How to Design a Wedding Dinner Table

Dinner tables are one of the most important elements of the wedding reception. The table is where the guests will spend most of their time and are the main decorative item in the reception space. Remember to design your tables in a way that fits your personality. Use colors you've chosen for your wedding. The tables will look as festive or sophisticated as you want them to with just a few steps.

Instructions

1

Select a tablecloth color and fabric. Silk is ideal for formal dinner parties, but cloth tablecloths are best for semiformal receptions.

2

Buy fabric runners in a material that fits your decorative style. Ensure the fabric is wide, about 25 percent of the table's width, to add a splash of color or textural change. Choose runners that are 2 or 3 inches shorter than the tablecloth on each side.

3

Select centerpiece flowers. Centerpieces should compliment the tablecloth color. Purchase synthetic flowers from the local craft store, or order fresh varieties from a quality floral shop. Select bright colors such as tulips for a springtime wedding. Choose white or red roses for a fall or winter celebration. Decorate the tables with potted plants in your wedding colors, or use pots in your wedding shades, to save money on decorations.

4

Purchase vases. Select vases that compliment the tablecloths and flowers. For winter, a gold or silver vase works well. Yellow and orange are suitable for a springtime wedding. Tie matching ribbons around the vases for decorative effect. Arrange the flowers in the vases.

5

Decorate each place setting with chargers, dinner plates and silverware. Purchase these items from a party supply store, or rent them from the reception venue. For a formal occasion, use gold-plated utensils. Quality silver is acceptable for more casual events. Purchase charger plates in the main color and dinner plates in the accent color.