Ideas for wedding table decorations for the reception, including what to do for table decor, place settings, linens and seating arrangements.
Wedding table decor is an important part of the overall decorations. For some beautiful yet inexpensive ways to decorate guests' table at a wedding reception, consider some of these ideas.
Table Decorations
- Dress up plain tables inexpensively with paper (they look like linen) or felt table runners. A nice one to consider is the Spring Flowers Felt Table Runner from Mypapershop.com for only around $4.
- Emphasize the parents’ table through special decorations such as a different centerpiece, special chair decorations, or a unique colored tablecloth.
- Consider wedding cake table decorations as well, such as tasteful signage on the table, a back light on the cake (not too hot), or glass case over the cake.
- Beautiful table number cards are important. Check out these cute Beach Theme Table Numbers at Etsy.
- If using personal tablecloths, take a wedding stencil design (available at any craft store) or a stencil of the bride and groom's names or initials and line the edge of the tablecloth with it using washable paint in a subtle color like a soft silver or light blue.
Wedding Table Arrangement
- A nice table arrangement is to have all of the guests' tables arranged in a circle around the dance floor, with the head table at the top of the circle.
- Consider square tables instead of round. If the corner of the table points towards the head table it means no one really has their back to the bride and groom. Make the vases for the centerpieces square as well.
- Try putting the head table as a round table in the middle of the room, surrounded by all the guest tables. This would allow everyone to feel close to the couple.
Keeping Wedding Guests Entertained
- It has become a tradition to leave disposable cameras on the table for guests to take pictures. Include some instructions with the cameras such as “Please use this to take photos of the reception. When finished, please leave on the table for us to pick up” or “Please take pictures for us of the reception. We want the funniest, silliest pictures possible.”
- Place small games at each table such as Rubik’s cube or mini checkers. Not only is this a great icebreaker for some tables but will add some fun for guests. Try Table Topics for Couples at Amazon.com. It contains 135 question cards that could be divided up among the tables.
- Leave a bottle of champagne at each table and have one person at each table pop it at the same time, such as when the bride and groom enter the reception hall or after the first toast. Or give each guest a mini bottle of champagne to pop on their own.
From table placement to decor to small ways to get guests talking, there are many easy ways to give wedding tables some unique style.
Check out more of my wedding ideas, such as Fabulous Beach Wedding Ideas.
Copyright Gail Oliver. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Gail Oliver - Gail is an author, writer and researcher. She has been quoted in magazines as diverse as Cosmopolitan and Maclean's. Gail writes on a ...
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