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Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

November 10, 2023 | kailey

When planning your wedding, it’s easy to get lost in all the fun details. It can be tempting to dive into dress shopping or fine-tuning your floral arrangements right away. However, it’s important not to overlook the must-haves, such as reception table ideas and chairs. While these might not be the most exciting details to sort out, they significantly impact your design and the overall ambiance of your wedding. 

Selecting tables might seem straightforward, but each unique style comes with its own advantages and disadvantages—which is why we’re putting them all on the table. Whether you’re considering long banquet-style tables or serpentine setups, it’s essential to research your options to find the perfect setting for your wedding style and guest count. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your one-of-a-kind day. 

Round Tables 

Circular tables are a popular choice, and it’s no surprise why. They’re classic and make a timeless addition to just about any wedding reception space. Not only do they make for a stunning decor element, but they also promote conversation. Round tables make it easy for guests to chat with those at their table. Plus– as a crowd favorite–rentals for both tables and linens are easy to hunt down. 

While they are a beautiful choice, they’re not fit for every wedding style and venue. Round tables typically sit between 6-10 people per table. If you have a large guest list, this might not be right for you. For example, if you’re having 200 guests with round tables that seat 10, you would need 20 reception tables. That’s not only expensive but also difficult to fit into some spaces. 

Image by Adrian Steinbach.

Square Tables 

If you’re looking for ways to add a unique flair to your reception, square tables might be for you. While they aren’t one of the most popular choices, they sure are a stunning one. They create a cozy atmosphere, have ample room for lush centerpieces, and can easily be configured to optimize your reception space. 

Depending on the size of your tables, each can fit 4-8 guests comfortably. Perfect for smaller events, this option gives your wedding a more intimate feel—your guests are able to mingle more with others at their table. While this is a perk, keep in mind there are some downfalls of choosing this table style. 

Because they are quickly gaining popularity, it’s can be difficult to find rentals for both square tables and linens. Plus, square tables have a lot of empty, unusable space (corners) that’ll take up room in your venue. So, if you’re working with a small reception space and a large guestlist, square tables wouldn’t be your first choice. 

Image by Franzi Annika. See more of this real wedding here.

Wedding Reception Table Ideas: Rectangle Tables 

Another classic option is rectangular tables. This is a popular choice that can be incorporated into any wedding regardless of the style or theme. They are ideal for celebrations with a large guest list, family or buffet-style catering, or for those envisioning long garland centerpieces. Reception tables are also an easy way to add symmetry to your decor. 

Though this table shape offers ample elbow room for both guests and decor, it also restricts conversation. Having guests spread out during meals limits them to only speaking to those in close proximity to them. Keep this in mind when determining your seating arrangements. 

Long Banquet Tables 

Maybe the thought of separating your wedding guests into groups and creating a seating chart is overwhelming. Maybe you’re just dreaming of all your favorite people being seated together at one table. Whichever it may be, a long banquet table is the solution for smaller celebrations. This is especially true for those hosting an outdoor celebration with unlimited space.  

Long banquet-style tables are an exaggerated version of traditional rectangle setups. Picture one long table stretching the length of your reception space with your table settings and centerpieces perfectly aligned. But keep in mind that these aren’t always the most functional of options. If you have one long table in the middle of your reception space, it can be difficult for guests to move around. They’ll have to walk around the entire table to reach the bathroom, the reception bar, or even the dance floor. 

Image by Alex Mabrey.

Serpentine Tables

You want something different. Your goal for your wedding day is to make a statement, and your reception tables can help you do just that. Instead of sticking with the classic circle or rectangle tables, go for serpentine tables. By piecing together curved tables, you can create a long, winding banquet-style setup. 

It’s no surprise that this isn’t the easiest table option to execute. But with the right vendors by your side and a whole lot of preparation, it’ll pay off in the end. 

King’s Table 

If you’re wanting to feel like true royalty on your big day, consider incorporating a king’s table into your reception space. This is one small rectangular table that seats the couple, their parents, and usually important wedding party members. The catch is that all members are lined up on the same side of the table. 

Sure, this is an elegant–and, for some– less isolating version of a sweetheart table. But it’s not a very intimate option. With all guests sitting on the same side, it limits the amount of conversations that can be had with those sitting at a king’s table. 

wedding reception table ideas

Image by Courtney Marie Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Sweetheart Table 

We are constantly reminding couples to schedule alone time on their wedding day timeline. This is the perfect way to do just that. A sweetheart table is a smaller, often more elaborate dining setup designed for the bride and groom to enjoy some quiet time during dinner. It allows them to savor those precious moments together before hitting the dance floor and celebrating surrounded by loved ones. 

Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

If you thought that your table choices wouldn’t have much of an effect on your wedding, think again. The size and shape of your tables play a large role in both the design and overall feel of your big day. Before you settle on one option, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Keep your venue size and number of guests in mind when deciding on a table shape 
  • Be mindful of the wedding style and vibe you’re trying to create—is it cozy and intimate or large and luxurious?
  • Select tables that can comfortably fit your desired centerpieces. 
  • Revisit your budget before picking your tables. Certain shapes and sizes might be more expensive than others. You’ll want to do a little research on rentals and linen prices before deciding. 
  • You can mix and match different table shapes and sizes. 

Once you have your reception tables and chairs sorted, the real fun begins. It’s officially time to start dressing your tables. We’re talking about centerpieces, table settings, table numbers, etc. 

There are a lot of details to keep track of, and we’re just getting started. How are you expected to keep track of it all? You’re not! That’s why we put together a handy wedding reception table checklist to ensure no detail gets overlooked. 

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Classic Villa Petite Syrene Elopement Complete With a Cake Decorating Class

November 9, 2023 | justine

When Dylan first packed his bags to visit Olivia while studying in Italy, their desire to explore the world together was born. So, when it came to tying the knot, there was no question. Positano was the place to make it happen. With an unshakable love for the beach, the cliffside village’s picturesque blend of seaside beauty and Italian charm was a match made in heaven. Their dream wedding was all about keeping it genuine and uniquely them—no frills and intimate, with just close family in tow. But, they also wanted the celebration to be a blast! So, they stirred things up with a fun cake decorating class, turning their Villa Petite Syrene elopement into a memory that’s as sweet as, well, cake!

With the stunning Mediterranean Sea as their backdrop, they embarked on a day destined for the memory books. Their exchanged heartfelt vows on a beautiful terrace, where the path was lined with flowers, offering an unobstructed view of the picturesque waterfront and the charming town. The celebration continued with a family-style feast, and cake that they playfully decorated themselves adding a sweet touch. The breathtaking surroundings served as the perfect canvas for capturing snapshots around town, and they even sprinkled in some extra fun by trying their hand at a shooting gallery game.

Their special day was everything they wished for and more, and Soul Lovers Wedding captured all the special moments that made it truly unforgettable. If you’re an adventurous couple searching for wedding ideas with breathtaking views, you’re in the right spot for inspiration.

The Couple:

Olivia and Dylan

The Wedding:

Positano, Italy

Why They Chose a Villa Petite Syrene Elopement

The first time Dylan left the country was to visit me when I was studying abroad in Italy, and this is where we both caught the travel bug and desired to continue exploring the world together. So, we thought there was no better place to get married. We deeply love the beach and the ocean, and Positano provided the perfect combination of stunning ocean scenery and Italian charm. Our goal was to keep it super organic and true to ourselves, so we kept it simple, allowing the beauty of Positano to be the main attraction. We aimed for an intimate and unique atmosphere, sharing our day with only our immediate family. Yet, we also wanted it to be fun and lively, so adding a wedding cake decorating class was the perfect way to achieve that!

Matching the Energy: Keeping the Wedding Fashion Classic and Relaxed

We wanted the vibe to feel classic and timeless. We kept the men’s suits classic in black and white, and the ladies could choose any color. We aimed for the women’s colors to be vibrant and fun, mirroring the coastal hues. I wanted my look to be classic and relaxed, so I kept it simple with my hair, dress, and shoes. Since we had an intimate wedding, I didn’t want it to feel more than that, so we kept it laid-back, which matched the energy perfectly.

A Day of Love, Family, and Authenticity

We shared those precious moments with the people who mean the most to us, who’ve been our biggest supporters, and those who became like family on that special day—our incredible photographers and officiant. We found that the key is to relax and have fun because things have a way of working themselves out. You only have one day to absorb it fully, so don’t stress about the little things. We stayed true to ourselves; it was all about having a good time. Our photos reflect our genuine selves, and we honestly had the most amazing day of our lives without pretending to be something or doing things that didn’t feel like us.

Positano-Themed Wedding Favors

We gave them custom postcards with our wedding date, location, and picture of Positano. We thought this could be a good way of sharing with family members back home in the US or even just a spot to write down a memory from the day as a keepsake. I also painted custom matches for everyone with our wedding date or other Italian imagery, which we thought could be used for various reasons and were easy to travel with.

Stand-Out Vendors that Brought their Dream Villa Petite Syrene Elopement to Life

Our photographers were the most impressive additions to the day. They were fantastic to work with—helping with the layout and aesthetics of everything and hyping us up throughout the day. They are our true friends now and were such a fantastic part of our day. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Working with Elite Villas and Fabrizia was incredible. We gave minimal instructions on the vision for the day, and she made the most beautiful day. She made custom programs for us with our vows, custom boxes with rice to throw as we walked down the aisle, fans with stickers on them with our logo for our family to cool off with—everything was terrific. She planned the whole day and then was our officiant and did an incredible job! She and her entire team went above and beyond for us and made the day so fun.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Soul Lovers Wedding
Event Planning – Fabrizia
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Villa Petite Syrene
Cake decorating  – Celestina Pasticceria

 

Congratulations to Olivia and Dylan on their classic, romantic, and fun Villa Petite Syrene elopement. And a big thank you to Soul Lovers Wedding for skillfully capturing all those special moments that’ll inspire couples to create their own unique and true-to-them celebrations.

After looking at these breathtaking photos, we’re sure you’re envisioning your dream wedding in Italy. However, organizing a destination wedding, complete with legalities and venue selection, can be a bit of a challenge. Delve into this guide to discover everything you need to make your dream Italian wedding a reality. It’s an adventure waiting to happen!

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How to Ask For Money as a Wedding Gift

November 8, 2023 | justine

Are you planning your big day and wondering how to ask for money as a wedding gift? Here are some tasteful yet creative ways to express it. Image by Daniela Ortiz Photography.

Are you planning your big day and wondering how to ask for money as a wedding gift? You’re not alone! Many couples today grapple with the wedding gift dilemma. Whether you’ve been together for years, need no more kitchen gadgets, have limited space, or dream of a lavish honeymoon, sometimes all you really want is cash. Is it okay to seek money instead of traditional presents? The answer is a resounding yes, as long as you do it with finesse.

Your wedding should reflect your wishes, and there’s no rule against requesting cash. What matters most is how you make the request. So, if cash is your preference, here are some tasteful yet creative ways to express it, ensuring your guests feel appreciated and not offended.

Image by Dan Sauer

How to Ask For Money as a Wedding Gift

On Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to your wedding invitations, consider adding a line about gifts. It’s a direct approach and usually works best. If you phrase it carefully, it doesn’t have to appear pushy. We’ve crafted some options for you, from straightforward to subtle, formal to casual, so there’s something for everyone. Feel free to choose the wording that best suits your style and ensures your message is delivered with gratitude and sincerity. 

    • Celebrating Your Presence: “Your presence at our wedding is the most cherished gift of all. However, if you’d like to honor us with a gift, a cash contribution would be greatly appreciated.”
    • Focus on the Celebration: “What truly matters to us is having you join our wedding celebration. Should you choose to give a gift, we welcome a small contribution to our honeymoon.”
    • Highlighting the Honeymoon: “We feel truly fortunate with love, laughter, and a furniture-filled home. If you’d like to help us celebrate, we’ve established a honeymoon fund at (details here).
    • Open to Cash Gifts: “Cash gifts are appreciated though not expected.”
    • Cash Gift for the Honeymoon: “While cash gifts are appreciated but not obligatory, they will be dedicated to our dream honeymoon.”
    • Emphasize Presence: “Cash gifts are a lovely gesture if you’d like to contribute to our honeymoon. However, your presence on our special day means the world to us.”
    • Simple Appreciation: “Simply being with us on our wedding day is a gift in itself. If you wish to give a present, a cash gift towards our honeymoon would be gratefully received.”

Image by Adri Mendez

  • Important Tips to Remember on How to Ask For Money as a Wedding Gift

    Be Genuine

    When crafting your request for cash on your invitations or website, remember to be sincere and speak from the heart. Your family and friends know you well, so show gratitude for their consideration of a cash gift for your special day.

    Keep It Simple

    Tailor your message to match your guest list’s personality. If most of them prefer brevity, go with that, but keep it personal and warm. Sometimes, simplicity is key when asking for cash as a wedding gift.

    Add Some Fun

     If humor is your style, use it to your advantage! Just remember to keep it tasteful, as not everyone may fully embrace the idea of online cash registries.

    Send Prompt Thank-You Notes

    Traditional wedding etiquette allowed up to a year to send thank-you notes. However, for cash gifts, it’s best to send a personalized thank-you note as soon as possible, even before your wedding, if you can. This conveys your appreciation and gratitude for their gift.

    When it comes to those post-wedding thank-you cards, we understand it can feel overwhelming. But we’ve got your back! We’re here to help you express your gratitude for their presence and presents with the perfect blend of heartfelt and straightforward messages. To make this task even easier, don’t forget to check out our guide to writing thank-you cards. This way, you can quickly check this post-wedding duty off your list and focus on what truly matters.

    Even if you’re usually confident, bringing up the idea of a cash gift for your wedding might feel a tad tricky. But with these valuable tips and choice of words, it will be a breeze to share your preference with your dear ones in a warm and gracious manner.

Image by Sunny Golden

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