No matter how formal or informal your wedding reception is, there are some basic rules that should be followed for table settings. If you are having a more formal sit down dinner there are even more rules to follow. While most of us know the basics of setting a table it is nice to add some little extra touches to your wedding table.

If you are having a buffet you have the option of starting with your plates and/or utensils at the table or up at the buffet. Personally, I like the utensils and napkins at the table because it means fewer things to juggle while walking between the buffet and your seat. I also find it easier to manage when beverages are in a location separate from the buffet. Yes, this takes an additional trip but it also prevents more spills.

Wedding tablescapes often include centerpieces of some sort. Whether it is flowers, candles, photo frames or anything else-make sure there is enough room at the table for the dinnerware. Also make sure centerpieces don’t impede vision. Guests don’t want to have to look around a large floral display to talk to someone across the table!

At Aaron & Summer’s wedding we are having a buffet. The tables will be pre-set with everything except the beverage glasses which guests will be bringing with them from the Garden Party Hour. We have chosen to use paper dinner plates, dessert plates, napkin rings, dinner napkins and beverage napkins with cloth tablecloths and plastic utensils and salad bowls.

To mix up the look we are using turquoise square dinner plates, clear salad bowls, turquoise round dessert plates that will be available at the cake table, silver looking plastic forks and knives, turquoise and white polka dot napkin rings with white dinner napkins and turquoise beverage napkins.

It doesn’t matter if your guests are eating off of bone china or paper-you are going for a look or theme that fits with the rest of the wedding. Chances are, you wouldn’t eat barbecue on bone china or filet mignon  from a paper plate. Use the tablescape to extend your wedding theme through the reception space.

How have you seen a wedding’s theme carried into the tablescape? Did it work or was it too much?

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