How to Decorate Your Wedding Tables

The sit-down meal is an integral part of any wedding, so you should give the tables where guests spend a large chunk of your celebration special attention. But how do you make your centrepieces stand out? How do you add that personal touch that will make your celebration unique? And how can you ensure they match your event's overall style and theme?

Here's a brief step-by-step guide to decorating your wedding tables, so you can be sure your guests will be impressed on your big day.

1. Pick a Colour Scheme

The first step in wedding table decoration planning is picking an overall colour scheme. This will make it easier to narrow down your options for centrepieces, tablecloths, runners, and other décor items. You can either choose colours that complement your wedding theme or go for something more timeless like black and white.

Your colour choices should reflect your overall wedding style. For instance, if you're having a rustic barn wedding, you might go for natural earth tones like green and brown. Or, if you're having a glamorous Great Gatsby-inspired wedding, you might opt for glitzy metallics like silver and gold.

2. Choose Your Centrepieces

The centrepiece is the star of the show when it comes to wedding table decorations, so you'll want to choose something that's both gorgeous and unique. There are lots of different ways to style your centrepiece, so take some time to browse wedding inspiration online and in magazines to get an idea of what you like.

Some ideas include:

• Floral arrangements in a vase or pot
• Candle displays
• Groups of framed photos
• Sculptures or pieces of art
• An arrangement of seasonal foliage (such as holly in winter or pumpkins in autumn)
• Faux blossom trees
• Fairy lights
• Items that reflect your wedding location (such as seashell arrangements if you're getting married by the coast)

3. Choose Your Tablecloths or Runners

The next stage in decorating your wedding tables is choosing your tablecloths or runners (if you choose to have them). These can be used to add a pop of colour or pattern to your tables, tying in with your chosen colour scheme. They can also help to protect the tables and chairs you've hired from spills and stains.

Gold, sequined table runners are a popular choice for adding a touch of glamour to wedding tables. Other popular options include hessian runners, lace runners, and coloured tablecloths. Why not consider pastel tablecloths for a springtime celebration or red and green tablecloths for a traditional Christmas wedding?

4. Add Place Settings

Once you've decided on your tablecloths or runners, it's time to start thinking about place settings. These usually include a charger plate, cutlery, glasses, and napkins. You can either keep everything matching or mix and match different items to create a more eclectic, bohemian look.

For example, you might choose white plates with gold cutlery or colourful mismatched plates with silver cutlery. If you're having a themed wedding, you could use place settings that reflect your chosen theme. For example, if you're having a Harry Potter-themed wedding, you could use Hogwarts-style plates and goblets.

When it comes to your coasters, there's an opportunity to get really creative. For instance, you could have personalised wooden coasters engraved with your names and wedding date or fun paper versions with a witty message or quote.

5. Scatter Some Confetti or Petals

Another touch you might want to consider adding to your wedding tables is confetti or petals. This can be a great way to add some extra colour and personality to your décor, and it won't cost you the earth.

Why not consider using dried petals or leaves if you're having a rustic wedding? They'll add a natural, earthy touch to your décor and can be easily swept up after the event. Alternatively, if you're having a more formal affair, you could use gold or silver confetti scattered across the tables.

6. Add Some Finishing Personal Touches

Finally, don't forget to add some personal touches to your wedding tables. This could be anything from photos and keepsakes to place cards and favours. These little details will really make your wedding tables feel special and unique. For example, you could display photos of you and your partner at different stages of your relationship or photos of your parents and grandparents on their wedding days.

If you're looking for something unique, why not try making your own place cards or favours? For example, you could make place cards out of recycled paper and hand-write your guests' names on them. Or you could bake biscuits or cakes and package them up in pretty boxes or bags.

So there you have it, six simple steps for decorating your wedding tables. With a little creativity and planning, you can create beautiful tables that reflect your personal style and set the tone for your big day.