As a wedding coordinator, I have seen it all in terms of décor. Each couple has their own budget and style which determines what the entire feel and look will be of their wedding. I do try and make suggestions for adding elegance and a little more pizazz to the table but it is up the couple if they will follow that advice or not.

Don’ts For Table Decor

Let’s talk about the Don’ts of what to do for your table décor. This list is what I have actually seen at weddings and I have frowned upon. However, there is really nothing I can do when everything has been ordered or purchased and this is what I have to work with when setting it all up.

1. Don’t rent or purchase shorter linens than the table. It doesn’t look classy to have the legs popping out at the bottom! Guests do notice.  If you aren’t sure about the length call a rental/linen company that can tell you exactly the size you need. Do you know what a 108, 120 or 132 is? You need an expert to tell you.

2. Don’t have clashing linen textures on different tables. Stick to one type, i.e. satin, polyester, crinkle, etc., and make sure all the tables are using this same type. This includes the cake, gift and sign in tables too.

3. Don’t have just a small centerpiece in the middle of the table with nothing else on the table. This looks so blah. Don’t you want the wow factor when guests walk into the venue and see the reception? I’ll give you ideas under the “Do’s List”.

4. Don’t do some crazy origami fold for the napkin. Guests will wonder why a swan is on the table. You don’t need that!

5. The white linen with the colored overlay. This look is so old fashion. You don’t need the overlay!

6. Using the same centerpiece for all the tables. This will make the room seem very uniformed and uninteresting.

Do’s For Table Decor

My favorite part of a wedding is setting it up. I love to get creative and make each and every area look the best it can. If I know I’ll be setting up a specialty table like a candy bar, cigar bar, dessert table, etc., I usually will bring extra décor that I own with me to jazz up the table even more (the couples don’t even know I do this). It’s just something I love to do! Here is a list of Do’s for your table décor at your wedding.

vintage pearls picture wedding reception table

1. Do personalize the table with menu cards, unique table #’s (or places you’ve traveled, favorite things to do together, favorites of each other, etc.), pictures of each other, small trinkets of something important to the both of you, décor that goes with the theme (ex. antique décor or maracas – I have had couples do both of these).

2. Fold the napkin in simple ways such as the rectangle traditional fold or the waterfall fold where it hangs over the edge of the table. For a touch of elegance you could put the napkin in the water glass but this gets tricky when the caterer is trying to fill the water glasses.

3. If you have to choose between white or ivory linens go with the ivory. It is a more elegant color and looks better with additional colors. White linens reminds me too much of a sweet sixteen party.

4. Stick with just FLOOR LENGTH linen and no table overlay. You don’t need it! Color can be added in the flowers and napkins. There are beautiful linens nowadays (the champagne color is one of my favorites) and that’s all you need!

5. If you have more than 15 tables then you need to have 3 types of centerpieces to really give the room a nice look. I recommend a tall, medium and low (or switch out the low for a candlescape with elegant candle holders). Just be sure on the medium size that guests can see each other still from across the table. Use different styled vases too so the tables have their own look. Get creative! If you are using white or ivory table cloths then use some color in your centerpieces to spice up the room.

6. Add even more to the table with these ideas: chargers, party favor, dinnerware and glasses. When you add your personalized items that I mentioned from above, your table is complete and will look beautiful!

7. I did want to mention the chair…Chiavari chairs are my first preference but can be a little pricey if you’re on a budget. The next option is the bistro chair and then the folding chair. I would recommend one of these options before covering the chairs. It is completely my opinion, but I feel the room looks classier without the chair covers. Again, it looks so uniformed and like a sweet sixteen party with them on.

If you need help with your décor and how you should design the look and feel of your wedding reception please contact me. I have seen a lot of weddings and can tell you what I have found looks fantastic! I’m here for you!! Trudy Scott, Royalty Events Planning, 210-595-9263, http://www.RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com.