Tips to Dress Up Your Wedding Reception Tables | Markel (2024)

Tips to Dress Up Your Wedding Reception Tables | Markel (1)

Simple tips and ideas for creating memorable and elegant wedding centerpieces for your reception.

Published on January 1, 2020

5 tips to touch up your table decorations


  1. Incorporate your color

    One way to tie your wedding theme together is to incorporate your color scheme into your overall wedding table design. You can choose napkins that either compliment the color of your bridesmaids' dresses or match them perfectly. You can also match the color to the table numbers, flowers, favors, and accents such as ribbons around the wedding centerpiece.

  2. Touch up your chairs

    You can dress up your chairs, too. To save on costs, decorate every other chair, a couple of the most visible chairs at each table, or chairs at every other table. Think bows, flowers, tulle, sashes, ribbons, ruffles, and chair covers.

  3. Create eye-catching centerpieces

    Your wedding centerpieces will be the center of attention at the table and should be given careful thought. Centerpieces do not need to be the exact same at every table. A simple wedding idea is to mix it up with a few different designs that you can disperse throughout the reception. You can use flowers at some and candles at another, or a combination of candles and flowers. This will create a dynamic effect. Consider the height of the centerpiece, so as not to obstruct the view of your guests. Choose either tall vases, candelabras, pedestals, or go with low designs. Candles of varying heights can add romance to your tables. If you choose bold colors for your centerpiece, be sure to make the rest of your décor simple and clean.

  4. Add flair with table runners

    A table runner is a perfect textural element to add a touch of class to your wedding tables. Table runners come in many different patterns and materials such as solid color, stripes, floral, chevron, lace, satin, polyester, and many more options. You can choose the length of the fabric so that it ends just over the edge of the tables, or run it so that it romantically cascades off the tables close to the floor. Tie them with bows or ribbon at the ends for a dramatic effect.

  5. Use your napkins as decor

    In addition to incorporating color into your table decorations with napkins, you can use decorative napkin rings for an added adornment. They are one of the easiest ways to dress up a table setting. There are many DIY options for napkin rings, such as using burlap and faux flowers, lace, rope, or ribbon. You can even wrap your menu around the napkin. Another unique idea is to fold your napkin into different origami designs. You can create swans, bows, hearts, flowers, or you can fold it into a pocket to hold your menu or utensils.

We hope these tips help you dress up your wedding tables to add the special touches you desire for your dream wedding. As you prepare for your wedding day, another idea to consider is buying wedding insurance. Markel offers wedding cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for lost deposits and non-refundable amounts if you have to cancel or postpone your wedding due to unforeseen circ*mstances such as extreme weather, venue bankruptcy, or vendor no-shows. Coverage can be purchased anytime at least 14 days before your event, and policies start as low as $130.

Markel also offers wedding liability insurance, protecting you from incidents such as property damage to the venue or if someone gets injured at your event. Up to $2 million in wedding liability insurance can be purchased from Markel any time up to the day before your event. Policies start as low as $75.

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Tips to Dress Up Your Wedding Reception Tables | Markel (2024)

FAQs

Tips to Dress Up Your Wedding Reception Tables | Markel? ›

But your centrepieces should look similar to support your design theme. There are ways of making your centrepieces unique while still maintaining the overall design flow. Instead of repeating the same exact centrepiece design at every table, we recommend choosing 2-3 designs to repeat throughout all of your tables.

How to style wedding reception tables? ›

Wedding Table Decoration Ideas
  1. Multi-Level Candles. Perfectevent4u. ...
  2. Miniature Crates. Vintage Florrie. ...
  3. Bud Vases. ...
  4. Seasonal Touches. ...
  5. Subtle Florals. ...
  6. Elevated Arrangements. ...
  7. Potted Herbs. ...
  8. Blossom Trees.
May 30, 2024

How do you arrange tables at a wedding reception? ›

How To Create Your Wedding Seating Chart
  1. Seat Yourselves. You and your new spouse will be the center of attention all evening, so seat yourselves in a central location where all your guests can see you. ...
  2. Seat the Wedding Party. ...
  3. Seat Parents and Grandparents. ...
  4. Make Family Tables. ...
  5. Make a Kid's Table. ...
  6. Mix and Match Guests.
Mar 14, 2024

Should centerpieces all be the same? ›

But your centrepieces should look similar to support your design theme. There are ways of making your centrepieces unique while still maintaining the overall design flow. Instead of repeating the same exact centrepiece design at every table, we recommend choosing 2-3 designs to repeat throughout all of your tables.

What tables do you have at a wedding reception? ›

How Many Tables for Your Wedding Do You Need?
  • Round tables. These typically come in four different sizes: ...
  • Rectangular (or Banquet) Tables. 6' Banquet – Seats 6-8. ...
  • co*cktail Tables. 30” or 32” co*cktail tables (typically 42″ high) ...
  • Head Tables. ...
  • Sweetheart Table. ...
  • Cake Table. ...
  • Dance Floor. ...
  • DJ or Band Space.

What is the etiquette for reception table? ›

Prioritizing Family Members: Family members, especially parents and grandparents, should be given prime seats at your reception. Typically, they are seated at the table closest to the newlyweds. If space allows, all grandparents should be seated at the parents' table.

How do I make my wedding reception stand out? ›

10 Unique Touches To Make Your Wedding Stand Out
  1. WRITE PERSONALIZED LETTERS TO GUESTS. ...
  2. PROVIDE AN AUDIO GUEST BOOK. ...
  3. PAINT A UNITY CANVAS FOR YOUR CEREMONY. ...
  4. GATHER SONG REQUESTS. ...
  5. INCORPORATE A NEON SIGN. ...
  6. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR YOUR REGISTRY. ...
  7. honor YOUR FURRY FRIEND. ...
  8. PLAN A SURPRISE PERFORMANCE.
Jan 23, 2024

What are the do's and don'ts in making table centerpieces? ›

Centerpiece Do's and Don'ts for Different Size and Shaped Dining Tables
  • For circular tables, stick with a circle vase, so everything looks centered and right in place. ...
  • The larger the table, the larger the centerpiece should be. ...
  • Always leave enough room for meal-time accessories. ...
  • Use your imagination and get creative.
Feb 21, 2023

What is the number one rule in selecting centerpiece? ›

Begin with the size and shape of your tables.

Just be sure that your arrangement is also circular or square so it doesn't look out of place or compete with your place settings. Generally, you'll want wedding centerpieces that leaves plenty of room for candles, place cards, and other accouterments.

What is the top table at a reception? ›

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.

How to set up for a wedding reception? ›

The newlyweds should always be positioned so that they are facing their guests. From here, try to arrange tables as symmetrically as possible. They can form a U-shape around a dance floor, be centered along a long wall, or fill one end of the space if the dance floor is at the far end.

Should I have a seating chart for my wedding reception? ›

A good rule of thumb is, if there are over 75 guests or the reception features seated dining, a seating chart should definitely be used. But even if the wedding is smaller, a chart will make the event feel more organized. This empowers guests to relax and keep their focus on celebrating.

What are the rules for the bridal table? ›

Classically, the groom sits to the bride's right and the best man sits to her left. The maid of honor sits to the groom's right. Depending on how large the table is, the other attendants can also be seated near the couple.

What type of table layout is usually used for wedding reception? ›

One of the most popular choices for many wedding reception table layouts is the use of round tables. These exude an elegant and classic charm, and their circular design means everyone at each table can chat easily. Round tables are a versatile choice because they can adapt to many different venue layouts and sizes.

What is the protocol for the top table at a wedding? ›

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.

How do you plan a wedding tablescape? ›

How to Tablescape
  1. Pick a theme or style.
  2. Work in layers from the bottom up.
  3. Use items of different heights.
  4. Mix and match textures.
  5. Include candlelight.
  6. Don't foget the personal details.

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