Once you’ve got those rings around your fingers and you’re getting a feel for your new titles (yup, we know you’ve been fantasizing about that iconic, much-anticipated introduction by your fabulous emcee: buh-bye fiancé/fiancée, hello hubs or wifey!), it’s time to settle in for the night–and pulling up a chair at a wow-worthy table is exactly what we’re talking about. Whether you’re planning on doing a traditional plated dinner, with predetermined table arrangements or an en vogue, extended cocktail hour approach with freestyle seating, you’ll want to be sure your tablescapes are on-point and inviting. And we’re not just imagining beautiful blooms (although petal power is a major part of it!).
PHOTOGRAPHY | Linda Nari Photography
Don’t get us wrong, we love a bold, punchy palette, but when you’re starting to think about tablescaping for your reception, you’ll want to start with a simple backdrop–like white, ivory, blush, grey, powder blue, etc. linens–and then layer on texture and intrigue. Smart to consider, too, if your venue doesn’t stock a kaleidoscopic range of colored tablecloths.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Linda Nari Photography
To quote Monet, “We must have flowers, always, and always.” Your florist will help you figure out what kinds of floral centerpieces work best for your tables (round, rectangular, etc.), but you’ll of course want to bring in statement colors from your aisle aesthetic and also incorporate some grounding tones to go along with the neutrals in the rest of your tablescape. Balance. Balance. Balance.
PHOTOGRAPHY | The Byes Photo
With color, that is. On a blush canvas like this, a nice bright white combination of plateware (a monochromatic matching of dinner plate AND charger) works beautifully. It’s clean and modern and allows anything placed on top to pop. A single stem placed underneath a wooden or acrylic place card is stunning in its simplicity and consider a little something special at your seats!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Studio Opia
A gold (or any kind of trendy metallic–copper, rose gold, platinum, silver) moment will never be missed, but doesn’t need to be overdone, either. We like to see gilded touches play out in the flatware, rimming on wine or cocktail glasses and coupes, candlesticks, calligraphy-laced place cards, and table number stands. Or, you can go with gold foil for a streamlined hint of elegance.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Faith Roper Photography
Because we’re pretty sure there’s nothing more romantic than candlelight, during the day and definitely at night. You can do it with tall, statuesque tapers – blush and gold always play nice together–and then temper things with entrancing tealights.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Jaye Avery Photography
Now back to that ‘sitting at the head table’ situation. We certainly love –a couple cozying up to their tribe for toasts and table talk–but a sweetheart table, reserved with custom signage also does it for us! The photos taken right before the newlyweds see their reception space and sit down to their first meal as a married couple. We’re not crying…you are!!! 😭 So, turn up your tablescaping skills and who knows, maybe it’s your wedding we’re featuring on Style Me Pretty next!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Jenny Quicksall
Danielle Halibey is a writer, editor, and publicist living in New Jersey. She has been immersed in the world of weddings since planning her own whimsical, romantic affair in 2014. And isn’t that what they always say, “those who can’t do, teach?” Well, once her nuptials were over, she still had stuff in the ‘I Do’ industry to do. She writes regularly for top wedding blogs including Style Me Pretty and Wedding Chicks, and has garnered millions of press impressions for brands in the wedding space: fashion, beauty, wedding talent+tastemakers and more.
