When you begin the design process for your wedding reception, your guest tables may be one of the first places you start to create the look of your event. While florals and votives are a great way to add a special and beautiful decorative aspect of your tables, there are additional décor items that can be used to enhance your guest tables. These items add a personal touch and elevate your tablescape. Check out some of our tips below to elevate the look of your guest tables!
Floral Arrangements
We may be a bit obvious with this one (since our beginnings are in flowers), but one of our favorite ways to elevate guest tables are gorgeous floral arrangements. However to keep it from getting to monotonous we like to alternate and strategically place arrangements of various heights and compositions. Tall arrangements bring drama and fill out spaces like grand ballrooms or towering tents. While low arrangements add texture and guests can enjoy them at eye level. We also like to change up the style of arrangement from table to table. This especially is the case when it comes to seated dinners. We may do a trio of arrangements on one table, but then one larger, simple mixed arrangement for another to keep it interesting.
Decorative Linens
Decorative linens are another great way to boost the look of your table. Although a simple colored linen is timeless, using a linen that has a bit more texture, color, or pattern is a nice way to make your guest tables a bit more special and unique. The decorative linen you select is also a nice opportunity for you to show off your personal style! Sometimes we find mixing decorative linens with more simple linens is an option for those brides who may want to keep things a bit more tailored. Maybe utilizing the more decorative linens on your cake table, or other focal tables, is a nice way to add a pop of color or texture that ties the whole event together. We strongly feel that decorative linens are an invaluable investment in your decor budget as they set your wedding a part from others!
Candles
Votive candles are a simple, traditional way to add a bit of light to your table, and while incredibly effective, sometimes we find it can be nice to stray from the norm! Taper candles in candlesticks, pillar candles in glass hurricanes, brass candelabras, etc. make for a distinct look for the décor of the table. By displaying a more unique form of light, your guest tables have a more ambient setting as they sit and enjoy their food!
Chargers
While not a must have, chargers add a beautiful touch to a guest table décor, and make for quite the lovely photograph as well! Most commonly displayed at a seated dinner reception, we find chargers to be that ultimate finishing touch to the look of our tablescapes. Additionally, the color, shape, or texture of the charger can be tied in with the other décor of your reception space. Whether that be through paper goods, linen choices, florals, or even the chair!
Menus
Menu cards are yet another finishing touch that really elevate the look of your tablescape. And when hosting a seated dinner it is a considerate way to provide guests with their dinner selections. When designing menu cards we try to keep them cohesive with the other wedding paper goods (ie invitations, programs, etc.), whether that be through fonts, motifs, or colors utilized. Whether they are presented at each individual seat or displayed on the table, they add an extra element of specialty as your guests take their seat!
When designing your tablescape, it is important to keep in mind that your guest tables should be a representation of yours and your partner’s individual style! As guests enter the space and make their way towards their tables, our goal is the tables reflect the time and effort you have put into planning your wedding and make guests feel as special as they are to you. Including these extra touches is just another way we love to make each bride and grooms wedding day as wonderful as we can!
Event Design and Coordination by Greg Boulus Events | Florals by Charleston Street | Photography by Ashley Seawell Photography, Mark Williams Studio, Lauren Carnes Photography
A few tips from our day-of coordinator pros on the unfailing way to pin a boutonniere.