10 Ways To Elevate Your Wedding Reception Table Decor
When you’re ready to kickstart reception planning, odds are your to-do list will feel like a million miles long. Overwhelming, I hear you. There are so many details, big and small, that you have to sort out. We’re talking about linens, centerpieces, and everything in between. And while these may seem like insignificant details, together, they’ll make a lasting impression.
With your reception table decor playing such an important role in your overall design, you want to make sure it’s done right—that’s where I come in. If you’re on the hunt for unique ways to elevate your reception tables, here are nine tips to turn your boring tables into tablescapes that’ll wow your guests.
Photo By: The GoDards
10 Tips to Elevate Your Wedding Reception Table Decor
1. Have A Vision In Mind
Before diving head first into planning, sit down with your partner to talk details. What do you want the vibe to be-relaxed, elegant, formal? What shape of tables will you have? Do you want your decor to be cohesive from your ceremony to the reception? Use the answers to these questions to create a mood board representing your desired theme.
Not only will your mood board be handy to revisit, but it’ll also keep you on track when planning your reception table decor. Plus, it’ll set your wedding vendors up for success by giving them a visual representation of your vision. Trust me.
2. Keep Your Decor Simple
There’s beauty in simplicity, especially when it comes to your reception table decor. That’s why my first tip is to keep it simple. While you may have an endless list of ideas you want to incorporate, adding them all can make your reception tables look cluttered and messy. Remember, the littlest of details can sometimes make the most significant impact.
3. Add Subtle Pops Of Color
A neutral, monochromatic tablescape, while an elegant look, isn’t for everyone. And if you’re going bold with a vibrant wedding color palette, your reception table decor should reflect just that. Picture your tables as a blank canvas, and incorporate subtle pops of color where it makes sense. Vibrant hues can enhance your decor through florals, linens, table runners, or even glassware—the options are absolutely endless.
Focus less on making your decor matchy-matchy, and challenge yourself to take your reception decor to the next level with patterns or colors that compliment your wedding palette.
4. Make A Statement With Contrasting Shapes
Experimenting with different plate shapes is an underrated way to dress up your reception tables. That’s right. Traditional circle plates aren’t your only option. There are scalloped rim plates, ruffled rim plates, and even square plates—each bringing a different feel to your design.
If you’re going for a modern vibe, square plates are the way to go. Are you picking out dinnerware for your romantic garden celebration? Try plates with scalloped rims. For couples that really want to make a statement, try working multiple plate styles into your design. Consider starting with a circle charger layered with a scalloped dinner or salad plate. It’s the best of both worlds.
5. Add Textured Dinnerware
Don’t underestimate the power your choice of dinnerware has on your reception decor. While it is there to serve a purpose, it also plays an essential role in your overall design. And if you’re on the hunt for simple ways to elevate your tablescape, consider trading traditional, flat dinnerware plates and glassware for textured pieces. Though a subtle addition, it’s an incredible way to add sophistication and personality to your tabletops.
Photo By: The Godards
6. Include A Personalized Place Setting
If “personalization” is a top priority when planning your big day, this one’s for you. When your centerpieces are assembled, plates are stacked, and napkins are set, top it off with a customized place setting. This cherry-on-top detail allows your guests to find their seats easily, but it also doubles as a wedding favor—a double win.
7. Incorporate Wedding Florals From Your Ceremony
Infusing your decor with greenery and seasonal blooms is key to achieving a stunning setup that screams elegance. Work alongside your florist to bring floral-focused centerpieces or greenery garlands to life. But why stop there? When the napkins are folded, add sprigs of fresh greenery or singular blooms that match the larger centerpieces. This will tie it all together, creating a cohesive and timeless look.
8. Play Around With Different Heights
Level up your decor with staple pieces that are a variety of different heights. This can be done using candles, colorful vases, floral arrangements, or really anything you want to be the focal point of your reception tables. For example, add tall and medium tapered candles if you’re sold on smaller floral arrangements. Together, these varying heights will give your otherwise flat tablescapes depth and dimension.
9. Add Table Numbers
If you’ve decided to have seating arrangements for your reception, table numbers must be present. So why not take a must-have detail, incorporate it into your decor, and use it to elevate the tablescape? Work smarter, not harder. You can go bold with a mini neon sign number or keep it simple with frosted acrylic table numbers—there’s no shortage of unique ways to make your place cards stand out.
10. Keep Logistic In Mind
During the wedding planning season, it’s easy to get lost in all the fun details. But when it comes to your reception decor, your design is just as important as practicality. Your tables can be both functional and stylish if you keep these details in mind:
Avoid extremely tall centerpieces that’ll block the line of sight of your guests.
Space out your decor, leaving room for plates and glassware.
Decorate your tables with your catering style in mind. If you’re having a family-style meal, you’ll need to consider space for food.