7 Tips For Picture Perfect Reception Tables

Styling your reception tables can be as simple as placing linens and candles, or you can choose to spend a little extra time on the details to create a standout design. I recently hosted a styled shoot where creating our tablescape proved to be one of the most fun challenges!

Every decision was carefully planned to create a charming, romantic & elegantly rustic feel. I loved getting creative and searching for the right elements to bring my vision to life! Take a look at how it turned out!

Charming and rustic tablescape Alyssa Rados Photography

To help in your own table styling adventures, consider these 7 tips for creating picture-perfect tablescapes:

1. For venues that don’t allow real candles, add hurricane vases to make flameless LEDs more elegant.

2. Incorporate colors you want guests to remember when they think of your wedding. By including small touches of color on each table, your chosen colors will stand out once you’ve set all the tables in the room. Add more colorful elements or use bolder hues for greater impact.

3. Upgrade your plateware, utensils & chargers. As something that goes at every place setting, this will quickly change the look & feel of the room. A more affordable option is to upgrade only the head table.

4. Mix textures and fabrics to add contrast and visual interest. Try varying weights of table linens and napkins, add textured chargers under your dinner plates, and weave different elements into your floral arrangements. Here, we added blooms made of sola wood, tucked into a faux eucalyptus runner. Other fun options could be feathers, ferns, pinecones, succulents & ribbon!

5. Find the right balance of decor to create a beautiful display without overpowering the table. A good rule of thumb is to try to use no more than ~1/3 of the tabletop for design elements — plates should have a few inches of space around them and remember, guests still need to set their drinks down!

Textured table runner Alyssa Rados Photography

6. Make a statement with your napkin fold. For this shoot, we used loose knots for a soft and dainty look, whereas a pocket fold or napkin roll & ring could add a more formal feel.

7. Add final touches to each place setting such as place cards, menus, or individual favors. Adding personalized details shows the care you’ve put into planning your event and will make your guests feel appreciated. Plus, it adds another excuse for them to snap and share a photo! ;)

Dainy napkins and elegant menus Alyssa Rados Photography

There are sooooo many ways to style a table and the inspiration is endless! Whatever look you’re going for, have fun trying different elements, and be patient while building your vision. The end result will be worth it!

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GALLERY

Wedding Planners:

Happilily Events Llc | @HappiLilyEvents

Photographer:

Alyssa Rados Photography | @AlyssaRadosPhoto

Florist:

Dixie Luxe | @DixieLuxe

Rentals:

Borrowed Beginnings | @Borrowed.Beginnings

Wedding & Event Venues:

The Barn At Stoney Hills | @TheBarnatStoneyHills

Rentals:

Apres Party | @ApresEventandTent

Wedding Invitations:

Katharine Watson Design | @katharine_watson

Wedding Chicks vendor, HappiLily Events created this post. Email Hello@HappiLilyEvents.com with a link to the post and any credit changes or additions.