From the Professionals: Styling Your Guest Tables

Styling your guest tables is one of the really fun and creative parts of wedding planning, and a great opportunity to get your families involved with making or collecting items for you. We caught up with florist and stylist Fi from Corky and Prince for her ideas on creating table setting that will get your guests talking.

Says Fi:

By the time your guests sit down for the wedding reception, the formalities will be over and everyone will be in a celebratory mood so treat them to a thoughtfully designed table setting that tells everyone what’s important to you and keeps the party going.

Table Names

I’d avoid using numbers for tables as it implies a priority order. Instead, choose a theme for your table names and have fun with your fiancé coming up with the titles - it could be anything from special places, favourite song titles or varieties of tea. If you have an artist in the family, then dispense with words all together and go for pictures instead like these cute woodland animals. 

Photographer credit: Tanli Joy Photography

Photographer credit: Siobhan Beales Photography

Photographer credit: Wright Wedding Photography

Centrepieces

Most couples opt for a floral table centre and choose either a low design or one raised above your guests eyeline so the display doesn’t get in the way of conversation. Do let your florist know what style of food you’re having as sharing platters require lots of table space. Flowers aren't the only option - candles could work well too if your venue allows them. For this baroque inspired white, black and gold wedding, we used vintage candelabras for the centrepieces. 

Photographer credit: Siobhan Beales Photography

Photographer credit: Eve Dunlop

Photographer credit: Tanli Joy Photography

Tableware and Linen

If the dining experience is a priority for your wedding, then choosing coloured tablecloths and napkins adds a luxury touch. For an intimate wedding dinner, we paired grey linen runners with vintage glassware and cutlery. Tableware can be informal too - I just love these enamel plates with a tea-towel style napkin and hessian runner for a barn or marquee wedding. 

Photographer credit: Mary Parker Weddings

Photographer credit: Siobhan Beales Photography

Accessories

There are loads of online shops offering table confetti and fun accessories - my favourites are Ginger Ray and Daisy Daisy Special Days but set yourself a limit as its easy to get carried way. For a more whimsical look, get the girls around and have a go at macrame, pom-pom making or decorating jam jars. 

Photographer credit:  Lush Imaging

Chairs 

Decor suppliers such as Fabulous Functions UK or Niche Events have chair sashes in loads of different colours and fabrics. For a festive style wedding at Oxleaze Barn, the bride made these cool ribbon chair-backs that worked brilliantly with the paper lanterns and bright floral chandeliers. 

Favours

This tradition has changed over the years and is by no means an essential if your budget is under pressure. If you do opt for a favour then the advice from the pros is simple - choose something that you can Eat, Drink or Treasure. A stamped iced biscuit, a mini bottle of your Dad’s sloe gin, a potted succulent, a packet of wildflower seeds or a beautiful brass photo frame are just some ideas. 

Photographer credit:  Siobhan Beales Photography

Photographer credit:  Siobhan Beales Photography

Children 

If you’re planning on having little people to your wedding, then keep them happy with activity packs or colouring pads on the table. Their parents will thank you!

One last thing...setting up tables on the morning of your wedding is NOT a task for the bride or groom. You want to be chilling with your besties - so be ruthless and delegate to your cousins, aunties or wedding planner/coordinator.

Happy styling.

***

This advice is absolutely wonderful, thank you Fi for your top tips and ideas - they're so inspirational!  Here at Whitewed, the devil really is in the detail - and not just in the planning - all these beautiful, personal details and touches will make you so proud of your wedding 'look', and you'll cherish these visual memories alongside the big moments! 

For more about Corky & Prince Wedding & Event Flowers, we urge you to check out their directory page to view their decor hire and venue styling services!  Thanks for all the advice Fi, it's absolutely invaluable!

Happy planning!

From Team Whitewed