Wedding Table Dressing Ideas

Tying your wedding tables into your theme and reception venue is the primary way to decorate for the event. Guests spend much of the reception at their tables. Whether you are planning an elegant ball-inspired event or a casual garden wedding, table dressings and decor should complement your goals. There are many products for wedding tables available for you to choose from.

Table Coverings

Choose tablecloths that reflect the colors of your wedding or choose colors that form a neutral backdrop to the rest of your table decor. Standard covering is done with a single cloth, but adding a second over cloth adds visual interest and a luxurious look to your tables. Cover the tables with floor-length clothes in the boldest or brightest of your color theme. Place a shorter cloth on top in a lighter color or a neutral white or cream. Lace is an elegant over cloth option indoors or outside.

For glass-top or other type table you wish not to cover completely, choose decorative place mats or table runners. Stamp theme appropriate or floral designs with acrylic or fabric paints onto single color runners and mats. Choose runners with end detailing such as tassels, lace and fringe. Natural materials including grasses and bamboo provide a neutral table backdrop at your reception.

Place Settings

Each place setting should reflect the theme of the wedding and make the guests feel special. Neutral dishware in white or transparent glass complements any table decor. Choose cloth napkins that contrast with your table over cloth or match the under layer of your regular tablecloth.

Place cards should reflect the theme or the venue of your wedding. Plain white and cream cards are often difficult to read when the guests are searching for their chairs. Glue a small charm, artificial flower or shell to standard cards so they draw the eye and add to your overall design. Place card holders in the shape of bells, doves or or another shape to elevate the cards.

Favors at each place setting can be an additional design element in themselves. Avoid very large or garish favors. You want them to complement, not compete, with the other items on the table. Choose tasteful bags or pouches for each guest's favor. Other options include small favor boxes and dishes. Combine favors with the place card if your tables seem crowded. Attach a tag or stencil each guest's name onto the box or bag.

Centerpieces

There is only one rule for centerpieces: They must not interfere with conversation or views of the happy couple. Choose centerpieces that are either above or below eye level. The simplest and often most elegant centerpieces consist of wedding flowers in a simple vase.

A popular option is candles. Place candles in elegant thin holders that elevate them above eye level. Group three of these holders at various heights on a reflective dish. Scatter flower petals or glass pebbles on the dish around each holder.

There are few flowers available for fall and winter weddings. Place simple vases or urns on tabletops. Arrange a few dried flowers or bare branches in each. You can glue flower cut-outs from elegant scrapbook papers to the branches. Fruit is another late autumn and winter option. Fill elegant bowls with a a variety of fall fruits such as apples and pears. Or cut apples in half and scoop out the core and seeds. Fill a decorative bowl with water and two tbsp. of lemon juice. Place a tea light in the hollow of each apple and float them on the water.