Step aside centerpieces, wedding place settings are ready to shine!
While we know that place settings are practical and essential, they are also an important part of your wedding décor. First, as wedding guests, we expect a few must-haves at a wedding; champagne, dancing, and (of course) dinner. Also, your place settings are an extension of your wedding design. Adding pops of color and shine to your wedding decor. So, of course, place settings are one of the most important parts of your wedding day.
A well-decorated table can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests to settle in and enjoy a meal together. But, how do you set the “perfect reception table”? The answer will vary depending on the type of wedding you’re having. Are you having a formal, plated dinner? A buffet-style soirée? While different wedding styles require different reception tables, there are still a few basic rules you can follow for any reception table setting.
Place the Dinnerware
First, we start with linens. Then, it’s time for centerpieces. And finally, the fun stuff: table settings! This is arguably the most important part of the reception table; after all, the whole point of these tables is to give your guests a place to eat their meal!
Of course, the details of your place setting will vary from one wedding to another. If you are having a buffet-style dinner, you might skip the place settings altogether and leave only water glasses and a small plate for the dinner rolls. On the other hand, a formal dinner will go all out. Choose the setting style that’s right for your wedding—and if you do decide to set the table, make sure you include these basic dishes:
Charger:The charger is a large plate on which all the other plates rest (you don’t eat off it). This plate is solely decorative, but it’s a great way to add a pop of color or fancy flourish to your table.
Dinner Plate:This is the standard size plate on which your guests will enjoy their meal.
Salad Plate: This is a smaller plate on which the salad is served.
Bread Plate: This tiny plate is usually reserved for dinner rolls.
Flatware: How much cutlery you’ll need depends on how formal the meal will be and what you’ll be serving (do you need salad forks? fish forks? soup spoons?). At the very least, make sure you have one fork, knife, and spoon at each place setting.
Water Glass:This glass should be full and waiting for your guests when they take their seats.
Wine Glass:Wine glasses are a great place to put your guests’ napkins, and they make the table look extra refined.
Champagne Flute: What’s a wedding without a champagne toast? Make sure your wedding guests are ready for the toasts later in the evening.
Place Cards, Menu Cards & More
Now, whether you and your partner have decided on a seating chart or an open seating plan, you now will choose what (if anything) will go on your place setting. Some couples opt for a classic menu or a thank you note to their guests.
And then, it’s time to add the extras. Your place settings are a perfect way to share a simple wedding favor for your guests. Or, use some floral decor such as a baby’s breath or a sprig of your favorite herb like lavender or rosemary to compliment your table setting. The perfect addition is one that means the most to you and your partner.
Did you fall in love with any of these wedding place settings? NK Productions team would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Place the dinner plate in the center of the table setting. The fork is placed to the left of the plate. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife. Set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife.
How to set a wedding place setting? ›
Helpful Table Setting Hints
- The spoon and the knife go to the right of the plate with the knife facing into the plate. ...
- The forks go on the left. ...
- The dessert fork or spoon goes above the plate. ...
- The water glass goes right above the knife.
Left to right, here's how they're traditionally seated: maid of honour, groom's father, bride's mother, groom, bride, bride's father, groom's mother, best man.
Do you need place settings at a wedding? ›
While we know that place settings are practical and essential, they are also an important part of your wedding décor. First, as wedding guests, we expect a few must-haves at a wedding; champagne, dancing, and (of course) dinner. Also, your place settings are an extension of your wedding design.
Does the napkin go on the left or right? ›
Place the dinner plate in the center, and the napkin to the left of the plate. (Alternately, you can opt for the napkin on top of the dinner plate to mix things up.) Add the fork on top of the napkin or to the right of the napkin, and the knife and spoon to the right of the plate.
What is the traditional wedding table setting? ›
Traditional top table layout. The traditional top table layout is typically arranged in a long, straight line facing the other tables. There are eight chairs, with the bride and groom featured centrally, and the bride seated to the right of the groom, accompanied by the best man, maid of honour, and parents.
What are the place settings for a table? ›
The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)
Who sits at table 1 at a wedding? ›
While table one most frequently includes the couple, their wedding party and the wedding party plus one's, "a head table can really be constructed in whatever way makes the most sense for the couple and who they want to sit with," says Jamie Chang of Passport to Joy.
What is the protocol for seating at a wedding? ›
The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right. At same-sex marriage ceremonies, the couple might assign each family a side, and seat guests on "Bill's side" or "Kevin's side" accordingly.
Who sits in the first two rows at a wedding? ›
According to the standard rules, the couple's parents get a front row seat for this main event. Close family also shares the front row, which might include brothers and sisters who are not participating in the ceremony. A large family might fill the first couple of rows.
Unbreakable Rule #1: RSVP Promptly
Brides and grooms put a lot of thought into who makes the guest list cut. If you're one of the chosen few to be invited, make sure you respond promptly.
How many menus per table for a wedding? ›
If your budget allows for it, consider a menu for each guest as they will refer back to the menu throughout the night and as each dish is served. Otherwise, a few menus per table of 10 will suffice.
What setting do wedding pictures go on? ›
A fast shutter speed is a good starting point for wedding photography because you'll capture lots of movement. For starters, set the shutter speed to 1/200 or faster. Then try shutter priority mode to really freeze moments. Set the shutter speed to 1/500th of a second to capture active moments.
Where should a table be placed? ›
Rectangular rooms: In rectangular rooms, the best place to position the table is in the center of the room. This allows for easy flow around the table and creates a focal point in the space. If the room is particularly long, consider placing the table on the shorter wall to create a cozier feel.
Does a salad plate go on left or right? ›
"b" is for bread and butter — Bread and butter plates, plus the salad plates, go on the left side of the dinner plate above the fork; butter plates first over the fork, salad plates above them. Butter knives are placed horizontally across the butter plate. "d" is for drinks — Glasses go on the right side.
