The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Wedding Reception

Let’s be honest, micro-weddings aren’t going anywhere. We are loving that couples can be more intentional in every decision and put their own personal touch into every detail for their big day. These intimate occasions present the perfect opportunity to go all out and splurge in areas you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Maybe you’ll book the band you love but was just out of budget or upgrade to calligraphed name cards that seemed too extravagant before? When it comes to spending more on your wedding day, we believe the reception is the place to do it. Not only will the majority of your wedding be spent here, your guests will be glued to their tables most of the night so why not indulge in spectacular tablescapes? Follow our guide to designing your one-of-a-kind reception tables and it’ll be all your guests talk about for years to come!

The Table

When it comes to planning your reception, there is an endless number of logistical questions starting with the tables. From “Who will sit where?” to “How should the tables be arranged?”, we’ll get you started when it comes to picking the tables that are right for you! 

Round Tables: These circular tables are the most common among venues due to their versatility to fit in almost any space. Known for their family-style feel, rounds come in many different dimensions, most commonly 60” and 72”, and can fit anywhere from six to ten people comfortably. Not to mention, they allow for easy conversations among all of your guests seated.

Rectangular Tables: These longer tables are ideal for seating larger groups of eight or more together. Rectangular tables also seat guests family-style,  allowing you to space out your table settings and can showcase larger centerpieces without any crowding. For centerpieces that run the entire length of your table, we suggest opting for an extra-wide rectangular table. 

Square Tables: Similar to rectangular tables, squares are more spacious than rounds yet still provide a feeling of togetherness that can be lost with long rectangular tables. They are ideal to seat groups of around four and are a great option if your guest count is on the smaller side for an intimate event. 

Mix & Match: Why not use a combination of table shapes and sizes? The best thing about your wedding day is that you have the freedom to make it your own! Mixing and matching various table types has become increasingly popular and can add an interesting element to your reception space. 

The Linens

You’ve selected your tables and arranged them to your liking, now it’s time to add on the next layer. Depending on the type of tables you have selected, you may want to cover them with decorative linens. This could be the simple touch that your wedding design is missing. 

Tablecloths: These don’t have to be the dull pieces of fabric that cover standard tables. Most event venues will offer basic white, ivory, and/or black linens but upgrading to the right tablecloth can help tie in all the fine details of your reception space. Besides knowing your table sizes and count, you’ll need to have a color and fabric in mind. Don’t simply skimp on this decision, it’ll become the canvas for the rest of your event decor!

Overlays: Want to add another dimension to your tables? An overlay, or to simply put it a linen laid over another linen, is an easy way to dress up a boring tablescape. Overlays are often shorter than the base tablecloth and sheer with an intricate applique or pattern that still allows the linen underneath to show through. With a 150 plus person guest count, overlays might have seemed like an unnecessary addition but now can be just what you need to elevate your micro-wedding.

Runners: A great option if you don’t want to completely cover your tables but want to soften the overall look. Perfect for rustic farm tables, runners are narrow in width and run the length of your table through the middle. 

Tablewares

Atop of your linens will be your tablewares which encompasses everything your guests will need once dinner is served. From glassware and plates to cutlery and napkins, breaking away from typical white and silver is sure to intrigue your guests. Just be sure not to choose so many different options that it ends up clashing with the rest of your table decor. 

Plates: When it comes to plates, your charger is typically the most decorative in design. It is larger than the dinner plate and stays at your table setting all throughout the night since no food is served on it. Either opt for only a decorative charger or be sure that the design of your dinner, salad and bread plates will complement your chargers as they will be the largest pieces of your tableware. 

Flatware: Most commonly includes a salad and dinner fork, dinner knife, soup spoon, and dessert spoon and is arranged in the order in which it will be used. Swapping out standard silver for a vintage gold or matte black set can make for the perfect accent that your table setting was missing. 

Glassware: Depending on your linen and previous tableware selections, your glassware will either be there to accompany the rest of your dinnerware or serve as a focal point at the table. For a traditional table setting, the glassware is set in the order of: water glass, red and white wine glass, as well as a champagne flute. Basic glass or crystal glassware can suffice or alternatively, colored glassware can add another pop of color to your reception. 

Napkins, Place Cards, and Menus: For the final touches to the table setting, the napkin and stationery items can be completely customized to your taste. The napkins can be elegantly draped over the charger or tied in a relaxed knot, really any way you can imagine! Place cards are optional and are only necessary if you have assigned seats at your guest tables. However, the place cards and menu should complement one another in terms of their design. 

Centerpieces

Finally on to the focal point of your tables! The style of your centerpieces will largely depend on the size and shape of your tables. The last thing you want is a poorly fitting centerpiece that either no one even notices or interferes with your guest’s ability to eat and chat throughout the night. For round tables, it is best to keep your centerpieces tall to avoid taking up too much space on the table. Rectangular tables on the other hand look best with clusters of smaller centerpieces spaced throughout their entire length. Lastly, the Square table offers more space for a wider centerpiece than a round but should have a mix of pieces of varying heights to add dimension to the table. Now that we have covered the basics, how do you know what look to go for when it comes to choosing your centerpieces? The options are endless, be as creative or as traditional as you please! But if you are stuck on what to choose, here are some ideas:

Florals: The most obvious answer of course is to highlight your tables using floral arrangements and greenery. Just because it’s traditional doesn’t mean your florals have to be boring or overdone. Potted plants, leafy greens, and pompous grass stray away from your typical roses and peonies yet, look just as elegant! 

Vases: Display vases on their own, fill them with florals or with lit candles. You can even mix a variety of vases and vessels of differing heights, shades, and materials to achieve your desired look.

Candles: Not only are candles an easy way to decorate your tables, they just exude romance. They come in countless sizes, shapes, and colors, so there is something for everyone. Taper candles are sophisticated while pillar candles offer a bolder option. Not to mention everything looks better in candlelight! 

Lanterns: Another lighting option that can make for both a functional and beautiful centerpiece. Fill them with candles, or twinkle lights to create a magical glow throughout your reception venue.

No matter how you decide to decorate your wedding reception, the most important part is that it is a personal reflection of you and your partner! If you still aren’t sure where to begin, contact us to meet with one of our Event Specialists who can help you through designing your reception every step of the way!