Creating A Beautiful Wedding Table: Tips For A Stunning Display

how to make wedding tables look good

Making your wedding tables look good is an important part of the wedding planning process. The table settings and decorations can be used to complement the wedding theme and bring a unique, personal touch to the event. From centrepieces to table runners, every element should be carefully thought out to reflect the chosen theme, season, and colour palette. Here are some ideas to make your wedding tables stand out:

- Use colourful or patterned plates and linens to add a touch of personality and elegance to the tablescape.

- Incorporate unique centrepieces such as floral arrangements, candles, or even unusual items like vintage crates or disco balls.

- Play with layers and textures by combining different sized plates, chargers, and linens to create a multi-dimensional look.

- Add personal touches such as guest menu cards, table names, or favours that double as place settings.

- Use candles or fairy lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially for evening receptions.

- Consider the shape and size of the tables to complement the venue and create the desired atmosphere, whether intimate or grand.

- Don't be afraid to mix colours, patterns, and textures to create a vibrant and fun feel.

- Include natural elements such as greenery, flowers, or fruits to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

Characteristics Values
Table shape Round, square, banquet-style
Tablecloth White or ivory
Centrepiece Flowers, candles, fruit, herbs, potted plants, disco balls, fairy lights, etc.
Table name/number Imaginative names, wooden, laser-cut, structural floral displays
Place setting Place cards, wedding favours, napkins, rosemary sprigs, etc.
Crockery Unique, colourful, patterned, floral, textured, gold-rimmed, etc.
Cutlery Gold, copper, rose gold, black-and-gold, etc.
Glassware Coloured, blue, amber, etc.
Table runner Textured, coloured, fabric, garden-style garland, etc.
Seating Chairs, picnic-style with patio pillows, hay bales, upcycled logs or driftwood
Season Spring, summer, autumn, winter

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Centrepiece ideas: candles, flowers, fruit, potted plants, or structural floral displays

Candles are a great way to elevate the ambiance of your wedding. Whether you opt for colourful tapered candles, large votive candles, or tall candelabras, the warm glow of candlelight will create a romantic and timeless atmosphere. To achieve a multi-level look, play with different heights of candles and combine them with vases and votives. If your venue doesn't allow naked flames, you can always opt for LED candles instead. For a rustic touch, consider placing candles in wooden crates or hanging tea candles from trees.

Flowers are a classic choice for centrepieces and can add elegance and romance to your wedding tables. You can go for a single grand floral arrangement or smaller, subtle floral touches. Tall floral centrepieces are ideal if you want to make a statement without taking up too much space on the table. For a sustainable option, consider potted plant centrepieces. Mix and match different types of plants and pots to create a unique and interesting display. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme can add a delightful scent to your tablescape.

Fruit centrepieces are a unique and creative way to add a touch of freshness and colour to your wedding tables. Whether you choose to pair fruit with flowers or let the fruit stand on its own, it's sure to make a statement. Try combining fruits with complementary colours, such as pomegranates and berries with red and fuchsia roses, or vivid limes with sunflowers. For a rustic touch, arrange a garland of apples down the centre of the table or display fruits in rustic pottery or wooden crates.

Structural floral displays are a captivating choice for centrepieces, adding a whimsical and natural touch to your wedding tables. These displays are often created using a Kenzan, a heavy metal plate with needles that hold flower stems upright, allowing for unique and architectural arrangements.

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Tableware: mix and match colours, patterns, and textures to suit your theme

When it comes to tableware, there are no strict rules for mixing and matching colours, patterns, and textures. However, there are some guidelines to help you create a stylish and elegant wedding table.

Firstly, consider using colour to tie your tableware together. Choose a colour scheme that complements your linens and other wedding décor. You can either stick to a single colour in different shades and textures or mix and match complementary colours. For example, you can pair plates with contrasting hues or opt for plates with graduated tones of the same colour. If you're using a white base layer, add colourful patterns on top for a unique and striking look.

Secondly, patterns can be mixed and matched to create a truly unique setting. Look for plates with patterns that share at least one common colour. For instance, pair a floral plate with a striped plate that includes some of the same colours as the flowers. If you want to keep it simple, opt for plates with delicate patterns that are easier to mix and match.

Thirdly, don't be afraid to experiment with different textures. Plates come in various textures, from silky porcelain to rough stoneware. Limit your tableware pairing to no more than two distinct textures to create a cohesive look. For instance, pair a smooth plate with a textured dish, or mix glossy and matte finishes.

Additionally, consider the shape of your tableware. Adding interest with a mix of plate and bowl shapes can create eye-catching table settings. Rimmed shapes showcase the pattern of the collection and work well with both bold contemporary and simplistic traditional patterns. For a modern look, try the Coupe Shape, which has an elegant curve and a small internal rim, perfect for an all-over patterned design.

Finally, don't forget to align your tableware with your wedding theme. Whether you're going for a classic, modern, beach, rustic, or any other theme, let it guide your colour choices, patterns, and textures. For instance, a classic wedding typically features white florals, lush greenery, neutral colour palettes, and gold accents. In contrast, a modern wedding often includes monochromatic colour schemes, clean lines, a mixture of textures, and a 'less is more' aesthetic.

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Table runners: use fabric or foliage for a stylish base

Table runners are a great way to add a stylish base to your wedding tables. Whether you opt for fabric or foliage, a table runner can bring colour and texture to your table décor.

If you're going for a rustic theme, consider using a table runner made from natural materials such as burlap or hemp. For a beach or tropical-themed wedding, lightweight cotton or linen table runners are a perfect choice. You can even top them with macramé or wicker placemats for added texture.

If you want to make a bolder statement, try using a brightly coloured table runner, such as vibrant burnt orange or coral. Alternatively, you can create a romantic look with a blush-toned table runner, or go for a modern vibe with deep blue hues.

To add a whimsical touch to your wedding tables, consider using foliage instead of fabric for your table runners. A garden-style table garland made of free-form flowers and foliage will surely impress your guests. For a sustainable option, potted plants or herbs like lavender, mint, basil, or rosemary can serve as table runners and add a gorgeous scent to your décor.

Whatever style you choose, table runners are a simple yet effective way to enhance the look of your wedding tables and create a cohesive theme throughout your reception.

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Place settings: add personal touches like favours, name cards, and unique designs

Place settings are a great opportunity to add personal touches to your wedding tables. From favours and name cards to unique designs, there are endless ways to customise this aspect of your wedding tables.

One way to add a personal touch is to include favours at each place setting. These could be anything from small gifts like shot glasses, bracelets, or tiles with each guest's name painted on them, to edible treats like cookies or natural stones with a card explaining their significance. You could even provide each guest with a small potted plant or a bud vase with a sprig of foliage, dried stems, or wax flowers.

Name cards are another essential component of place settings and offer a chance to get creative. For a unique touch, consider using unusual shapes, such as bike cutouts or artichokes with calligraphed name cards tucked inside. You could also personalise name cards with poems chosen specifically for each guest or add a custom wax seal for a special finishing touch.

When it comes to designing your place settings, you can incorporate unique details that reflect your wedding theme and style. For a rustic or bohemian wedding, consider using woven or wooden chargers, while gold or mirrored chargers can add a touch of glamour to your tables. Play with different textures and layers by mixing and matching plates, napkins, and other tableware in complementary colours and patterns. Don't be afraid to experiment with unusual materials, such as paper bags, kitchen towels, or even wooden slabs as place cards or chargers.

Overall, the key to creating memorable place settings is to infuse them with your personality and wedding theme. Whether you opt for simplicity or go all out with glamorous details, your place settings are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests.

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Decorations: consider candles, flowers, bows, and disco balls

Candles are a timeless and romantic way to elevate the ambiance of your wedding tables. Whether you opt for colourful tapered candles, multi-level candles, or large votive candles, they will cast a warm and inviting glow on your wedding tables. You can place candles in textured glasses, use candelabras as centrepieces, or hang tea candles from trees for a whimsical touch.

Flowers are a classic choice for wedding table decorations and can be used in a variety of ways. You can create elevated floral arrangements in tall vases or square frames to add impact without blocking your guests' views. For a more sustainable option, consider potted plant centrepieces or herbal arrangements. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own floral arrangements using a Kenzan, a heavy metal plate with needles that holds flower stems upright.

Bows can add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding tables. You can use them to decorate the backs of chairs, with a simple or voluminous design, or as a dramatic table decoration. Choose large, blousy ribbons for a romantic look or slimline designs for a more sophisticated feel. Bows can also be used to decorate champagne glasses, making them stand out from the rest.

Disco balls are a fun and trendy way to add some glamour to your wedding tables. You can use them as centrepieces, place card holders, or hang them at varying heights to create a dazzling display. Disco balls come in a variety of colours, so you can find ones that match your wedding colour scheme. Combine them with flowers, dried florals, or colourful pom-poms for a unique and playful look.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to make your wedding tables look elegant without breaking the bank. You can prioritise a few key stand-out pieces such as large vases or brightly coloured table runners. You could also use lifelike faux florals and greenery, which tend to be more cost-efficient than real flowers. Additionally, if you're handy, you can save money by DIY-ing as much as possible.

There are many ways to add a unique touch to your wedding tables. You can incorporate unexpected centrepieces, detailed menus, and creative dishware. For instance, use textured table runners, mix and match patterns and textures, or add personal touches such as guest menu cards and table names that hold a special meaning for you and your partner.

Your wedding table colour scheme should complement your wedding theme and season. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you can use tropical foliage, shells, and light colours. If it's a fall wedding, incorporate rich oranges, reds, and browns. You can also add pops of colour with colourful taper candles and glassware.

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