the summer, add some seasonal cheer to your wedding table with mason jars, macrame table runners, and vibrant summer fruits like watermelon or pear. You could also include blooms like sunflowers or dahlias. For a rustic touch, consider using wooden table numbers and tableware made from copper, wood, or steel.

For a springtime ceremony, wildflowers are a perfect choice. They're humble, sweet, and fit a rustic theme. If you're opting for a fall wedding, colourful leaves, small pumpkins or gourds, fruits, berries, and acorns are classic choices. And for a winter wedding, pine cones, mistletoe, evergreen branches, and artificial snow will bring a cosy, festive feel to your table.

You can also incorporate seasonal touches by using colours that reflect the natural landscape of the season. For example, rich oranges, reds, and browns for autumn, or bright coral-toned roses, dried pieces, and pampas grass for summer.

Elevated arrangements

If you're looking to fill a room with high ceilings, consider tall, slim arrangements in long, thin vases or candelabras. These can be placed strategically on the table so as not to overwhelm the tablescape. You can also use a mix of high and low arrangements to fill the space and create a sense of depth.

For a contemporary twist, put a classic arrangement on a pedestal. You could also try a bridge or cascading arrangement, where other décor or floral elements are hung from a lofty vessel.

For a traditional event, classic mixes of garden roses, hydrangeas, and peonies will stun in a large glass vase. For a contemporary arrangement, ask your florist to place long-stemmed blooms in a structured, four-pillared vessel.

If you're concerned about oversized centrepieces hindering guests' conversations, choose the right vessel. Slim and sophisticated vases, for example, can prevent the arrangement from becoming too crowded.

Tall centrepieces are a great way to make a lasting impression on your guests and suit any wedding style.

Frequently asked questions