Crafting Head Table Backdrops For A Wedding

A head table is a central feature of a wedding reception, where the married couple sits for dinner, usually in a prime location. It is a great opportunity to showcase your wedding colours and themes. There are many ways to decorate a head table, from floral arrangements to colourful backdrops. You can rent a backdrop or make your own with fabric and drapes. You can also add personal touches with name cards, candles, and glassware.

Use a floral garland

A floral garland is a versatile and impactful way to decorate your wedding head table. Garlands are flexible and can be draped, hung, or woven into a wreath, making them a simple yet effective choice for your wedding decor. Here are some ways you can use a floral garland to create a stunning backdrop for your head table:

Drape a Garland Across the Table

Add a pop of decor to your head table with a floral garland draped across the front. This will complement the newlyweds without taking up too much space on the table. You can choose a garland colour that matches your wedding theme or opt for a bold statement with a garland in moody burgundy and black or a summery lemonade yellow.

Create a Floral Centrepiece

For a long, family-style head table, consider draping a floral garland down the entire length of the table to create a cohesive and visually striking look. If you have round tables, you can loop a garland into a wreath and add a lantern to the centre for a romantic and twinkling arrangement.

Elevate a Wedding Arch

A wedding arch is a classic choice for framing the scene as you walk down the aisle and exchange your vows and first kiss. To elevate this focal point, add a gorgeous floral garland that matches your wedding theme. Whether you opt for a delicate flower garland or a bold, asymmetrical design, a garland will add texture and style to your ceremony arch.

Decorate a Photo Table

If you plan to include a photo table at your wedding, a floral garland is a perfect way to decorate it. Surround photos of the couple, family members, or even pets with the beauty of faux flowers. This will add a personal and charming touch to your wedding decor.

Hang a Garland

You can also use floral garlands to decorate the space above your head table. Hang garlands from the ceiling or a branch to create a bespoke art installation that makes your space feel cozy and elevated. Garlands generally look good from every angle, so they're an excellent choice for creating a romantic atmosphere at your wedding reception.

Opt for a bold backdrop colour

A bold backdrop colour is a great way to make a statement at your wedding and really showcase your personality as a couple. It's an opportunity to be adventurous and creative, and there are endless possibilities to explore.

When choosing a bold colour, consider your wedding palette and select a shade that complements your overall theme. If you're having a spring wedding, for instance, soft pinks, neutrals, and pastel shades are a lovely way to reflect the season. You could also opt for bolder shades of pink or orange to create a striking contrast with a pale blue tablecloth or other décor elements.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different textures and patterns to add depth and visual interest to your backdrop. For a glamorous touch, try a sequin backdrop or table runner, or opt for luxurious fabrics such as satin or lace. If you're feeling particularly creative, you could even design a custom backdrop with personalised details such as your names or initials.

If you're looking for a more cost-effective option, there are plenty of DIY ideas to explore. You can create a bold backdrop by hanging fabric or fairy lights, or even by displaying a collection of vintage suitcases if you're looking for something unique and reflective of your interests.

Whatever bold colour or theme you choose, ensure it aligns with your wedding's overall aesthetic to create a cohesive and memorable look.

Drape fabric for a DIY look

Draping fabric is a simple and effective way to create a beautiful DIY wedding head table backdrop. It can be used to cover walls, windows, entrances, and partition walls, instantly transforming your space. The best part is that it's easy to assemble and affordable, requiring just one person and about 15 minutes per 10-foot section to set up. Here are some tips to achieve a stunning DIY look:

Choose the Right Fabric

Select a fabric that complements your wedding colours and theme. Opt for a lightweight fabric that is easy to drape and hang. Consider the length of fabric needed to cover the desired area, and don't forget to allow for some extra fabric for creating elegant swags or pleats.

Pipe and Drape Kits

Pipe and drape kits are a popular choice for creating fabric backdrops. These kits provide all the necessary hardware, including pipes or poles, and the fabric. They are adjustable to fit your space and can be set up both indoors and outdoors. The kits are easy to assemble, and you can create different styles, such as draping swags or adding a valance to the sides.

Double Valance

For a more dramatic effect, consider using a double valance technique. This involves using two layers of pipe and drape. The first layer goes straight down, while the second layer is swagged to the left and right, creating a beautiful drape. This style is perfect for a sweetheart table backdrop and can also be used to funnel guests, create entranceways, or hide catering areas.

Pleating and Final Touches

Once you've hung your fabric, take the time to pleat it evenly to create a polished look and hide any hardware. You can also play with different styles of draping, such as swags or gathers, to add visual interest. Ensure the fabric is lifted and finalised at the bottom to achieve the desired effect.

Lighting

Enhance your fabric backdrop with lighting to create a magical atmosphere. String lights, uplights, or fairy lights can be draped across the fabric to add a warm glow and create stunning visuals. Experiment with different lighting options to find what suits your wedding theme and venue best.

Choose a hanging floral installation

Hanging floral installations are a great way to elevate your wedding decor and make a statement. They can be used to decorate the ceiling above the head table at your reception, adding a unique and immersive touch to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas to create a stunning hanging floral installation for your wedding head table backdrop:

Choose the Right Flowers

When creating a hanging floral installation, it's important to pick your flowers thoughtfully. Consider whether you want your flowers to fluff out like clouds or cascade gracefully like a waterfall. For a cloud-like effect, choose wispy, long florals such as ivy and wisteria. If you prefer a cascading look, opt for sturdy flowers like roses and pampas grass, which can hold their volume horizontally. You can also mix and match different types of flowers to create a unique and colourful display.

Flower Chandeliers

One popular type of hanging floral installation is a flower chandelier. These oversized hoops are covered in fresh blooms, greenery, or other botanical elements, creating a dramatic and romantic centrepiece. Flower chandeliers can be single- or multi-tiered and can even incorporate lighting elements for a truly impactful decor detail. You can also add glass orbs at varying heights to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere after dark.

Hanging Garlands

Hanging garlands are a simple yet effective way to add a floral touch to your head table backdrop. Garlands are typically made with greenery leaves but can also include flowers for a pop of colour. They can be strung and swagged from the ceiling to create a "tented" look above the head table or draped across beams or light fixtures to add a subtle floral touch.

Flower Clouds

For a whimsical and unique look, consider creating flower clouds. This style features separate bundles of blooms suspended in a group, resembling fluffy cumulus clouds floating in the sky. You can choose flowers in varying shades of white, cream, and gold for a sophisticated and elegant display, or opt for colourful flowers to add a pop of colour to your venue.

Upside-Down Garden

If you want to make a bold statement, consider an upside-down garden installation. This style involves covering the entire ceiling or a large focal portion of it with hanging flowers, with little space between the stems. It creates the illusion of a lush garden suspended upside down, adding a magical touch to your wedding decor.

Cost Considerations

Hanging floral installations can be more expensive than simple table centrepieces due to the time, care, and expertise required to execute them. The cost will depend on the size, shape, and materials used, but you can generally expect a minimum cost of $100 per foot of your arrangement. If you're working with a florist, discuss your budget with them, and they can help you create a stunning hanging installation within your price range.

Incorporate candles and glassware

Candles and glassware can be used in many ways to create a stunning wedding head table backdrop. Here are some ideas to incorporate them into your wedding decor:

Firstly, consider using tall candlesticks and crystal glassware to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. The combination of sparkling glass and soft candlelight will add a touch of glamour to the head table. Place the candlesticks and glassware together on the table, or use them as part of a centrepiece, perhaps surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.

Secondly, for a more modern look, opt for a mix of glass candle holders in varying heights. These can be filled with tall, elegant candles, creating a stylish and romantic tablescape. Groupings of three or five candle holders often work well, and you can add other decorative elements such as small potted plants or flowers to complete the look.

Another idea is to use glassware and candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Fill the table with an abundance of glassware, from drinking glasses to vases and candle holders. The light from the candles will reflect beautifully off the glass, creating a luminous and romantic effect. Add some bright florals or citrus fruits to complete the look.

For a unique twist, consider hanging glass candle holders at varying heights above the head table. This will create a stunning visual display and cast a soft, romantic glow over the table. Combine with hanging florals or fairy lights for an even more magical effect.

Finally, for a simple yet elegant look, opt for classic white candles in various sizes and styles. Pair these with clear glassware to create a crisp, clean aesthetic. This can be easily complemented with other decorative elements such as greenery, fairy lights, or a simple white backdrop.

Remember, the head table is a great opportunity to showcase your wedding colours and themes, so try to incorporate candles and glassware in a way that reflects your unique style.

Frequently asked questions