Tablescape

There are just so many ways to dress up a table these days! Little additions really can make your table stand out from the normal white tablecloth & white plate scenario. Often times brides that have their receptions in large rooms feel like they need to have really tall and large centerpieces. Believe me it's easy to see such a large room and get overwhelmed, but this is just not the case! Keep in mind that really large impressive floral arrangements are usually very expensive even if you stay with in season flowers. Here are some other great ways to dress the table up and add some beautiful details to your reception.

1. tablecloths, hello color! They are super easy to rent and with some shopping around can be rented for a decent price.

2. charger plates, They are on the table when everyone walks into the room. They are such an easy way to add color and texture to your table.

3. napkins, Same as table cloths super easy to rent and such a pop of color. Adding a fresh flower or punchy fruit to each table setting on top of

or next to the napkin, amazing detail!

4. fruit, Different and can really add dimension to your table.

5. candles, You can get a bunch of votives for super cheap and they really can add a glow to

your table. Just check with your venue about their regulations

6. containers, What you put your flowers in can really make the difference. Clear glass or crystal containers aren't going to add much to your table (although they look really modern and crisp). Try to use a metal or color container really will add so much to the flowers.

Keep in mind you don't need to or even want to use all of these details, but adding a few of these to your table may really make an ehh table go to a wow table.

image credit style me pretty

This table used a few of the elements I mentioned, Colorful tablecloth, a different charger plate, and a beautiful flower on each napkin. The unique centerpiece helps make the table something special

image credit julesandalbie.com via smp

This table has both a fun table cloth, great floral containers, and votives. The best part is there are really no crazy arrangement of flowers here(i.e no crazy expensive centerpieces). This is also something very DIY friendly.

image credit martha stewart weddings

Great tablecloth, apples, fun votive containers and very simple floral arrangements. The table looks done, but doesn't need to have some elaborate floral arrangement.

image credit style me pretty

This is a great spin on the typical white on white. Alternating between table runners and tablecloths really add dimension to the outdoor space and balance it nicely between formal dinner and rustic picnic. I really love the chairs.

This table uses the lemons to add some color, the individual flowers at each setting, and the containers of jam. (Tip: edible things like jam make great favors and if you stick a place card on their they make fantastic place card holders)

image credit elizabeth anne designs

Table Seating Tip

Not too long ago we shared with you our RSVP card numbering tip, but we know that is only half the battle. One of the not so fun things involved in wedding planning is the actual seating arragement. Who can keep up with who gets along with who, who dated who and who can't stand who's children. It can get quite overwhelming and the problem is, you can't really do much about all the RSVPS are in, leaving you with the challenge just weeks before the big day. Staying sane at this time is hard enough without having to tackle so we wanted to share a little advice to make the process a little smoother.

If you are lucky enough to have parents and/or in-laws to help tackle some of this with you, I would strongly suggest using them for this. They have the best up to date knowledge about all the family 411 that might make or break your guests night. We do of course want everyone to have a great time. Jt and I actually were blessed with having both our mothers arrange our family seating, leaving us only to place a few outlier guests and our own friends. This cut the insanity in half!

If you aren't that lucky, no fear. We are here to help. Start out by getting a large piece of paper or cardboard. Draw out the room with the number of tables and place large landmarks such as entrance, door, windows, dance floor and music so that you can get a general idea of how the lay out will be.

Once that is done, get sticky tabbed page markers or cut up post its into strips. Write each guests name a seperate strip and then start sticking them to tables. This allows you to move people around simply by un-sticking and re-sticking them to a new table without a lot of messy crossouts or missing guests (both of which are likely to happen when you do it via computer or paper). Once you have arranged every guest (via sticky post it) you can then make a hard copy list to give to your wedding venue, as well as keep for the writing of the place cards.

Some sites offer seating table arrangement charts via the internet, but they often don't exactly mimic the room and to me, were more confusing and difficult to visualize. It also makes it easy to lose some guests as you are deleting and re-entering them.

Don't forget there is also the option to opt out of seating arrangements all together. This allows guests to pick and choose who they want to share company with throughout the night and makes for a more casual affair. Many brides have begun to go this route and it seems to work just fine! I would beware of using this option when your wedding is big though as it can become overwhelming to guests.

For more questions on this time saving, easy method or other seating arrangement tips, email us!

(Image Credits Robert & Kathleen Photography & Sweet Monday Photography respectively via Stylemepretty.com)