Here are some of my favorite wedding place settings ideas. While I am not an event planner, as a wedding photographer, I love getting the details of the wedding reception and the beautiful centerpieces and place settings. Your place settings can range from simple wedding place settings to elegant wedding place settings and still have something that fits your tastes and style.
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Do you need place settings at a wedding?
While that may not be a question that needs to be asked, often when brides are on a budget and looking at every dollar spent, it is worth talking about. So, do you need place settings at a wedding? YES! Place settings are an important part of your wedding decorations and an extension of your wedding design. Why have an elegant wedding ceremony and cut back on the look of the reception?
A well decorated table at the wedding reception sets the tone for the reception. It creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests to settle in and enjoy a meal together. Whether it is a sit down dinner with a wait staff serving or a simple buffet style, wedding place settings still give and extra added touch to the event.
Who sets the tables at a wedding?
If you have a full service event planner, they are likely the ones setting the tables and decorating. Your Wedding Day Coordinator can also do this or assist. The full service planner usually has a florist on staff or they work with wedding florists to give you the look for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception that you desire. Depending on the wedding venue that you choose, they can also be responsible for taking care of your wedding place settings. Your caterer can sometimes take care of this also. When you book these vendors, make sure you know what they offer so you are not paying someone else for a service that is already provided.
Whoever you choose, you need to make sure that they are taking care of the place settings, gift table, place cards and any other decorations needed for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception.
Place setting inspiration
Depending on your overall look, your place settings for your wedding reception can vary but still should be a reflection of your personality. Here are some simple wedding place settings and some elegant wedding place settings ideas to give your some inspiration
Wedding place settings on a budget
Wedding place settings on a budget do not have to look cheap. Sometimes a simple look can still be best depending on the time of the wedding reception and type of meal being served.
Simple wedding place settings can work for any size wedding, but they especially work best for smaller weddings. Adding a lot of different decoration pieces can make a small space feel crowded. Keep things minimal and simple. Don’t hang any art or flowers from the ceiling and if you’re hanging things on the walls, go with one or two dramatic pieces over multiple smaller ones.
Smaller centerpieces are less overwhelming in a small space than larger ones. Choose these over tall arrangements to keep things feeling open. This also helps guests to be able to see the entire space of the room better, which also makes it feel bigger. Small arrangements can be just as lush and pretty as tall arrangements, so don’t worry about that. Smaller Centerpieces are usually less expensive, so that’s a good thing, too!
Here are a few examples of wedding place settings on a budget:
Using the same color from your wedding ceremony can work also and don’t forget the centerpeices!
Elegant wedding place settings ideas
So what is the difference between the wedding place settings on a budget and the elegant wedding place settings ideas? The elegant wedding place settings are more detailed and give a more “upscale” or luxury look which a lot of brides appreciate.
An elegant wedding focuses on the luxurious elements that bring it all together and make it feel like a five-star event. It’s all about extravagance and beauty, and often little consideration is given to the cost. The elegant theme is up there in the top 10 most popular wedding themes, among rustic, classic/traditional, romantic, garden/outdoors, vintage, contemporary and glamorous, beach, vineyard, and boho chic.
Elegant wedding tables are a recipe with a long list of ingredients. You’ll require a full set of chargers, plates, glasses, and flatware.
Here’s what’s required for a formal place setting. Consider it the “master list” of place setting options. Formal place settings include:
- A service plate, also called a charger
- A napkin, which rests on the charger
- A plate for butter and bread
- Flatware and cutlery for each course on the menu, placed outside-in on each side in the order they’ll be used
- Glasses for the beverages to be served, including water, red/ white wine glasses, and, if appropriate, glasses for Champagne and after-dinner drinks
If you don’t want to do all of this, you can play with these requirements to create a table setting that suits your style. You might get rid of unnecessary glasses and flatware and only set up spots with personalized placemats, chargers, and menu cards.
Table numbers add a nice touch to elegant wedding place settings ideas and help your guests know where they are seated when they respond to the RSVP:
You can get more wedding place settings ideas at my gallery Again, I am not an event planner, but with my years of experience as a wedding photographer, I can offer suggestions and even recommend wedding planners and wedding florists that can assist you.
When you are ready to book a wedding photographer, you can email me or fill out my contact form and I will respond quickly!