Georgina Clatworthy

One of the best areas of your wedding reception to add decoration is of course your tables. Wedding table decorations however can be overlooked with many brides just opting for the traditional clothes, place settings and centrepiece. But with a little creativity you can make your tables look like works of art and a sight to behold when you enter your reception.

Your first consideration needs to be your color scheme. Don’t be too radical with your choice of wedding colors as you could find it difficult to source matching table covers, flowers and wedding favors. Have a common color such as white or ivory as your base color and accent it with other colors including metallics.

Planning how your tables will look relies on you knowing early on what shape your tables will be. These days you can have the traditional round table which will seat numbers from 8 to 12; more intimate square tables for 4 to 6 and a more popular trend in long tables set out in lines down the room. It is important you know what shape your tables are and how big so you can order up table covers and create table centers which are the appropriate size.

The next step is to consider the crockery, cutlery and glassware you will have set out on your reception tables. Many venues will provide this for you, whilst catering companies will also supply these things as part of a catering package. Don’t be afraid though to source your own if you do not like what is on offer. You can hire all of these things very cheaply and although an extra cost on your budget they can make a big difference to the way your reception looks aswell as forming a significant part of your decorations.

It is lovely to choose colored glassware, patterned cutlery and glasses and set places with elegant charger plates. Vintage china in mixed and matched patterns is also a popular choice for less formal weddings and those with a vintage or floral theme.

Table centrepieces can range from elegant tall candelabras to small simple potted plants. Choose centrepieces which not only fit with your wedding style but which are the appropriate size for your tables and which will allow your guests to converse with each other across the table. If you are having long tables choose low arrangements running down the center or for added interest add in tall centrepieces at regular intervals.

Finally you will need to think about the smaller details. Place card holders are a nice addition and range from traditional photo frame styles to more quirky themed holders. Your wedding favors always make a nice decorative detail on your details and can always double up as place cards. Other finishing touches include tea lights in colored holders, sprigs of flowers or herbs place on napkins, menus displayed in elegant frames, table confetti and sparkling crystals.

If possible have a trial run of your table setting and decorations either at home or at your venue so you can see what the finished look will be and what works best. This will also help you or someone you appoint, to set the tables out before the wedding in the way you want.