Wedding Table Setting Ideas

Color schemes, room arrangements, menu options, sound and lighting—there’s always a lot to attend to when you’re planning a wedding party. Not surprisingly, wedding planners often overlook minor details, such as table settings. But that’s not something you want to forget if you want to make a good impression. Table settings are one of the most basic yet understated elements of wedding décor, often playing a big role in the overall look and feel of the event. Just as a well-set table can set the perfect mood, one that’s hastily designed can ruin an otherwise perfect gathering.

Needless to say, different weddings call for different types of table décor. It doesn’t always have to be stiff and formal. While a formal tone is still traditional, the trend has been towards a more casual feel for the past few years. Besides your motif, the mood you’re going for should also influence your choice of table setting. A quick browse through a wedding gallery should give you a good range of ideas. If you’re not sure how to start, read on for a few simple tips.

Know the rules.

While wedding table settings have become more lenient over the years, it won’t hurt to know the rules before you break them. Formal settings are only complicated at first glance; once you know the basics, you’ll realize it’s all a matter of common sense. After all, table settings are meant to help people eat more comfortably, not just make the place look nice. Everything is placed so that one can reach for each item instinctively instead of having to stretch or stand.

For a basic meal, each place should include a dinner plate, glasses and/or goblets (depending on your drinks), and flatware such as spoons, forks and knives. More formal settings would include salad forks, soup spoons and butter knives. Place all the utensils on either side of the plate from the outside going in, in the order that they will be used. That way, even if guests aren’t familiar with the setting, they’ll know instinctively which ones to reach for.

Contribute to the theme.

Your table should be consistent with your theme, but it has to do more than fit in. It has to add something to the theme so that it stands out more—after all, everyone’s eyes will be on the table. Build on your wedding color scheme idea and throw in an extra element—an additional color, a different shade, or an interesting pattern that really brings out your motif. Experiment with various shades of the dominant colors while keeping your centerpiece in the right hue.

Sometimes you can also add another color to the setting, even if it’s not part of the motif. For example, a blue and gold motif would look great with a touch of silver, as long as it doesn’t get in the way. Use it to line your tablecloth or throw in some silver napkin holders. Just remember not to use more than three colors, as it makes the arrangement look tacky. Keep the third color to a minimum so that the main colors still take center stage.

Set the right mood.

Romance is the underlying theme of every wedding reception. No matter what theme you choose, there should always be a touch of intimacy on the table to remind people of the occasion. Often, this is achieved with lighting and music—dim lights for a romantic mood and soft, subtle music that’s relaxing and conducive to conversation. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a candle table centerpiece. Just put a decorative tea candle on every table and you’ve got the perfect finishing touch.

You can also choose candles that match your color scheme, as long as they look good on the table. If you’ve already got a colored tablecloth and linens, a more neutral centerpiece may be more appropriate. For a stronger visual effect, try going for contrast—if the dominant color is blue, use a yellow or orange candle setup to make it pop out more.

Get creative.

Finally, don’t forget the most important rule: be creative! There’s no shortage of ideas when it comes to wedding tables; you just have to know where to look. Choose unusual colors, create interesting patterns, and bend the rules once in a while. Pick fresh flowers from your garden to create a cheap wedding table centerpiece. For your table, use a patterned shawl to give it a splash of color. Don’t let your budget limit you—use it as a way to get resourceful and find creative design solutions. It’s these little things that add personality to your table and make it entirely your own. With the right creative touches, your wedding table can help you ensure that your guests will leave fully impressed.

Decorating for a wedding always seems fun at the start, but as brides often find, it’s a lot less fun once you start the real work. From picking the motif to choosing and designing the souvenirs, there are lots of decisions to be made—and all of them are crucial to the overall look and feel of the event. Needless to say, designing a wedding requires planning and coordination, not to mention a good deal of time.

Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on the hours without sacrificing style or quality. Start by laying down the basics and arranging your tasks according to relevance. That way, you can get the more important factors (such as the dresses and cake cutting fees) over with and focus on the decorative aspects towards the end. It takes a lot of pressure off the project knowing that the foundations are taken care of at the outset.

Having a fixed color scheme from the start allows you to make more structured choices. Since the colors define most aspects of the event, you don’t have to spend hours poring over color swatches. Make the decision early on, and keep it in mind whenever you’re faced with a design choice. You don’t have to let it limit you, but it does help you narrow down your options.

The table is also an important part of your wedding décor, although a lot of designers seem to overlook it. All eyes will be on the bride, of course, but remember that guests will be spending most of their time at the table. Make sure it’s well-set and appropriate for the tone of the event. Different table settings are needed for casual and formal events, so make sure it all fits in.

Finally, think of a finishing touch you can add to tie the whole décor theme together. In most cases it’s usually the wedding cake, as it’s placed in the middle of the table and is often used as the centerpiece. There are other things that can serve as the focal point, such as a flower arrangement, a feature wall, or the table itself. Don’t be afraid to experiment; the more unique your design is, the more memorable your wedding will be.