When it comes to your wedding décor, the tables can really make it. And it’s a great opportunity to be creative. I have put together a helpful list of all the elements that make up a wedding table, including the tables themselves!
Most of what you will need will be available for hire either from your chosen venue or provided by your catering company. If, however, you are going with a dry hire venue, and serving something like street food, then you will need to provide some, or all, of the, following yourself.
Furniture
This is an important one! Make sure you check with your venue first and see what they can provide. Do you want round wedding tables or long ones? Whatever you decide, get the measurements! Are you going for something rustic, with wooden tables and picnic hampers? Or do you need linen? This opens further design choices as you can have the tablecloth a different colour to your napkins, adding more range from your chosen palette. If you’re going down this route, I advise contacting your supplier and giving them a rough number for the linen. You can confirm this with them once you have all your RSVPs back.
Charger Plates
Are they necessary? Well, it works well for décor, adds to the ambience, and gives your guests a bit more of a dining experience. But, with your guests in mind, it’s important to think about spacing, as chargers take up a lot more room! So, think about your table plan, then, if you do decide to go with chargers, check with your caterer and table supplier so that they can plan accordingly!
Side Plates
Side platers are mainly used for serving bread before or with a starter so, check with your caterer first as they may not be needed at al, although without a charger, these do make a place setting. If you have decided to have charger plates, you don’t generally need side plates, it can look odd depending on the charger and takes up even more room on your wedding tables.
Cutlery
Another pretty vital part of the table plan. Check with your caterer for what you’ll need by what you’re serving your guests. Cutlery comes in a wide range of colours so there is also the chance of adding those extra little details of décor if you so wish.
Plates
This is fully determined by your table and serving choices. If you’re serving a buffet these will generally be available at the buffet station or already on the tables, the same with sharing platters. If you are having a served meal, then the chef will plate your food and the waiting staff will serve it to you. If you want a particular style of plate, then you may need to hire them and if you decide to opt for chargers, then these sit on top. Discuss everything with your catering team, or your trusted wedding planner!
Glasses
Glasses come in all different styles, so you can match them to your décor. Traditionally you’ll need three – one for red wine, one for white and your champagne flute. One of your wine glasses will normally be a spare, and this is used for your water. Any of your guests using both for wine should be kept an eye on!
Stationery
Table names or numbers, you can really personalise these with your setting or theme. Name cards for your guests so they know where they are sitting when they reach their table (this is invaluable). Even personalised menus can be designed, which look nice on top of the napkin and add an extra layer to your guest’s dining experience. These could also be incorporated into the name card to save on printing costs.
Favours & Centre Pieces
A whole other discussion. For more information on favours, please check out my wedding favours blog and for centrepieces, you can see more in my various centre pieces blog.
Other
Extra decorations like candles are great for atmosphere, especially at an autumn or winter wedding. Trivia cards or a quiz on the bride and groom are a great way for guests to get to know each other and bring each table together.
The most important thing to bear in mind throughout all your decision-making is to please check with your caterers about what is actually going on the table! They can properly and practically advise you on table space and what can and can’t be done. With everyone in the know, there will be fewer surprises and far less stress!