Elements of a Reception Table
One of the toughest decisions to make when planning for decor is the table setting for the reception. There are so many different elements to consider it is hard to know where even to begin. Let’s break down different elements that can go into a tablescape and hopefully it helps you to pick and choose which items you’d like to incorporate for your big day.
note: all photos are from actual weddings at Lizton Lodge.
Tablecloths
Tablecloths act as the base layer of your table design. You can either pick a neutral tablecloth and add color with your decor or go with a bold color for the linen and keep your decor more neutral. Our White Hall reception room is a blank slate so either option looks great in the space.
Floral Arrangements
You can’t really go wrong with the classic fresh floral arrangement as the centerpiece. Fresh flowers can bring a variety of color, texture, and height to your table. You could go with one statement piece or use a grouping of vases for a more cost effective alternative.
Centerpieces
Non-floral centerpiece options can include groupings of bottles, lanterns, candles or wood boxes. If you are concerned about your budget but would still like to include florals, you could do a few tables with florals and use non-floral centerpieces as well to mix it up and save on cost of flowers. Non-floral centerpieces are great as you can either sell them when you’re finished or use some of the pieces in your own home. Wood slabs or books are great ways to add some height and leafy greenery can be added for texture and help the centerpiece appear larger and more grand.
Table Numbers/Menu
Table numbers are a must if you are doing a seating chart. They also can be helpful when dismissing tables for dinner. They can be something as simple as a printed card or could be something more decorative and a bigger part of your table design. Menu cards are a great way to give guests a preview of the dinner to come. Also if you have guests with food allergies, a printed menu that includes a description is helpful so they can plan accordingly when selecting their food.
Place Settings
Dinnerware, glasses, chargers, napkins and utensils can be combined to create a place setting for each guest. Combining all of these elements will create a more formal/sophisticated look. Keep things simple by just placing a folded napkin at each place setting or add personalization by adding a name card for each guest or a thank you note. Another item you can include in a place setting is your wedding favors.
Accent Pieces
Accent pieces can be a great way to add a personal touch or incorporate parts of your love story. Some unique ideas we have seen past couples do: add framed photos from childhood, dating or their engagement shoot, use vintage cameras because the groom had an interest in video, an elementary school teacher had students write what they thought love meant on a card and framed them and placed them at each table, a Disney loving couple had themed tables for their favorite Disney movies.
Battery operated pillar candles, candlesticks and tea lights will add a romantic glow and also helps with varying height. Table runners are a great way to introduce a new color or texture to the table.
Putting the elements together
Whew - that was quite the list! The goal of this post is not to overwhelm, but empower you with ideas that you can make your own. Do not feel pressure to incorporate every single thing - pick and choose things that align with both your style and budget. You can still have great looking reception tables even if you only use a couple of elements. Keep in mind that tables tend to be most visually pleasing when odd numbers are used, heights vary, and there is a mix of textures, color and shapes. Below are some ways these elements can work together to create a beautiful tablescape.
Odd Numbers: When grouping similar items use groups of three or five.
Varying Height: Below are some ideas on how to vary height
Highest level: Use books or wood slabs to add height and create a base for your main centerpiece.
Middle level: Use battery operated pillar candles or candlesticks, or a framed table number or menu card
Lowest level: Use tea lights or candies/snacks in a decorative bowl
Texture: Use florals, leafy garland, napkins, chargers or table runners to add texture.
Shapes: Mixes items that are rounded, cylinder and rectangular add interest. Below are a few examples:
Rounded: curved vases, lanterns, chargers, plates, knotted napkins
Cylinder: candles, hurricane glasses, vases
Rectangle: table numbers, menu cards, thank you cards, folded napkins
Color: Use your overall color scheme for your wedding day and incorporate the different colors with your linens, napkins, florals, printed materials or table runners.