The wedding table has two opposing requirements: it needs to be visible from the whole room and at the same time be low enough to talk across. The solution is to build height into the candles rather than the arrangements. Choose two colours for the whole room, let the candlesticks repeat across all tables, and buy roughly 10 per cent extra glasses and candlesticks.
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Most wedding tables go wrong in the same way: the decorations are too tall, so guests talk past each other, or they're so spread out that the room falls apart visually. Both things can be solved with a few decisions, and they need to be made before you buy anything.
Candles rather than tall arrangements
A row of candlesticks in varying heights down the centre of the table gives height and movement without blocking the view. It's the one decision that makes the biggest difference, and it's cheaper than flower arrangements.
Let the candlesticks repeat across all tables. It's the repetition that ties the room together — not each table being unique. If you want variation, keep the shape the same and let the colour vary within the same family.
Reckon on roughly one candlestick for every 30-40 cm of table centre. For a round table for eight, that typically means three to five candlesticks gathered in the middle rather than spread out.
Keep everything below eye level
Test it: sit down at the table before everything is bought. If you can see the person opposite without leaning, the height works. If not, the decorations need to come down.
If you want flowers with height, choose slim vases with few stems rather than wide bouquets. You can see past a single stem; you can't see past a bouquet.
Two colours for the whole room
Choose two colours and stick with them across all tables, in the napkins and in the glasses. This applies even if the room has several sections — it's the consistent colour that ties the day together in the photos afterwards.
Coloured, hand-blown glass is a simple way to bring colour in without buying decorations that can only be used once. The glasses stay at home afterwards.
Work out the quantities — and buy extra
Add roughly 10 per cent extra on glasses and candlesticks. Something always breaks during setup or clearing, and reordering isn't always possible, since many ranges come in small batches and aren't produced again.
If the glasses need to match all the way round, work out the quantity before you order. It's the detail people most often get caught out on when the guest list grows late.
Fresh or artificial flowers
Fresh flowers are the loveliest, but they need to be arranged on the day and don't cope well with the heat of a full room as evening draws in. Artificial stems can be arranged the day before, last all day and can be used again.
The solution most people end up being happiest with: artificial or dried stems as the basic structure, with a few fresh flowers added as an accent at the last moment.
Set the table the day before
If you can get to the venue the day before, do. Besides giving you peace of mind on the day, it's the best way to see whether the colours hold up in daylight — and whether there's actually room for plates once the decorations are in place.
Take a photo of a finished table. Then whoever's helping can copy it without having to ask, and all the tables end up looking the same.
The table afterwards
Unlike hired decorations, the candlesticks and glasses stay at home afterwards. Many couples use their table setting as their first shared dinnerware, and guests can buy the same pieces as a wedding gift.
It's worth mentioning on the wish list. That way the gifts match the table the day was celebrated at.
Frequently asked questions
How do you set a wedding table?
Build height with candlesticks rather than centrepieces, keep all decorations below a seated guest's eye level, and choose two colours for the whole room.
How tall can wedding table decorations be?
Lower than a seated guest's eye level, or slim enough that you can see past it. Sit down at the table and check before you buy.
How many candlesticks should there be per table?
Roughly one for every 30-40 cm of table centre. For a round table for eight, that typically means three to five together in the middle.
How much extra dinnerware should you buy?
Add around 10 per cent extra on glasses and candlesticks. Something always breaks, and topping up from a small series isn't always possible.
Can you use artificial flowers for a wedding?
Yes. They can be arranged the day before and cope better with the heat of a full room than fresh flowers. Many combine artificial stems with a few fresh ones as an accent.
When should the wedding table be set?
The day before, if the venue allows it. That gives you peace of mind on the day and the chance to see the colours in daylight.
Summary
The wedding table needs to be visible from the whole room while still being low enough to talk over, and the solution is height in the lighting rather than in the centrepieces. Choose two colours for the whole room, repeat the candlesticks across all tables, and keep all decorations below a seated guest's eye level. Work out the quantities before you order and add 10 per cent extra on glasses and candlesticks. Set the table the day before, take a photo of the finished table, and remember that the candlesticks and glasses stay at home afterwards.
Read also
- Wedding gifts: Unique wedding gifts they'll remember
- How many candlesticks should there be on the dining table?
- How do you fold napkins?
- Table setting: Here's how to set a beautiful table
- Table decorations: how to build the centre of your table
- New Year's table: how to set the table for New Year
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