Wedding Reception Table Set Ups
Your wedding reception is where you get to show off everything about your relationship, including your personal style as a couple.
Whether you are planning a laid-back mason jars & wildflowers table, or a glamorous bash dripping in bling and sparkle, today is for you.
I’m sharing a few hot tips for those of you needing a little extra help making it all come together, with some inspirational photos from the weddings that I’ve planned to get you started!
Image by Lindy Hickman Photography
I love the use of accent linens here, they really make the space pop! Navy chair sashes bring it all together, in addition to simple floral displays and centerpieces at a variety of heights.
Wedding Reception Table Set Ups
Staying on budget
One of the trickiest things to do when planning your wedding reception table is keeping it in budget.
I’m here to warn you. Expect sticker shock!
Those stunning floral arrangements, custom linens, and hand-made calligraphy menus that are all the rage on Pinterest come at a price.
As a wedding planner with many years of experience under my belt, I can tell you that not all is lost!
You can bulk up a few luscious peonies with plenty of (less expensive) greenery.
Your guests will not notice the difference between a faux silk, and real silk table cloths. You can also choose 1-2 of the fancier kind to use as highlights in your reception decor (head table, cake table), and compliment those with a less expensive option for the rest of the tables.
Thrift stores are your friend. They are FULL of unique and beautiful votives that can add a touch of romance and whimsy, often for much less than you’d pay to rent them.
Image by Dawn Sparks Photography
The couple chose simple white linens, gold accents, wood, and a beautiful understated floral centerpiece. I love how this came together!
Focus on Scale
If your reception hall has tall ceilings, a small and simple arrangement of bud vases on lace may get lost. Tall ceilings used to always mean tall arrangements, but if that’s not your style, you can focus on filling up your table with volume rather than going up in height.
Add volume with plenty of votives, which help warm up what can feel like a cold space. Greenery can be added around the centerpiece or hung overhead (yes, they can do that too!). Details made of metal and wood can continue to add texture and warmth to your decor.
Remember, handcrafted and warm is the name of the game in 2019-2020 weddings!
Photo frames highlighting favorite moments in your relationship, trivia, or a tour of your favorite places around the world can also aid in filling up the space of the table.
For reception halls that already have a more intimate and cozy feel, tall and overhead centerpieces may feel a little claustrophobic. Stick with simplicity and choose beautifully coordinated linens and lots of texture.
Image by Jessica Moore, Image Source
I love this family -style seating with a long row of greenery and flowers to fill the space down the center.
Think Outside of the Box
Who says that your reception tables have to be round?
Long family-style seating is trending right now. It’s a warm way to invite guests to mingle as a larger group, and it’s perfect if you plan to serve dinner family-style (passed platters).
As an added bonus, it may be much easier to plan decor around a few long tables than it is to plan around several small ones!
Greenery and table runners can cascade off the edge, while the long row of meticulously set plates says ‘let’s EAT!’.
Image by FMJ Photography
Dark linens created a romantic, evening mood while tall candles offered a romantic and moody perspective. We were able to fill this space with a variety of vases and votives in lieu of pricey floral arrangements, which added plenty of texture and warmth!
Lastly, keep it real!
I love a beautiful reception table as much as the next person, but it’s important to remember that it feels authentic to you as a couple and doesn’t blow your budget. The reception decor will be taken apart at the end of the night, but the memories you’ll share will stick with you.
Focus on a great experience for yourselves and your guests, and make sure that you and your new spouse have a moment to sit down at the reception and take it all in.
Colorado Wedding Vendors Featured in this Post
Dawn Sparks Photography http://www.dawnsparks.com/
Lindy Hickman Photography https://lindyhickman.com/
FMJ Photography https://www.fmjphoto.com/