Photographer | Rachel Solomon
The tablescape contains a lot of pieces; it is the perfect place to get creative and insert your personality! The tablescape is comprised of two main components, the place setting and the centerpiece, and can be as simple or complex as desired. Keep reading as we breakdown the components and share some tips to make your tablescape stand out.
THE PLACE SETTING
The first of the two components of the tablescape is the place setting. There is a place setting for every person, typically between eight to ten per table, depending on venue space and guest count. The place setting contains several main elements: dinner and salad plates, flatware, napkin, and glassware. Plus a few common optional elements: the charger, menu, and name card. Every wedding is different, and all elements are subject to the bride’s personal choices, as well as the type of meal that will occur. For a buffet-style dinner, there is no need to provide menus, but a plated dinner will require meal indicators for each guest. Of course, there will be exceptions. For example, if dinner is served by a food truck, there may be a very minimal setting, just a napkin and water glass. This is a great place to start but by no means an unbreakable rule.
THE CENTERPIECE
The second component of the tablescape is the centerpiece; this dresses up the table and will remain long after dinner is complete. The centerpiece is highly variable but generally encompasses a decor piece and the table number. Most commonly, it will be a combination of candles and florals, but the sky is the limit! The centerpiece is strongly influenced by the theme of the wedding and the table shapes. Round tables are great for voluminous bouquets, but rectangular tables are perfect for gauzy runners or a garland of greenery. Add in candles of your choice, votives, pillars, or tapers are all gorgeous, and voilà! Pro tip: for outdoor weddings, guard against the wind with electric candles or hurricane glasses to keep the ambiance going all night.
An honorable mention in this area is chair style and table linen selections. While not technically part of the place setting or centerpiece, the linens and chairs can also be utilized in crafting the overall style.
Photographer | Tyler Rye
5 TIPS TO ELEVATE
Color Cohesion
Use your color palette and select an accent color to add to the tablescape. Adding colorful napkins, candles, or florals will create dimension on the tables.
Napkin Fold
Did you know there are a million ways to fold a napkin? Adding in some texture will create more visual interest. If menus are on the table, many pocket folds will keep them secure. Check with your caterer to see what fun options they offer!
Upgrade Flatware & Plates
Silverware with white plates is classic, but there are so many more options! For a modern look, choose sleek gold flatware and matte black plates. For a rustic vibe, choose a wooden charger with vintage-style silverware. Check out Pinterest for neverending inspiration for every theme.
Varied Centerpieces
Psst! This is a great way to save a little on florals! Choose a few different centerpieces to evenly distribute throughout the tables. For example, alternate between a large bouquet, a cluster of bud vases with votive candles, and tall pillar candles surrounded by greenery. There are so many beautiful options!
Chair Style
Upgrading the chair style from the basic folding chair is a great way to change the overall look of the tables. If your venue doesn’t offer multiple options, there are many rental companies offering cross back, acrylic, cane back, or chivari chair styles, to name a few.
Use the tablescape as an area to have fun with your theme and wow your guests. There are so many ways to elevate the look and make it uniquely your own. For more inspiration, check out the Riding Tandem Pinterest page or our Galleries to get inspired by our lovely past brides! We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
