Wherever your wedding falls on the “fanciness” spectrum, there are always a few things you can do to make the tables in the reception area pop. Having an interesting and attractive centerpiece and place settings can not only make the table look better, but it actually improves the look of the entire space. A lot of little things add up to create one great, big picture. You don’t have to be having an elegant, formal seated dinner to utilize chargers or cloth napkins.
Photo: Style Me Pretty
Adding a natural element to the place setting is always a nice idea. Some non-flower ideas (because they wouldn’t last long without water) are a sprig of rosemary or lavender, a monstera leaf or other tropical leaves, a mini succulent, or a eucalyptus branch.
Photo: OneHundredLayerCake.com
Adding texture and dimension is easier than it seems through the use of chargers, napkins and silver wear that are in different colors, materials and designs. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, just make sure that they are in complementary colors and make sure the patterns don’t compete with each other. For example, a navy-blue table cloth, with a soft pink napkin with a small subtle pattern, a gold charger and a monstera leaf come together to make a beautiful place setting.
Photo: Notey
Another thing to play with is the menu. Even if you are having a buffet style dinner, you still need to express to your guests what they are going to be eating. A lot of people do this with one big menu in the reception space but if it is in your budget, you have the option of getting individual menus printed. One really cool idea is to have the menus printed on small wax paper bags at each individual place setting and have a dinner roll or piece of cornbread in the bag so that people have something to snack on as the order or wait in line.
Photo: Style Me Pretty
If you are having a buffet, I would suggest not putting the plate on the place setting, that just indicates that people will have to carry it while they are in line. Instead, just set the table with everything else except the plate. When picking out your table décor and place settings, keep the big picture in mind. Don’t focus too much on what napkin perfectly matches what flowers. It will all come together in the end!
Photo: Style Me Pretty