Table Runner Ideas For Your Dream Wedding

what to use for table runners for wedding

Table runners are a great way to add a decorative touch to your wedding tables. They can be used to highlight your wedding theme, add a pop of colour, or provide a backdrop for flowers and candles. While they are not essential, they can be a quick and easy way to dress up long tables and sweetheart tables. From lace and macrame to natural materials like leaves and flowers, table runners can be made from a variety of materials to suit any wedding style. Whether you're looking for a romantic, rustic, glamorous, or playful vibe, table runners can be a fun and functional addition to your wedding decor.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To accentuate wedding reception tables, highlight a theme, make tables more elegant, and add an extra decorative element
Use Optional, but can be used to dress up long tables and sweetheart tables, providing a backdrop for flowers and candles
Materials Fabric, lace, ribbons, leaves, flowers, natural materials, sequins, wallpaper, paper doilies, foliage, wood, turf, candles
Style Bold, playful, bright, colourful, natural, rustic, glamorous, vintage, romantic, boho, chic, modern, classic
Cost Can be expensive, but can also be inexpensive if made from natural materials or paper

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Table runners are optional

Table runners are entirely optional for your wedding. They can add depth to your tables and complement your wedding theme, but they are not essential. If you already have centrepieces, a table runner may be unnecessary.

You can also achieve a similar effect by using ribbons or napkins to add a pop of colour. If you're using white linens, a table runner can break up the all-white look, but this is not mandatory. If you're going for a rustic theme, a table runner made of natural materials like leaves and flowers can be a good option, but it's not the only way to achieve this style.

If you're unsure, try visiting a linen company or event showroom to see different options and decide if you want to include table runners. You can also do a mock setup at your venue to determine if you need them. Ultimately, it's a personal preference, and tables can look beautiful with or without them.

If you decide to use table runners, there are various materials and styles to choose from. You can opt for classic options like lace or fabric, or get creative with macrame, wallpaper, or even pages from books. They can be an inexpensive way to enhance your wedding decor, but keep in mind that more complex and hefty runners can increase the cost.

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Using ribbons for a pop of colour

Table runners are not mandatory at weddings, but they can add a nice decorative touch to your tables. If you're looking for a pop of colour, ribbons are a great option to consider. Here are some ideas for using ribbons as table runners for your wedding:

Choosing the Right Ribbons

Select ribbons in colours that complement your wedding theme and other decorations. You can opt for solid colours or go for patterned ribbons with stripes, polka dots, or other designs. Consider the width of the ribbons as well; thinner ribbons will create a delicate look, while wider ribbons will make a bolder statement.

Criss-Cross or Layered Design

For a unique and eye-catching effect, try criss-crossing the ribbons on top of a plain tablecloth. You can experiment with different colours and patterns to create a vibrant and festive look. Alternatively, you can layer multiple ribbons of varying widths and shades to add depth and texture to the tables.

Combining with Centrepieces

If you plan to have centrepieces, ribbons can be a subtle way to enhance their beauty. Try using ribbons in complementary colours to your centrepieces, or opt for a contrasting shade to make the display stand out. For a whimsical touch, you can even weave the ribbons through the centrepieces or tie them into bows.

Table Setting Accents

Ribbons can also be used to accent the table settings. Consider placing a small piece of ribbon under each place setting or wrapping it around the napkins to add a pop of colour. For a more elegant look, you can use ribbons as napkin rings or tie them into bows on the backs of chairs.

Combining with Other Table Runners

If you want to incorporate other table runners, such as those made from natural fibres or hessian, you can use ribbons to add a touch of colour. Try weaving or tying ribbons through the runners, or simply placing them alongside to create a colourful border.

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Natural table runners

Table runners are an optional addition to your wedding decor. They can add depth to the table and centrepiece, especially if you have long white tablecloths. Natural table runners are a great way to bring a rustic, yet elegant, charm to your wedding tables.

Natural Cotton

Cotton table runners are a great option for a natural, neutral look. Pair with long wooden tables, green foliage, white seasonal flowers, and bronze candlesticks for a stunning, elegant, and natural look.

Cheesecloth

If you want a natural fibre that doesn't look too "country", cheesecloth is a good option. It can be expensive, so you could opt to buy a high-density cloth and dye it yourself.

Cork

For a wedding in a winery, cork is a natural choice. You can use rolls of thin cork, tiles, or ready-made runners.

Natural Foliage

If you want to avoid fabric altogether, you could use natural foliage as a table runner. Greenery and trees around the room will complement this look.

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Matching table runners to your wedding theme

Table runners are a great way to accentuate your wedding reception tables. They can be used to highlight your theme, add elegance, and provide an extra decorative element to your wedding. Here are some tips to match table runners to your wedding theme:

Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric of your table runner can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For instance, soft and flowy fabrics like tulle or chiffon can add a romantic touch to your wedding decor. On the other hand, if you're going for a rustic or natural theme, consider using natural fibres such as cheesecloth or macrame. You can even opt for a unique fabric like wallpaper, which can be inexpensive yet stylish and colourful.

Colour Coordination

Colour-coordinating your table runners with the rest of your wedding decor is essential to achieving a cohesive look. For a modern wedding, consider pairing black and white with pink and gold. If you're aiming for a more muted palette, understated gold with pale pink floral arrangements can create an elegant and classic atmosphere. Bright table runners are perfect for boho-themed weddings, especially when paired with wooden elements and green succulents.

Natural Elements

If you're having a rustic wedding filled with organic decorations and natural materials, consider a table runner made entirely of natural elements. Instead of a traditional fabric runner, opt for a runner made of leaves, flowers, and other items found in nature. This can also serve as a unique centerpiece for your tables.

Creative Alternatives

Think outside the box when it comes to table runners. You can use ribbons, lace, or even paper doilies to add texture and visual interest to your tables. For a literary-themed wedding, use pages from old books as table runners. Greenery is another popular and inexpensive option, as you can raid your garden for foliage to create a stunning and impactful look.

Centrepiece Considerations

When choosing a table runner, consider the type of centrepiece you will be using. If you have a platform or elevated centrepiece, you may not need a table runner. In some cases, a simple white table runner can be the best option, allowing your other decor elements to shine. Remember, the table runner should complement your centrepiece and overall table setting, not overwhelm it.

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Using lace table runners

Table runners are an optional addition to your wedding decor. They can add depth to the table and centrepieces, especially if you have long rectangular tables. If you're using white linens, a table runner can also help to break up the all-white look.

Lace table runners are a popular choice for weddings. They can be used to create a romantic, vintage look, and are available in a variety of colours, including ivory, white, and beige. You can also make your own by ordering lace trim and creating DIY table runners.

If you're looking for a cost-effective option, Walmart offers a range of lace table runners starting at $8.98. Efavormart also offers ivory floral lace premium table runners for $4.23. If you're happy to spend a little more, ZOENHOU offers a 15-pack of burlap table runners with white lace for $67.99.

When using lace table runners, you can trim them with white or ivory linen to ensure they don't unravel and match your tablecloth. You can also use lace overlays on round tables so that everything matches.

Frequently asked questions

No, table runners are totally optional. They can add to your decor and accentuate your wedding reception tables, but they are not essential.

Here are some unique table runner ideas:

- Macrame

- Ribbons

- Pages from books

- Real turf

- Flowers and candles

- Lace

- Sequin

- Greenery

DIY table runner ideas include:

- Dying a 100-yard roll of high-density cloth

- Using wallpaper

- Knitting your own runner

- Using paper doilies

Popular table runner materials include lace, linen, sequins, and chiffon.

When choosing a table runner, consider the shape and type of table, as well as your wedding theme and colour scheme. Measure your tables to ensure the runner is long enough, and be mindful of the complexity and cost of the runner.

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