Last Updated: January 11, 2024
Deciding on wedding table decorations can be a fun, personal journey. While scrolling through ideas on social media can spark inspiration, remember that your wedding is uniquely yours. What matters most is that the decorations reflect you and your partner's taste and the joyous occasion.
Sure, everyone loves a picture-perfect wedding reception table, but it's important to choose decorations that speak to your style and story. In this guide, we share some versatile table decoration ideas for weddings, helping you pull together a look that feels true to your relationship and memorable for your guests.
But first, let’s talk about…
How to Decorate Tables by Theme
There are endless possibilities when choosing a wedding theme, but listed below are some of the most popular wedding themes and tips on styling a table to achieve a cohesive look. So, if you're looking for inspiration for your wedding table setting, whether you’re after something simple or a buffet table decor setup, check out the following ideas.1. Rustic Wedding
The beauty of a rustic wedding theme is that it is a timeless classic. For instance, one of the reasons why the rustic theme is so popular is its ability to offer a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating love. This theme is also incredibly versatile and can be achieved in stunning ways whether you choose to have an outdoor or indoor celebration. In terms of table decor, styling a rustic theme can get pretty inventive since it allows you to get creative and makes room for you to add a lot of personal touches. So, if you’re after a wedding that’s both elegant and down-to-earth, the natural charm of a rustic theme is a sure winner.
A rustic wedding theme often features natural elements like wood, greenery, and floral arrangements in a relaxed and informal setting. So keep your rustic table decor laid back but elegant at the same time. To style a rustic wedding table, consider wooden table runners or placemats with burlap accents for a textured and country look. You can also use a flowy table runner for a more romantic feel. Use mason jars filled with wildflowers and greenery as centrepieces, creating a fresh and natural vibe. Add a cosy and warm ambience by using vintage lanterns. Lastly, consider using wooden crates or barrels as table stands for floral arrangements, table numbers, or candles, adding height and dimension to your tables.
2. Bohemian Wedding
A bohemian wedding theme often includes flowing fabrics, bright colours, and natural elements like flowers and feathers. So, it’s essential that your table styling matches the theme. For your boho table decorations, consider using colourful fabrics as table runners or placemats and layering them with embroidered or fringed details. Adding a bohemian flair, you can also incorporate natural elements like feathers, succulents, or pampas grass in your centrepieces. Additionally, using mixed vintage glassware, plates, and flatware can also add a unique and eclectic look to your tables. Lastly, you can add colourful votive candles or vintage lanterns to create a warm and romantic ambience.
3. Beach Wedding
For a beach-themed wedding, start with a light blue or seafoam green tablecloth. Adorn your tables with nautical elements like starfish, shells, or coral. Utilise glass vases or hurricanes filled with sand and seashells as candle holders, and enhance the romance with white or beige votive candles. Complete the look with natural wooden accents like driftwood or rattan placemats for that perfect beachy touch.
4. Classic Wedding
For a classic wedding, choose a white or ivory tablecloth and enhance it with fine china, crystal glassware, and silverware. Opt for simple yet elegant centrepieces like white roses, hydrangeas, or peonies in vases, accompanied by candles or candlesticks, for a romantic ambience. Personalise with monogrammed napkins or place cards, and elevate the setting with table runners or chair covers in champagne or soft blush. Aim for a refined and polished look, keeping it beautifully understated.
5. Vintage Wedding
For a vintage wedding theme, use lace or embroidered table runners and vintage china or glassware for a timeless feel. Include floral arrangements with soft pastels and textured blooms like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas. Enhance the elegance and romance with antique candlesticks or candelabras, and add a touch of vintage glamour with mercury glass votive holders
6. Winter Wedding
For a winter wedding, begin with a white tablecloth or runner, adding sparkle with metallic or glitter accents. Incorporate winter elements such as pine cones, evergreen branches, or white flowers like lilies or roses for centrepieces. Use candles or lanterns for warmth and intimacy. Personalise with custom place and menu cards featuring winter motifs, and add colour with seasonal berries or cranberries. Enhance the luxurious, cosy feel with faux fur runners or chair covers, ensuring an elegant and memorable winter wedding table decor.
7. Garden Wedding
For a garden wedding, begin with a light-coloured, flowy table runner, and add natural elements to your centrepieces for a botanical look. Use vintage glassware or gold-rimmed plates for elegance and sophistication. To create a magical atmosphere, incorporate twinkle lights or hanging lanterns, perfectly complementing the lush outdoor setting of a garden wedding.
8. Glamorous Wedding
For a glamorous wedding, dress tables with dramatic centrepieces, sparkling tablecloths, and elegant settings. Choose tall crystal or gold candelabras with cascading flowers or vases with feathers, orchids, or hydrangeas. Incorporate metallic accents with charger plates or cutlery, and use personalised place cards with gold calligraphy on black cardstock for luxury. Crystal or metallic holders for table numbers add sparkle, and tall tapered candles in gold or silver holders create a warm, inviting ambience, perfectly capturing the essence of glamour and opulence.
9. Modern Wedding
A modern wedding theme often features clean lines, minimalist decor and contemporary styling in a sleek, sophisticated setting. To decorate your wedding tables in a modern style, consider using clear or frosted glass tabletops with metal frames for a clean and streamlined look. You can also incorporate geometric shapes in your centrepieces or table numbers, adding a contemporary and artistic touch. Lastly, monochromatic floral arrangements featuring clean lines and minimalist blooms like calla lilies or orchids can add a sleek and modern vibe to your table decor.
Now that you’ve got the hang of table styling based on your chosen theme let’s move on to the next tip:
How to Style Your Wedding Table Like a Pro
Transform your wedding tables with these simple, expert tips:
Have a Clear Vision: Start with a clear theme and colour scheme. This guides your decor choices, ensuring a cohesive look.
Add Layers for Interest: Begin with a tablecloth or runner, then layer on chargers, placemats, and dishes. Mix textures and incorporate elements like greenery or flowers for depth.
Play with Heights: Use centrepieces of varying heights, like tall vases or candelabras, to add drama. Elevated table numbers or tall candlesticks also contribute to the dimension.
Keep Things Practical: Ensure enough space for comfortable dining and avoid over-cluttering. Choose decor that can be easily moved for activities like dancing.
Simplicity is Key: Embrace a less-is-more approach. Opt for simple, elegant decor that complements the celebration without overwhelming it.
