Wedding Table Styling Tips
Updated: Oct 6
Photography by sophiemort.com
A thoughtfully styled table helps set the atmosphere for your wedding meal. Begin with how you want the space to feel, then consider the venue, menu and guest comfort.
There are so many options available with tableware that you can get really creative if you wish. Whether you want modern, classic, rustic or elegant, simple or dramatic, there's so much to choose from and using your chosen style consistently will enhance the whole wedding day for you and your guests.
Start with the practical essentials: suitable plates, cutlery, napkins and glasses. Build the decoration around those items, leaving enough space for dining and service.
Table shape
Ask the venue or caterer which tables are available and how they fit the room. Long, round or mixed layouts should allow comfortable seating, clear service routes and space for guests to move.
Colour Choices
Choose a small, consistent palette inspired by the venue, season and the colours you love. You do not need every detail to match; a restrained mix often feels more natural.
Table Linen
Neutral tablecloths can provide a calm base for flowers, glassware and stationery.
However, if you have your heart set on coloured table linen then keeping it simple by matching it to the napkins gives a gorgeous, elegant look too.
Table runners
A runner can add texture, but check the table width and space needed for plates, flowers and shared dishes before including one.
Photograph by chrissygphotography.com
On a wooden table, a soft fabric runner can introduce texture while leaving the timber visible.
Cutlery
Choose cutlery that complements the other details and works comfortably with the menu. Upgrades are optional; prioritise the elements that make the biggest difference to your setting.
Photograph by rebeccacarpenterphotography.com
Chairs
Again your venue may have chairs for you to use. Your caterers usually offer a few different options to choose from too. These may work really well with your chosen style, but if not and you have budgeted for these upgrades then choose a chair that works better with your style. There are so many examples to choose from so think about your venue and style of wedding you are wanting and go for the best fit.
Photograph by chrissygphotography.com
Crockery and cutlery
The plates are often the first thing guests will notice, considering that they take up the most space, and are what place cards and menu cards typically sit on. So, although plain white options are readily available, you may want your dishes to pop a little more. If you're wanting to add colour your plates are a great place to start.
There are so many crockery choices available now, different colours, shapes, patterns, textures, matt, shiny, ornate or simple. There are a variety of sizes available from charger plates through to tiny butter or salt/pepper dishes. You can use these different plates to add texture, a charger is a great way to do this and can give you a pop of colour.
My advice is to explore and experiment, layer up different options and see what works well in conveying your style. There are many options with cutlery as well, something weightier and in gold/silver is quite a classic choice, whereas a thinner or coloured option would convey a more modern style.
Glassware
Agree the glasses needed for your menu and drinks service with the caterer, then choose the design.
Glassware can be simple, decorative or a mixture of both. Consider its proportions, comfort and how it works with the rest of the table.
You don’t have to choose all glasses from the same design, for instance, you can choose tall elegant glasses for wine and bubbles and then have a coloured tumbler for water. This gives you another way of injecting your colour scheme into the table design.
Wedding Florals
There are many things to consider when choosing your wedding flowers and your florist will be the one to help you decide on what will go with your chosen tablescape. They will need to know the amount of space available on the table. So every little detail you are adding to your tables needs to be discussed with them.
This is especially important for low arrangements or multiple smaller arrangements, so not only do you need to think about glassware and crockery etc, but don’t forget about the smaller details such as your table number or name and whether or not you are placing bread and butter and bottles of wine or whether this will be served.
Keep floral arrangements clear of sightlines so guests can see and speak to one another.
Hanging flowers or lighting can be beautiful where the venue approves a suitable installation and the supplier can provide it.
Napkins
As with your main linen there are many choices for your napkins. Different colours, textures and designs. You could consider using your napkin as a pop of colour or as another neutral colour to complement your wider colour palette.
Choose the napkin colour, fabric and fold with the place setting in mind. Simple folds are often practical and elegant.
Wedding Stationery
When it comes to stationery you will likely have a suite of wedding stationery that includes your save the dates, invitations and orders of service, so you may choose the same or a similar style for your place settings, table names and menus.
You can also choose a different paper or texture for the table stationery, provided it complements the overall design.
So think about the texture and the style as well as the placement of it, such as whether it’s on the table, in a napkin, on a napkin or on a stand.
Lighting
Not only do you need to ensure that guests can see their food to eat, and can see each other, but you should try to create a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere.
Warm lighting can make outdoor dining feel welcoming. Confirm suitable power, installation and coverage for tables, pathways and service areas.
For cooler evenings, agree a comfortable heating arrangement with the venue or supplier.
Candles
Candles are one option for adding atmosphere. Confirm whether the venue permits open flames and what holders or alternatives are required.
A considered mix of heights can add interest without crowding the table or obstructing conversation.
Burn time depends on the candle and conditions. Ask your supplier to choose suitable options and plan any replacements needed during the meal.
Photographs by chrissygphotography.com
If you would like help shaping a personal Italian wedding, explore our full planning service or get in touch. Styling is discussed within the agreed scope of your planning support.
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