As a bride, you may feel overwhelmed by the never-ending list of choices you have to make. When it comes to setting your reception tables, not all place settings are created equal.
Do you have vivid memories of being told NOT to put your elbows on the table? Like Julia Roberts’ character Vivian in Pretty Woman, have you been completely overwhelmed with silverware options at a fancy restaurant? You may have heard: “work your way from the outside to the inside,” but don’t know what it means.
Here’s a primer for you on the top 5 questions to ask yourself when planning the table settings for your wedding reception:
1. How formal will my wedding be?
It is essential to gauge your table settings based on the formality of your event. If yours will be a formal wedding down to every last detail, then make sure your place settings follow suit. But, if you are having a backyard barbeque, informally rolling the silverware in napkins and placing them on the table or at the buffet may work well.
2. How much space will I have on each table?
Think about the size of your table, the size of your centerpieces, and anything else you will have on the tables, such as place cards, bread, butter, salt, pepper and/or cameras. That gorgeous table you envision can easily go from classy to cluttered and cramped for your guests.
3. How many courses will be served?
Review each course and decide whether you want guests to keep their silverware or have a new utensil for each plate. The wait staff can pass utensils out if you are having a plated event. The options are limitless, but remember: think about the amount of space you have to work with and keep your table clutter-free.
4. Where will the plates go?
If you have a plated meal or a buffet, there will not be a plate on the table. One great way to make a place setting look balanced is to put a large, decorative charger plate on the table that complements your theme. A new, less expensive trend is using a doily as a placeholder, a place card, or a personalized decoration. Just remember, where will the plate go if your favor is in that same spot? Make sure guests have a place to put the favor, to avoid over-crowding the table.
5. How do I want to serve dessert?
Will the dessert silverware be set on the table before your wedding begins or passed out with the dish? Keep in mind that caterers are trained to clear what is not used as the night goes on. If you are having a plated dessert, a great option is to put the utensil on the plate as it is being passed out. If people are left to use what may or may not be left on the table, they might be disappointed to be without a fork for that delicious cake.
You have so many details to decide for your wedding, and it’s important to think about how the night will go for your guests. No one likes not having enough space for their champagne glass or staring at mouth-watering cake only to find they have no fork. Your guests will enjoy themselves even more (and appreciate you!) if your place settings are well-organized.
To get your creative juices flowing, visit our Pinterest board for table designs we love.
