Creating A Tulle Swag Head Table For Your Wedding

The wedding party table, or head table, is usually located front and centre at the reception. This is where the happy couple and their closest friends and family sit during the meal. Decorating the head table is a great way to make it stand out and can be done inexpensively with tulle, a type of fabric that is easy to drape and requires no craft expertise. Tulle swags can be attached to the head table with safety pins, long pearl-headed pins, or even brooches for a bit of sparkle. To create a swag, simply gather the fabric in the middle and secure it to the table, allowing the ends to drape gracefully. The amount of tulle you need will depend on the size of your table and the desired fullness of the swag. For a traditional arched wedding arbor, 8 to 10 yards of tulle should be sufficient.

Tulle swag: how much tulle you need

The amount of tulle you need for your wedding head table will depend on a few factors, including the size of your table, the desired fullness of the tulle, and the length of fabric you plan to use. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine how much tulle you need:

• Measure the length and width of your head table. You can do this by measuring the length from end to end and the width from the front to the back of the table.
• Multiply the length and width to get the square footage of the table. For example, if your table is 8 feet long and 3 feet wide, the square footage would be 24 square feet (8 x 3 = 24).
• Decide on the desired fullness of the tulle. For swagging, a fullness of 1.5 times the width of the table is usually recommended, while 2 times the width is the minimum for draping. Using our example of a table with 24 square feet, and assuming you want 1.5 times fullness, you will need 36 square feet of fabric (24 x 1.5 = 36).
• Convert the square footage to linear yardage. Fabric is typically sold by the yard, so you need to convert your square footage to linear yards. To do this, divide the total square footage by the width of the fabric. Most tulle fabric has a standard width of 36 inches to 54 inches. Let's use 36 inches (3 feet) as our example width. Dividing our square footage of 36 by 3 feet gives us 12 linear yards (36 / 3 = 12).
• Calculate the total amount of tulle needed. Now that you have your linear yardage, you can calculate the total amount of tulle required. If you want a fuller look, you may want to purchase slightly more fabric than you think you need to account for any errors or uneven cutting. So, for our example, you may want to round up to 15 yards of tulle.
• Purchase extra fabric for experimentation. It is always a good idea to buy a little extra fabric to allow for experimentation and mistakes. That way, you can ensure you have enough tulle to create the desired look for your wedding head table.

By following these steps and considering the size of your table and the desired fullness of the tulle, you can accurately determine how much fabric you need for your wedding head table tulle swag.

How to attach tulle to the table

To attach tulle to a table, you can use safety pins, long pearl-headed straight pins, or brooches. If you want to add some sparkle to the tulle, consider using brooches. You can also use wreath hangers or craft wire to attach the tulle, especially if you are creating swags.

If you are working with a skirted table, the clips that attach the skirt usually have velcro on them, so you can use that to attach the tulle. If you want to add Christmas lights to the tulle, wrap the lights in tulle and then pin the fabric to the tablecloth. You can also secure one end of the lights to the table leg with masking tape and then use safety pins to secure the length of the string of lights.

To create a swag effect, start by folding the fabric in half to find the middle point. Place this point at the centre of your table and unfold the fabric to cover the table's length. Pick a starting end and bunch the fabric, attaching it to the table with a zip tie or c-clamp. Then, pull the fabric across to the next c-clamp and create another bunch, continuing this process until you've attached the fabric to each clamp. If you have extra fabric, tuck it under the tablecloth and pull some of it back out to create a full look.

Using decorations to conceal fixings

Wedding head tables are often decorated with tulle to create a romantic atmosphere. Tulle is an inexpensive and readily available fabric that is easy to drape and requires no craft expertise. When decorating with tulle, it is important to consider how to conceal the fixings for a seamless and elegant look. Here are some instructive tips to achieve this:

Use Safety Pins: Safety pins are a versatile option to secure tulle to a head table without causing any damage. You can pin the tulle from the back, making it less noticeable. Safety pins can also be used to secure lights that are incorporated into the tulle decorations.

Opt for Straight Pins: Long pearl-headed straight pins can be used to attach the tulle from the front. This method adds a decorative touch while also securing the fabric in place.

Brooches for Bling: If you want to add some sparkle to your tulle decorations, consider using brooches. They can be pinned to the tulle, providing a decorative way to conceal the fixings.

Velcro and Clips: Some tables may already have velcro attached to the main tablecloth or clips with velcro that correspond to the skirt of the table. This provides a discreet way to attach decorations without the need for pins.

Tuck and Drape: When working with tulle, you can take advantage of its draping qualities. After securing the tulle with zip ties or other methods, you can tuck the extra fabric underneath itself to create a full and seamless look.

Hide with Flowers: If you are using wreath hangers or other visible fixings, consider concealing them with wedding flowers, ribbon, or garlands. This adds a romantic touch while also hiding any unsightly attachments.

By utilising these methods, you can ensure that the focus remains on the elegant drape and flow of the tulle, rather than the fixings themselves. A well-decorated head table will enhance the overall ambiance of the wedding reception and provide a beautiful backdrop for the happy couple and their attendants.

Adding lights to your tulle swag

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin, it's important to assess the height of the wall behind the head table, any existing wall fixtures, and the availability of power outlets. These factors will determine how much tulle you need, the placement of your lights, and whether you require any additional hardware.

Lights and Tulle:

You can use clear twinkle lights or fairy lights inside the tulle swags for a whimsical effect. The Décor Medley website recommends using Christmas lights in white or clear colors. Lights of the same color as the tulle can also be used for a cohesive look. Ensure you have enough lights to cover the desired area, and consider using extension cords if you need to reach outlets.

Attaching Tulle to the Wall:

Install two hooks on the wall, one at each end of the section you wish to decorate. Cut a cord slightly longer than the wall space and attach it to one hook. Pull it taut and tie it to the second hook. This cord will serve as a base for your tulle and lights.

Creating the Swag Effect:

Drape the tulle and lights loosely around the cord. You can create as many swags as you like, regardless of the wall size. Play around with the spacing and arrangement of the swags to achieve your desired look. You can also drape strings of lights over the cord to accent the tulle at various intervals.

Final Touches:

If there are sconces or similar lighting fixtures on the wall, you can wrap the tulle and lights around them to create a cohesive look. Start at one end of the wall, drape the tulle and lights, and secure them around the first fixture. Continue swagging between fixtures as desired, using extension cords if necessary to connect the lights to a power outlet.

Your lighted tulle swag is now ready to dazzle your wedding guests and create a romantic atmosphere for your special day!

Other ways to decorate with tulle

Tulle is a versatile and inexpensive fabric that can be used in a variety of ways to create romantic and elegant wedding decorations. Here are some ideas for how to use tulle to decorate your wedding beyond the head table:

Wedding Arbor or Arch

Create a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony by draping tulle over a wedding arbor or arch. You will need approximately 8 to 10 yards of tulle for a traditional arched arbor. Use craft wire to attach the tulle to each end of the arbor, or simply loop the tulle through the sides with a knot. You can also create small bows out of tulle to conceal any wire.

Wedding Aisle

Add a touch of romance to your wedding aisle by hanging tulle swags from the sides of the pews. Measure the length of the aisle and multiply it by four to get the total amount of tulle needed. Cut the tulle to the desired width (between 12 and 24 inches is recommended) and length, then drape it over wreath hangers attached to the pews. Be sure to hide the hangers with flowers, ribbon, or garlands.

Chair Decor

Tulle can also be used to decorate the backs of chairs at your ceremony or reception. Cut the tulle to the desired length and width, then drape it over the chairs, tying it in a bow or securing it with a decorative clip. This will add a whimsical touch to your event.

Ceiling Decorations

Create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere by hanging tulle from the ceiling. Cut the tulle into long strips and attach them to the ceiling using removable adhesive or fishing line. Let the strips drape down gracefully, creating a soft and ethereal effect. You can also use tulle to create a canopy or tent-like structure by draping it over a frame.

Table Skirting

For a whimsical and romantic table setting, use tulle as a table skirt. Cut the tulle to the desired length and width, then attach it to the edge of the table with tape or safety pins. Let the tulle drape gracefully, creating a soft and elegant look. You can also layer it with other fabrics, such as sheer voile or satin, for a more luxurious feel.

Frequently asked questions