X

50 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Reception Tables

Décor has the power to set the tone for your entire wedding, but centerpieces are just one part of the equation. Linens (or lack thereof), colored glassware, plates, candles, and other personal touches all work together to create a harmonious tabletop design. Mix different heights, layer various textures, and include fun details that speak to your personality — the options are virtually endless. Here are a few show-stopping examples to help get your creative juices flowing.

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow
  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Make a statement (without blowing your budget!) by using patterned table runners and napkins.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Candles in varying heights add drama and romance to a trio of monochromatic centerpieces.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Do you have your heart set on tall centerpieces? We love the twinkling effect of these cascading arrangements, enhanced with a floral base at the bottom.

    Photo Credit: Samuel Luna Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Baby's breath takes on a regal and impressive appearance when grouped together en masse atop crystal pedestals.

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    With centerpieces this bold and colorful, it's best to keep the rest of your décor as simple and clean as possible.

    Photo Credit: Del Sol Photography / Event Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Fit for a princess — low centerpieces in varying shades of pink are pretty without being saccharine.

    Photo Credit: Elizabeth Medina Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    It's no secret that you'll get more bang for your buck with in-season blooms, and sunflowers are synonymous with a summery affair. Wooden coasters and blue accent décor add another layer of dimension.

    Photo Credits: CTG Photography

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Spray-paint antique lanterns for a glamorous yet affordable look.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    A springtime wedding calls for a lush tablescape — bird cages adorned with greenery and flowers will do the trick. 

    Photo courtesy of Eventos Euforia / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Ruffled chair covers take this exquisite tent setup to the next level (limit them to your sweetheart table and bridal party table to cut costs).

    Photo Credit: Elizabeth Medina Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    This neutral color palette is anything but boring, thanks to loads of greenery and rustic table runners.

    Photo courtesy of Eventos Euforia / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Transform your venue into an enchanted garden with branch centerpieces featuring twinkling votives and a floral-covered base. Champagne-hued tablecloths complete this magical look.

    Photo Credit: Zasil Studio / Event Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Display folded napkins prominently to add a regal flourish to your tables.

    Photo Credit: Lucidum Photography/Vincent Guihard / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    This reception décor has a vintage-inspired vibe, thanks to a lace table runner and scattered petals.

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography / Event Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Highlight three different hues from your color palette for a bright and cheery tablescape befitting a seaside bash.

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Raffia chargers and wooden napkin rings fit the laid-back style of this outdoor wedding.

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Select colorful goblets and coordinating pillar candles for a rich and dynamic ambiance.

    Photo Credit: Melissa Mercado Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Eventos Euforia

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Bring your winter wonderland vision to life with silver linens and bedazzled wine bottles topped with adorable snowflake table numbers.

    Photo Credits: JDHowell Photography

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    This English countryside-inspired look with moss-covered arrangements and vintage china calls to mind Downton Abbey.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    The pop of blue in the napkins and table numbers lends a fresh feel to this reception space. Plus, how gorgeous are those ghostwood branch centerpieces?

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Throwing a backyard wedding? Keep the focus on the beauty of the natural scenery with wildflower arrangements and a couple of candelabras.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Simply stunning! Mix and match your table shapes, and use alternating centerpieces for each.

    Photo Credits: Front Room

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Choose an accent color to tie all of your different decorative elements together — in this photo, it's gold — and create a luxe look for less.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    For a casual yet charming wedding style, incorporate a plank table runner, decorative votives, and calligraphed place cards.

    Photo Credits: JoPhoto

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Lace, burlap, and craft pearl accents make this shabby-chic centerpiece a standout.

    Photo Credit: Shakar Photography

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    For a rustic yet elegant look, forgo traditional linens and use greenery or garlands to line your tables instead.

    Photo Credit: Phase4Photography

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Model your reception menu design after your gorgeous invitation, like this couple did.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Sequined table runners are trending, and we love the way this bride juxtaposed hers with dreamy pastels.

    Photo Credit: Stephanie Brazzle / Event Design: Meggie Francisco Events / Floral Designer: Treasured Blossoms Flower Market / Linens and Coverings: BBJ Linens

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Add a bold pop of color using bow-tied napkins.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    We spotted this two-tier setup at an industrial-chic loft wedding, and we've been smitten ever since.

    Photo Credit: Chameleon Imagery

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Hibiscus-inspired menu cards take center stage in a tropical destination affair.

    Photo Credit: Relate Studios

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    For a creative twist on a traditional menu card, print your courses on a bag containing a baguette.

    Photo Credit: Jacqui Cole Photography / Event Design and Coordination: Tracie Domino Events

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Set an ultra-romantic tone with three different forms of lighting.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Mirrored glass vases are dazzling from every angle.

    Photo Credit: Duke Photography

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Bring the outdoors in with charming topiary centerpieces and a garland-draped ceiling.

    Photo Credit: Aaron Delesie

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Whimsical hot air balloon centerpieces took this wedding décor to new heights!

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    We wish we would have scored an invite to this fun Disneyland Hotel wedding featuring Mickey Mouse ears hats for each guest.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    The bride made these tree centerpieces for her botanical garden wedding with the help of her mom. In keeping with the motif, she chose napkin rings resembling a tangled root pattern.

    Photo Credits: B. Jones Photography

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Bookworms will appreciate this adorable stacked centerpiece/Scrabble table number combo.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    A country-themed wedding featured these vibrant paisley table runners, and napkins wrapped with a cowbell.

    Photo Credits: Kate Holstein

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    A box of seasonal fruit gives your guests a sweet pre-dinner treat.

    Photo courtesy of Kelly Oshiro Design

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    From the variety of gourds to the scattered leaves and dark tablecloth, this tablescape is perfect for autumnal nuptials.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Pair crystal accents with patterned silver china for a sophisticated take on bling.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    This tablescape incorporates a vintage frame in such a fresh and unexpected way.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Citrus hues such as raspberry and orange are great for couples looking for out-of-the-box decorations for their big day.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Jeweled napkin holders add a luxe touch to a ballroom reception.

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Grouping each flower type separately and using smaller vases of varying heights will give your tables the look of an abundant garden.

    Photo Credit: Jen Kroll Photography / Event Design: A Day In May Events

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    As a fun homage to the groom's horseback riding pastime, this couple included horseshoes and miniature figurines in their ranch wedding tablescape.

    Photo Credit: Tana Photography / Planning & Design: Soiree Weddings & Events / Submitted by IDoWED McCall

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    Set the stage for a cozy wintry wedding with branches and pinecone place settings.

    Photo Credit: Lis Photography / Floral Design: Creative Muse Floral Design and Just Weddings

  • Wedding Tablescape

    Wedding Tablescape

    We spotted this modern take on red roses at a chic city wedding.

    Photo Credit: Fred Marcus Studio / Floral Design: Tantawan Bloom

50 Gorgeous Ways to Dress Up Your Reception Tables

X
X

50 Ingenious Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

It’s all about the details as you plan your wedding celebration. Whether your style is conventional or offbeat, formal or rustic casual, a bit of creativity and whimsy makes the festivities your own. Even the most traditional bride can add a surprising twist or two, whether inspired décor or unexpected entertainment, fun favors, or innovative cuisine. You may find that one — or more! — of these 50 ingenious ideas is just the inspiration you need for a reception that leaves your guests saying, “I wish I’d thought of that!”

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Unique Entertainment

    Unique Entertainment

    Get the party started! Hire a flash mob for a once-in-a lifetime event.

  • Unique Entertainment

    Unique Entertainment

    Fun and games keep the celebration lighthearted. Keep the crowd entertained with a game of wedding speech bingo.

    Photo courtesy of Chubby Sparrow/Etsy

  • Unique Entertainment

    Unique Entertainment

    You’ll be sure to get everyone out on the dance floor when you play their favorite tunes. Include these printable song request cards with your RSVP cards.

    Photo courtesy of Charming Endeavours/Etsy

  • Unique Entertainment

    Unique Entertainment

    Surprise your wedding guests with an unforgettable performance by your singing waiters. They’ll be talking about it for years to come!

    Photo Credit: Alan Mooney via Singers for Hire

  • Creative Favors

    Creative Favors

    Welcome your friends and family to town with a clever gift box that salutes your home state. Customized designs in a variety of colors and sizes are available.

    Photo courtesy of Ever After NY/Etsy

  • Creative Favors

    Creative Favors

    An ideal keepsake for your nautical theme or beach wedding: Personalized crab mallets accompanied by Old Bay crab seasoning.

    Photo courtesy of Apropos Roasters/Etsy

  • Creative Favors

    Creative Favors

    Spice things up with a wedding favor that will definitely be put to good use. Gourmet spices are customized with your smiling faces.

    Photo courtesy of Spicy Wedding/Etsy

  • Creative Favors

    Creative Favors

    Because they’ll want to sleep in tomorrow… welcome your guests with a fun gift bag that includes a witty door hanger.

  • Creative Favors

    Creative Favors

    Create your own custom bride and groom cookies for a one-of-a kind wedding favor.

    Photo courtesy of Parker's Crazy Cookies

  • Imaginative Table Settings

    Imaginative Table Settings

    Set your table with a sweet souvenir of your wedding dinner — your menu custom crafted in milk or dark chocolate.

    Photo courtesy of Delysia Chocolates

  • Imaginative Table Settings

    Imaginative Table Settings

    Keep your littlest guests entertained with kid-friendly extras, like curly straws and play foam. This delightful children’s table features blooming flower lollipops and a fun-filled globe ornament with silly bands and glow-in-the-dark balloons. “Chargers” drawn on craft paper leave plenty of space for artwork.

    Photo Credit: A Bryan Photo via Calder Clark

  • Imaginative Table Settings

    Imaginative Table Settings

    Custom hand-painted maracas combine a unique place setting with a fun favor. Opt for an elegant gold and white hibiscus design, or change it up with bright fiesta colors. Shake ‘em for a kiss!

    Photo courtesy of Vintage Baby Doll/Etsy

  • Imaginative Table Settings

    Imaginative Table Settings

    Delight your wedding guests with playful party crackers, filled with a paper mustache or crown and vintage toys.

  • Clever Drinks

    Clever Drinks

    What happens at the reception stays at the reception? Well, not likely! Downloadable signage adds some humor to your open bar. 

    Photo courtesy of Sunny Notes/Etsy

  • Clever Drinks

    Clever Drinks

    You tied the knot, now take a shot! This replica vintage shot ski is a fun party activity, great for a winter wedding. 

    Photo courtesy of Shot Ski Shop/Etsy

  • Clever Drinks

    Clever Drinks

    Something borrowed, something brewed. Personalize your craft beer selections with printable labels.

    Photo courtesy of Make the Best Crafts/Etsy

  • Clever Drinks

    Clever Drinks

    Be inspired by this DIY bar setup, a creative addition to your outdoor rustic wedding.

  • Clever Drinks

    Clever Drinks

    Serve your favorite cocktails in an extraordinary sculptured ice luge. Professional ice sculptor Don Chapelle carves amazing drink luges, fountains, and even ice bars.

    Photo courtesy of Brilliant Ice Sculpture

  • Inspired Fare

    Inspired Fare

    Add a touch of elegance to your wedding dinner with hand-carved sorbet dishes by the ice artists at Creative Ice.

    Photo courtesy of Creative Ice

  • Clever Drinks

    Clever Drinks

    Wonderful for winter festivities, warm up your guests with a hot chocolate bar. Free printable labels provide a beautiful rustic presentation.

    Photo courtesy of Mountain Modern Life

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    Colorful pinwheels add a touch of whimsy to your escort cards or table décor. Order custom made or opt for a DIY kit. 

    Photo courtesy of Rule 42/Etsy

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    This lace doily piñata can also be created in your custom colors. It’s a sweet decoration that can double as a guest book: your guests add their wedding wishes, to be opened and enjoyed on your first anniversary.

    Photo courtesy of Nature Curios/Etsy

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    Transform your reception site with impressive textured lighting, available in patterns to match your theme.

    Photo Credit: Jorge Lopez via J&M Entertainment

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    Lead your wedding guests to the festivities with a sparkling sequin floor sign. The sequined fabric shapes are cut to order and are available in a variety of shapes and colors. How about a glittery rose gold heart for your venue?

    Photo courtesy of Sparkle Pony Shop/Etsy

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    Add a bit of romance to the fiesta with charming tissue paper banners. Your personalized flags complement the hand-cut lovebirds and other traditional designs.

    Photo courtesy of Vintage Baby Doll/Etsy

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    The traditional Japanese gift of 1000 paper cranes bestows one thousand years of happiness upon the wedding couple. Order a few strands or a full thousand for a lovely reception backdrop.

    Photo courtesy of Shining Crane Studio/Etsy

  • Unforgettable Décor

    Unforgettable Décor

    These gorgeous orchid-filled paper parasols are an inspired take on trendy hanging floral arrangements. 

    Photo courtesy of Rose Petals Vail

  • Inspired Fare

    Inspired Fare

    Whose favorite dishes will you choose for your reception buffet? No compromise necessary with this creative idea for a selection that features the bride and groom’s best-loved dishes. 

  • Inspired Fare

    Inspired Fare

    Add a bit of rustic style to your table. This simple but elegant cheese wheel display is a unique take on a wedding cake.

  • Inspired Fare

    Inspired Fare

    Why limit yourself to just one fabulous wedding cake? Setting out a variety of layer cakes has a homespun feel, and there will surely be something for everyone.

    Photo courtesy of McCardell Photography

  • Inspired Fare

    Inspired Fare

    Treat your guests to a yummy buffet of flavored gourmet popcorn, with unique flavors such as sea salt caramel and piña colada.

    Photo courtesy of ConvoArtsCrafts/Etsy

  • Inspired Fare

    Inspired Fare

    Bring out the fun-loving kid in your wedding guests with a visit from an ice cream truck. The grown-ups will enjoy the alcohol-infused frozen treats in awesome flavors like Whisky Bean and Mudslide.

    Photo Credit: Erin Mullins via Tipsy Cones

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Chill in the air? Keep your outdoor reception guests warm and cozy by setting out throws or pashminas in your wedding colors.

    Photo courtesy of Country Bliss Designs

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Don’t forget the small details that make your reception special. Your family and friends will appreciate a convenient charging station.

    Photo Credit: Capture Photography

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Opting for a donut cake? Make it even more unique with an adorable customized donut bride and groom. 

    Photo courtesy of Sam's Sweet Art

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Watch the guys go for it when the groom lets fly with this clever twist on the traditional garter toss.

    Photo courtesy of JB Conaway/Etsy

  • Memorable Sendoffs

    Memorable Sendoffs

    Light up the night sky with Chinese sky lanterns. These are eco-friendly, as they are completely biodegradable.

  • Memorable Sendoffs

    Memorable Sendoffs

    Make a grand exit to the glow of LED balloons. 

  • Memorable Sendoffs

    Memorable Sendoffs

    What a fun idea for your travel theme or destination wedding: tiny wedding sendoff paper airplanes.

    Photo courtesy of Love Takes Flight/Etsy

  • Preserve the Celebration

    Preserve the Celebration

    Each of these time capsule cards designates a future anniversary. Place a card at each reception table and revel in your guests’ good wishes for years to come.

    Photo courtesy of Paper Notions/Etsy

  • Preserve the Celebration

    Preserve the Celebration

    Upgrade your photo booth with a fun slow motion video booth.

    Photo courtesy of The Slow Motion Booth

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    Cracker Jack boxes are a truly novel wedding treat. Fill these custom boxes with caramel corn or other snacks.

    Photo courtesy of 6 Elms Designs/Etsy

  • Fun Extras

    Fun Extras

    A rustic kissing bell is a charming addition to your country wedding reception.

  • Preserve the Celebration

    Preserve the Celebration

    This unique guest book will make a beautiful keepsake for your future home. Your guests each add a thumbprint “leaf” and signature to your wedding tree.

    Photo courtesy of Signature Moments

  • Memorable Sendoffs

    Memorable Sendoffs

    Pretty ribbon wands, complete with bells, are a sweet sendoff alternative to confetti.

  • Memorable Sendoffs

    Memorable Sendoffs

    Exit to a shower of twinkling pompoms. The metallic poms can also be used to add sparkle to your table décor.

    Photo courtesy of Extravagant Exits/Etsy

  • Memorable Sendoffs

    Memorable Sendoffs

    The force is with you! For a very cool take on glow sticks, arm the crowd with glowing light sabers.

    Photo courtesy of Janet Howard Studio

  • Preserve the Celebration

    Preserve the Celebration

    A lovely Dutch tradition has guests write their wishes for the happy couple to hang on the wishing tree.

    Photo courtesy of Paper Pixies/Etsy

  • Preserve the Celebration

    Preserve the Celebration

    They’re not just for extreme sports anymore! Attach a GoPro videocam to your drink of choice for a unique perspective on your celebration. 

    Photo Credit: Everly Studios

  • Preserve the Celebration

    Preserve the Celebration

    Capture your celebration with an on-site artist. What an extraordinary memento of a beautiful day!

    Photo Credit: The Schultzes via Wed on Canvas

50 Ingenious Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

X

Pages

Subscribe to BridalGuide RSS