Wedding Reception Table Decoration Ideas

Wedding planning is not just choosing a wedding venue, wedding gown and a tuxedo. Weddings require a great deal of planning, right from decorating the venue to the tables. Guests will be spending most of their time in the reception area, therefore it is very important to decorate the wedding reception accessories like wedding reception centerpiece, wedding reception tables, wedding reception menu, wedding reception cakes, etc. Let us take a look at the different ways of table decorations for wedding reception.

Wedding reception table decor should be matching the wedding theme. This festive occasion can be decorated in a simple yet elegant way, or an elaborate, decadent manner. The following wedding reception table decoration ideas will help you decorate tables that meet your expectations.

Types of Wedding Reception Tables

Tables are one of the most important piece of furniture in the wedding. They not only hold the food and other centerpiece decorations, but help create a vibrant mood and remain itched in the memories of one and all, forever. The atmosphere of a wedding reception can be created by decorating the tables in a beautiful and unique way. There are different types of tables used in a wedding depending on the wedding style.

• Head Table: This long table is used by the bride and groom, their families and bridal party.
• Sweetheart Table: This is a small table meant only for the bride and groom.
• Cake Table: This table is decorated to display the wedding cake.
• Buffet Table: Buffet style meals are served on this table and it is decorated accordingly.
• Guest Tables: These tables are decorated, depending on the number of guests that need to be accommodated.
• Signing Table: This table is used to keep a scrap book, where guests sign their wishes and names as a remembrance.
• DJ Table: The DJ requires a fairly large table to accommodate his musical instruments and equipments. Decorating the table appropriately will help this electronic gadgetry merge with the wedding theme.
• Gift Table: Bringing wedding gifts to the reception is against wedding etiquettes. But you should be prepared with one such table just in case, there are a few out-of-town guests, who have come to attend your wedding reception.

Table Decorations for Wedding Reception

Table Cloth Covers: White is the classic color of wedding table cloth. For adding an extra zing to your table covers, you can use colored cloths which are in combination to the dominating colors of the reception. You can add colorful runners, doilies, overlays, etc. to your table cloth. You can even coordinate the table cloth colors with the bridesmaid's dresses or the bride's bouquet. Napkins can have contrasting colors.

Table Shape and Arrangement: Shape of a table plays an important role in decorating the table. The round and oval shaped tables have a more elegant look. You can arrange the tables in a cluster, so that more people have a chance to mingle and a conversation is encouraged.

Light Effect: Use candles as centerpiece accents. Many manufacturers make candles specifically for wedding receptions. Use candles of different shapes and colors, to decorate and light up the tables. There are various choices in floating candles and candles on stand. You can even use mirrors at the base of the candle to reflect more light. Rope lights along the table edges help decorate the table. Drape the wires with ribbons or stain fabrics to conceal them, make the lights look even more decorative.

Centerpiece: Using floral wedding centerpieces is the most traditional way of wedding reception table décor. When using a rectangular table, many floral centerpieces may be used to decorate the table. On a round or oval table, place a single centerpiece at the center. Votive can be used to surround the centerpieces and make them look even more beautiful.

Picture Frames and Cookie Baskets: Instead of using the traditional flower centerpieces, you can decorate the wedding tables with picture frames, containing pictures of the groom and bride. It can be set to look like a trip down the memory lane. You can even use cookie baskets or candy baskets decorated creatively as centerpieces to adorn the tables.

Fruit Bowls and Fish Bowls: Another unique way to decorate the wedding reception table is using fruit bowls. Fill in the bowls with fruits that are cut in exotic shapes. You can even use goldfishes to decorate the table. Decorate the goldfish bowl with small bride and groom shapes. Spread tiny sea shells and stat fish shaped decorations on the table to create a beach look.

Accessories: Sprinkle the table with silver, gold confetti, etc. You can even scatter rose petals, hearts and stars on the tables. Using small or medium sized ice sculptures is also a great way yo decorate the table.

Season Themed Decorations: Tables can be decorated using seasonal themes, like fall and autumn decorating theme, where you can use warm color shades like deep shapes of red with contrast of yellow or red and gold, icons depicting fall like leaves, candles shaped like leaves, etc. You can even try the winter theme, using a combination of red and green color, holy leaves and ivy. Use decorations shaped like snow flakes to give it a more 'wintry' feel.

Table Setting: You can use china, cutlery and glasses to create a stunning table decoration. Place the cutlery and silverware in an elegant way. Use elaborately folded napkins and coordinate the colors with the china, tablecloth and the centerpieces. The chairs should be decorated with ribbons and covers that match the table covers.

You can imagine anything that is unique and make the wedding reception table decorations look stunning. The bride and groom should brainstorm and come up with different ways to decorate their wedding reception table decor. You should discuss all the details with your wedding planner and decide the decoration ideas according to your budget. With a lot of detailed wedding planning, you can create the perfect wedding reception venue, that can become the talk of the town. Tables are the backdrop of many important wedding traditions like the wedding speeches, wedding toasts, the cake cutting ceremony and displaying the creative wedding catering. Thus, creative wedding reception table decorations help make these joyous moments even more memorable.