Planning A Wedding: Table Decor Ideas And Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but deciding on table decor can be fun! The table decor you choose will depend on your wedding theme, season, and colour palette. You'll also want to consider the shape of the table, as this will dictate your entire tablescape design, including the centerpiece style, linen size, and how the tables will fit in your venue space. For instance, long banquet tables work well in large, formal ballrooms with high ceilings and large windows, while round tables are perfect for creating a cozy, intimate setting. When it comes to decorations, flower centerpieces, candles, and foliage are popular choices, but you can also add personal touches like trivia cards or personalized cheese plates.

Centrepieces: Opt for flowers, potted plants, or candles

Flowers are a classic choice for wedding centrepieces and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding tables. FiftyFlowers offers a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit any budget and theme, from modern to traditional designs, including submerged centrepieces and bouquetta centrepieces. You can also pair your chosen floral centrepiece with rose petals for added elegance. If you're looking for something unique, FiftyFlowers also offers an extensive range of wholesale centrepieces with a seamless blend of quality, variety and affordability.

Potted plants are a fresh and unexpected alternative to flowers, and they can add a whimsical touch to your wedding décor. Succulents and cacti, for example, can be used to create a boho desert tablescape, while small potted trees can be used to frame your reception space. Potted plants are also a more long-lasting choice, as they can be taken home and enjoyed for years to come. For a more structured look, consider using architectural metal forms to create a framework for trailing vines.

Candles are a romantic choice for wedding centrepieces and can add a warm, sparkling ambiance to your tablescape. From sleek pillars to low votives and textured tapers, there are endless options to choose from. For a playful touch, add some disco balls to your classic taper candles, or opt for floating candles in thin glass column vases. If you're planning a vintage wedding, you can create a DIY candle centerpiece by scouring flea markets and thrift stores for an eclectic selection of candle holders.

When choosing your centrepieces, consider your wedding theme, colour palette, and personal style. Whether you opt for flowers, potted plants, or candles, your centrepieces will be a focal point of your wedding décor, adding beauty and interest to your tables.

Table settings: Play with shapes, colours, and textures

When it comes to wedding table settings, you can have fun with unique shapes, colours, and textures to create a memorable and beautiful tablescape.

Shapes

If you want to make your wedding stand out, consider using plates with unique shapes, such as floral-shaped plates in complementary hues. You can also get creative with your menus, opting for an atypical shape instead of a standard square or rectangle. For instance, one couple included bike-shaped cutouts that topped their yellow-and-white plates.

Colours

When it comes to colours, you can either choose a cohesive colour scheme or go for something more eclectic. A cohesive colour scheme can be a great way to make your wedding theme stand out. For example, you can opt for Mediterranean-inspired blue, or pink and coral blooms with blue stemware for a destination wedding. You can also incorporate colours that reflect the season, such as rich oranges, reds, and browns for autumn, or bright florals for spring and summer.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can mix and match colours for a unique and playful look. Gold is a popular choice for glamorous weddings, and can be incorporated in various ways, from chargers and flatware to cups and vases. You can also add a touch of elegance with a simple, minimalist place setting, dressing it up with a single sprig of greenery for a hint of natural colour.

Textures

Textures can add a layer of depth and interest to your table settings. Consider using textured linens, such as velvet table linens or napkins, to create a luxurious feel. Woven chargers are another excellent way to bring texture and warmth to your place settings. If you're looking for something more unique, fringed chargers and crocheted napkins can add a tropical touch to your tablescape.

Don't forget to consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding when choosing your table settings. Every element, from the centrepieces to the napkins, should reflect your chosen theme, season, and colour scheme with creativity and consistency.

Personalisation: Add names to decor, menus, or cheese plates

Personalisation is a great way to elevate your wedding table décor. One way to do this is by adding names to the décor, menus, or cheese plates. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Decor

Add a personal touch to your wedding décor by incorporating the names of the couple or the guests. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as:

• Using monogrammed or personalised dance floors were a hot trend suggested by Taylor of Brides.com.
• Hanging installations with neon signs featuring the couple's names or lyrics from their first dance song.
• Custom backdrops behind the couple's table or sweetheart table with their names or initials.
• For luxury weddings, printed tent fabrics can include the couple's names or wedding date.

Menus

Adding names to menus is a less expensive way to personalise your wedding. You can simply write each guest's name at the top of their menu. This adds a touch of elegance and makes each guest feel special.

Cheese Plates

Cheese plates or charcuterie boards can be personalised by adding names or initials to the plates or boards. This can be done with edible decorations or personalised labels. You can also include cheeses or other edible items that tie into your wedding theme or colours. For example, if your colours are shades of green, you could include pistachio macarons or green grapes.

Table shape: Choose round, square, or rectangular

The shape of the table you choose for your wedding decor can impact the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the event. Here are some things to consider when deciding between round, square, or rectangular tables:

Round tables:

• Round tables can promote a sense of intimacy and connection among guests. They are excellent for encouraging conversation and creating a cosy atmosphere.
• This table shape is versatile and can accommodate various centrepiece options. Floral arrangements, candles, and other decorative elements can be placed in the centre, enhancing the visual appeal.
• Consider using tablecloths that drape gracefully over round tables, adding a touch of elegance to the overall decor.

Square tables:

• Square tables offer a unique and modern aesthetic, deviating from the traditional choices of round or rectangular tables.
• They can be arranged in various ways, including a square formation or a creative staggered layout to add interest to the room.
• Square tables often provide a larger surface area, allowing for more flexibility with centrepieces and place settings.

Rectangular tables:

• Rectangular tables are a classic choice for weddings and can create a grand and elegant atmosphere.
• They are ideal for long, lavish tablescapes, especially if you opt for a floral runner or a series of centrepieces along the length of the table.
• Rectangular tables can be arranged end-to-end to create one long table, perfect for a royal banquet-style setting.
• Consider using rectangular tables for a head table where the wedding party can be seated together, creating a focal point in the room.

When deciding on the table shape, it's important to consider the size of the venue, the number of guests, and the overall theme or style you wish to achieve. The table shape can impact the flow of the room and the interaction between guests, so choose a shape that complements your vision for the day.

Table runners: Use textured runners to elevate the setting

Table runners are a great way to elevate your wedding table décor. They can be used to add texture, colour, and pattern to your tablescape, infusing personality into the overall design. Whether you're looking for a subtle or bold look, there are many options to choose from.

For a fall wedding, consider unique table runners made from greenery. Fruits and vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, apples, artichokes, and pomegranates can be added to the table to celebrate the season. A black table runner paired with a floral runner of baby's breath and pampas grass can create a bold contrast. If you're looking for something more romantic, a lace table runner is a great option with its charming and delicate patterns.

Velvet table runners in vibrant, bold hues will make a statement, while a simple, solid-coloured runner can also make a difference to your design. You can also incorporate specific patterns by matching your tableware with a complementary textile runner. Tropical-themed runners with lush, overflowing leaves and a few blooms are perfect for a summer wedding.

Don't forget that table runners can be paired with other table décor such as centrepieces, place settings, and napkin choices to create a cohesive look that reflects your chosen wedding theme, season, and colour palette. Personalised touches, such as creative table names, can also add a unique twist to your wedding table décor.

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