Creating Wedding Table Runners: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding table runners are a great way to elevate your wedding decor without breaking the bank. They can be used to dress up long tables and sweetheart tables, filling the space and providing the perfect backdrop for flowers and candles. Whether you're going for a rustic, vintage, glamorous, or boho vibe, there are endless possibilities for table runners that you can make yourself. From lace and burlap to floral and chevron, here are some ideas to get you started on creating your own unique and beautiful wedding table runners.

DIY Rustic Wedding Table Garland Runner

A DIY rustic wedding table garland runner is a beautiful way to decorate your wedding tables and can be achieved on a budget. This guide will take you through the steps to create a stunning garland runner, perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding.

Materials:

Firstly, you will need to source your materials. For a rustic garland runner, consider using branches from an olive tree or similar. You can also use eucalyptus, laurel, or magnolia branches for a different look. You will need enough branches to run the length of your tables, with some overhang if desired.

In addition to the branches, you will need some contrasting flowers and other table decorations such as candles and votives. You can also add in some greenery or florist tubes to fill out the garland.

Assembly:

To assemble your garland runner, start by laying out the branches as a centre strip on your tables. You can overlap the branches or use florist tubes to create a continuous line. Add in your contrasting flowers and other decorations to create a tablescape with different textures and heights.

If you want to add an overhang to your garland runner, you can cut a length of narrow rope to the size of your table and create a proper garland for the ends of the table, hiding any cut ends under the greenery.

Tips:

• Garlands can be time-intensive and labour-intensive, so consider using them in multiple ways throughout your wedding, such as at the ceremony and reception, to get the most out of them.
• Garlands can be expensive, so look for alternatives such as using fresh or faux flowers and greenery, or creating a paper flower garland.
• For a rustic look, consider pairing your garland with a burlap table runner or using lace and ribbon to add a romantic touch.

With these tips and instructions, you can create a beautiful and rustic garland table runner that will wow your wedding guests!

DIY Chalkboard Table Runner

A chalkboard table runner is a fun and creative way to decorate your wedding tables, and it's easy to do yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a DIY Chalkboard Table Runner for your wedding:

Materials:

• Chalkboard contact paper or chalkboard vinyl sheet
• Liquid chalk markers or regular chalk
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Tape or glue (optional)
• Ruler or measuring tape

Instructions:

• Measure your tables: Before you start, measure the length and width of your wedding tables to determine the size of your chalkboard table runner.
• Purchase chalkboard contact paper: A single roll of chalkboard contact paper is typically 6 to 6 1/2 feet long, which should be enough for one table. If you want a wider runner or a full tablecloth, you can buy multiple rolls or opt for chalkboard vinyl sheets.
• Cut the contact paper: Using scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut the contact paper to the desired size, making sure it fits the length of your tables and allows for overhang on the sides.
• Apply the runner to the table: Starting at one end of the table, carefully unroll the contact paper or place the vinyl sheet, smoothing it out as you go to avoid bubbles or creases. If needed, use small pieces of tape or glue to secure the ends of the runner to the table, ensuring it stays in place.
• Decorate with chalk: Now comes the fun part! Use liquid chalk markers or regular chalk to add your designs, messages, or seating assignments to the chalkboard runner. You can write directly on the runner, or cut out small chalkboard pieces and stick them onto wooden panels or cardboard for a 3D effect.
• Add other table decor: Combine your chalkboard runner with other table decor elements such as candles, flowers, or centrepieces to create a unique and memorable tablescape.

Tips:

• Chalkboard table runners are reusable, so you can keep the messages and drawings as a memento of your special day.
• If you want a coloured chalkboard, consider painting a sheet of vinyl with tintable chalkboard paint.
• For a more long-lasting option, look into chalk cloth, which provides a similar effect.
• Liquid chalk markers are great for coloured or transparent surfaces and can be used multiple times, making them a cost-effective option.

A DIY Chalkboard Table Runner is a fun, unique, and inexpensive way to add a personal touch to your wedding tables, and it will surely be a memorable detail for you and your guests!

DIY Grass Moss Table Runner

A DIY Grass Moss Table Runner is a great way to bring the lush outdoors inside for your wedding. This simple DIY project can act as a main feature on your wedding tables and is easy to put together.

To make a Grass Moss Table Runner, you will need to purchase a strip of moss that fits the length and width of your table. You can find moss table runners or moss rolls that can be cut to size at craft stores or online. When selecting your moss, opt for a well-preserved variety that is long-lasting and has a natural, green appearance.

Once you have your moss, simply lay it down the centre of your table as a runner. To enhance the look, add other table decor such as candles, table numbers, and flower centrepieces. You can also pair the moss runner with natural elements like wood slices or burlap accents for a rustic touch.

If desired, you can spritz the moss with a small amount of water before use to make it appear fluffier and more natural. Keep in mind that natural moss may shed a little, so it's a good idea to do a test run before your big day to ensure you're happy with the result.

DIY Floral Table Runner

A floral table runner is a great way to add a wow factor to your wedding decor. It can be used as a statement piece in the centre of your table or as an accent to complement your tablecloth. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a DIY floral table runner that will be sure to impress your wedding guests.

To start, you will need to gather your supplies. For this tutorial, you will need an 18” Floam Raquettes (available in different sizes), 6-8 stems each of Leather Leaf, Gunni Eucalyptus, Baby Blue Eucalyptus, 5 Burgundy Snapdragons, 8 Hypnosis Carnations, and sprays of Wax Flower. You can adjust the quantities and types of flowers and greenery based on your preferred style and the size of your table.

Begin by laying out your Floam Raquettes, which will serve as the base for your floral arrangement. Following the advice of Alison Fleck, design genius and founder of Bloom Culture, start by adding longer pieces of greenery, such as Leather Leaf, to the ends of the base, keeping the width to around 4 to 5 inches. Break down the stems to fill in the middle sections of the foam, varying the lengths and sizes to create depth and avoid a uniform look.

Next, add a different type of greenery, such as Salal, in a similar fashion, filling in any gaps. Continue layering by adding Gunni Eucalyptus, and finish the greenery with Baby Blue Eucalyptus, which will add length and a pop of colour.

Now it's time to add your focal flowers. For this tutorial, we're using Protea and Roses. These flowers are large and bulky, so it's best to use fewer of them. Place them first to draw attention and ensure they are front and centre.

Moving on to the roses, work in groups of three, placing them at varying stem lengths and distributing them evenly across the arrangement. You can adjust the groupings as needed, using two or one flower instead of three if that works better for your design.

Add the Burgundy Snapdragons next, treating them similarly to the longer pieces of greenery and placing them at the ends of the arrangement to create length and reinforce its shape.

Now, begin placing your spray flowers. Alstroemeria is a great option for colour and longevity. You can use the stems as-is or break them down into smaller groupings.

Next, add your accent flowers, in this case, Hypnosis Carnations. Again, try to work in groups of three, varying the stem lengths and distributing them evenly.

Finally, fill in any remaining gaps with Wax Flower to complete your floral table runner.

And there you have it! A stunning, fragrant, and cost-effective floral table runner that will be the perfect addition to your wedding decor.

DIY Hessian Cloth Table Runner

Hessian cloth table runners are a great way to add a rustic or vintage feel to your wedding tables. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own:

Materials:

• Hessian or burlap cloth
• Paint or stamps with the numbers you want to display
• Scissors
• Lace, ribbon, or twine (optional)

Instructions:

• Purchase your Hessian or burlap cloth. You can find this type of cloth at most craft stores or online.
• Cut the cloth to the desired size, allowing for enough length so that the runner falls down the sides of the tables.
• Paint or stamp the table number on the ends of each cloth. You can also add monograms, initials, or a special message for your guests.
• If you want to add a decorative touch, you can edge the borders of the table runners with lace, ribbon, or twine.
• Lay the finished table runners on your wedding tables, and add your chosen centrepieces and table decor.

Hessian cloth table runners are a simple and elegant way to dress up your wedding tables. You can also reuse them for home decor after your big day!

Frequently asked questions