Trying to nail every decor detail on your wedding day can be quite the undertaking—cue the stress. Between the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the reception, it’s safe to say your hands are probably getting pretty full. That’s why we put together a handy wedding reception table checklist to ensure no detail gets overlooked.
From standard decor to traditional place settings, we’ve got you covered with every item you could possibly need (or want) for your reception tables.
Wedding Reception Table Checklist
Essential Decor
During the wedding planning process, it’s easy to get lost in all of the exciting details. That’s why we’re starting our checklist with the essentials. Though these aren’t the most fun elements to sort out, they tend to be statement pieces that play an integral role in your wedding reception. Here are the standard decor pieces you should plan before diving into your decor.
Now that the essentials have been taken care of, it’s time for the real fun to begin—planning your decor. To give your tables a focal point, start with centerpieces. Work with your florist to plan and create arrangements that’ll enhance your overall reception design. This can be done with fresh blooms or even greenery garlands. The possibilities are absolutely endless.
Are flowers or greenery not part of your vision? Skip them and mix and match different accent pieces to create the ultimate centerpieces.
When centerpieces are taken care of, you can then dress them up with accent decor. These items can be rented, thrifted, or even purchased online at stores like Amazon. Though they tend to be small details, they’ll greatly impact your overall look. Here are a few accent decor ideas that’ll get your creative juices flowing.
After running through this checklist, every detail regarding your reception tables should be complete. And while you’re one step closer to the big day, there are still a few details that need to be sorted out. One of those important details being the sweetheart table—a two-person set up solely for the newlywed couple.
If this is something you’re incorporating into your reception design, check out these gorgeous ideas for styling your sweetheart table. From chair styles to decor inspiration, we cover it all.
Struggling to find a pair of comfortable shoes for your wedding day? We’ve got you covered. Our collection of wedges is full of options that are both stylish and comfortable–something that is an absolute must for your special day. From classic white to colorful multi-colored options to sparkles that will catch the light just right, these wedding wedges are sure to be the wedding shoes of your dreams (all without hurting you).
Not sure if wedges are right for you? We know that although it’s a small detail, choosing the right shoe can feel nearly impossible. For even more options, check out these wedding shoes for every style!
Image by Wedding and Waves. Keep scrolling for wedding place card ideas
When planning a wedding, you probably think about most of the big design aspects–the florals, your ceremony backdrop, the seating chart. But there are a lot of smaller details that may seem minor yet can tie your wedding vision together. One of those is your place cards. Not only do they let your guests know where they will be sitting, but they’re also the perfect finishing touch to your reception dinner table. They can even double as wedding favors! So if you’re looking for some wedding place card ideas, look no further. We’re rounding up 11 unique options that are sure to inspire.
If you’re opting for colorful linens, consider a transparent acrylic place card that you can place on top of the linens. This will allow you to see more of the color rather than hide it. Luckily, acrylic place cards come in a wide variety of shapes–from rectangular to hexagons to arched.
Why not combine your place cards and your favors? This can be a big money saver if you’re on a budget. Using items like these mini disco balls is a great way to mark seats and act as a little present for your guests when the night is over.
Another great way to save some money and mark your tables is to have names printed on the menus at every seat. This is an elegant and minimalistic way to show off what food you’ll be enjoying for the evening while directing them. To maximize your savings, create your menu using a template that you can customize on your own.
Everyone loves edible favors. Make them food-related like these cookies, and your guests will enjoy the delicious way you helped them find their seats.
Loving these wedding place card ideas but not sure how to create a seating chart? Check out these five tips for putting together the puzzle that is your reception seating chart!
A romantic mountain setting complete with an open-aired chapel and rustic barn, whimsical floral arrangements, and a vibrant color palette—Maddy and Jarred’s Table Top Mountain wedding was magical, playful, and absolutely gorgeous. Despite the last-minute venue change, their day couldn’t have worked out more perfectly. The Peregrines served as the perfect venue for the newlyweds, with its picturesque wooded areas and rolling hills.
The outdoor ceremony featured colorful asymmetrical floral pillars that beautifully contrasted against the chapel’s signature stone facade. Meanwhile, the barn was transformed into a cozy reception area using long family-style tables filled with colorful, lush florals and black tapered candles under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights.
This laid-back couple kept everything relaxed and fun—from their first look at the local art gallery all the way to their charming reception. Scroll through these incredible photos captured by Junebug member Rachael Emmily Photography to see what we mean!
A Last-Minute Venue Change That Worked Out In The End
We decided to move our whole wedding to a different venue six weeks beforehand due to COVID. Our families were supportive and helpful in putting it all together. Ultimately, it turned out better than we expected, and we’re glad we decided to change venues.
A Memorable Butterfly-Filled Walk Down The Aisle
Maddy: The most memorable part of our day was the first look. We were at the local art gallery, and it was the coolest place to get our pictures taken. I’m so glad we trusted our photographer and stepped out of our comfort zone.
Wedding Planning Advice: Trust Your Vendor Team
We’re so glad we trusted our florist and photographer. They were wonderful and created something that I believe is fun, creative, and unique. The biggest piece of advice I could offer is don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and be creative.
Congratulations to Maddy and Jarred on their gorgeously vibrant Table Top Mountain wedding. And a big thank you to Rachel Emilly Photography for capturing all the happy and fun moments on their special day, surrounded by their loved ones. To see more of her incredible talent, check out her profile in our directory of photographers from around the world.
Choosing a wedding team that’s an excellent fit for your needs is important. Like Maddy and Jared, when a couple trusts their carefully selected wedding vendors, magic surely happens!
Backyard wedding season is upon us which means it’s time for wedding lawn games. Whether you leave games out during cocktail hour or use them before the ceremony, these games add something extra special to make your backyard wedding unforgettable. Looking for a way to personalize your day with something extra special? We love the idea of ordering a custom wedding game with your new last name or wedding colors that you can play at home for years to come.
There are so many nostalgic lawn games to choose from, so we decided why not include them all! Here’s a quick overview of the wedding lawn games featured in this roundup:
After such a long time apart due to the pandemic, what Beth and Patrick really wanted was to have a relaxed and intimate celebration at their favorite restaurant—treating their family and friends to a delicious feast and an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by their loved ones and the perfect San Francisco weather, the couple’s Stable Cafe wedding was a day truly meant for them and their loved ones.
Built in the 1800s as a carriage house that appears unassuming from the street—the Stable Cafe’s gorgeously manicured garden patio provided the perfect lush backdrop of greenery that framed the couple as they exchanged their vows. The plum trees, vines, and potted plants along with the understated floral arrangements by Ash and Oak, votive candles, and bistro lights set the romantic mood for their charming courtyard reception.
If you’re a foodie thinking about having a small wedding at your favorite restaurant, you’ll love this Stable Cafe wedding. The romance and beauty of Beth and Patrick’s big day comes across so beautifully in these images captured by Erin Prado for Vivian Chen Photography. Scroll through for amazing ideas and inspiration for your own intimate celebration.
The Couple:
Beth and Patrick
The Wedding:
The Stable Cafe, San Francisco, California, United States
Inspiration for Changing Up Timelines
Rather than spend all of Saturday getting ready, we had our wedding on Friday night. Then we enjoyed Saturday afternoon sailing with our guests on the Bay. It was so special to share our favorite parts of the city with our loved ones and maximize our time together after such a long time apart during COVID.
Weather Changes Made Their Stable Cafe Wedding Perfect
The weather was unbelievable! It was a pretty cold and windy summer in San Francisco so we rented a bunch of extra heaters for our guests and warned them to bring extra layers. Turns out the weekend was beautiful—sunny, a light breeze, and warm. I’d bought a white Patagonia jacket as my bridal jacket but didn’t end up needing it at all.
Using Tight Transportation for Cute Photo Ops
We’ll never forget squeezing into my sister’s car with Patrick, our photographer Erin, and my nephew’s empty car seat. It was a bit tight but Erin snapped a couple of adorable photos of Patrick and I crammed in the backseat as we enjoyed some great views of San Francisco on the way down to Stable Cafe.
Mixing Up The Wedding Menu
Stable Cafe was beautiful—the food and desserts were amazing. We also had passed appetizers and a taco bar catered by Nopalito. Their carnitas are out of this world and our guests raved about the food for weeks. For dessert, instead of a wedding cake, we went with a cookie bar baked by GoodChildrenSF. We loved the cookies and we enjoyed them with our guests throughout the rest of the weekend. In retrospect, six cookies per guest was a lot. But hey, nobody minds extra cookies!
Working With Erin Prado And Vivian Chen Photography
Erin was great. She had a knack for catching the sweetest candid photos and captured the city chic vibe we were going for so well. Vivian Chen was super fast in editing the photos and we love how they came out. Our families all commented on how great the photographs turned out from our big day.
Identify what matters to you and what doesn’t at the beginning of planning. Based on those priorities, focus on the things that will bring you joy and just let the small stuff go. Also, pick the right vendors. I am an organized person by nature, but we were really proud of how little stress we had leading up to the event and how seamlessly it all came together in the end. Once we booked our team, everything came together easily because each vendor was great at their job.
Congratulations to Beth and Patrick on their charming and intimate Stable Cafe wedding. And big thanks to Erin Prado for capturing every sweet and memorable moment of their big day.
An intimate guest list like theirs means more opportunities to get creative with wedding venues. And if you and your partner are foodies, having your big day at your favorite restaurant is the ultimate personal touch. Make your own restaurant wedding stand out with these unique restaurant wedding decor ideas.
Although summer has officially come to an end, we can’t get enough of Jessica and Kadia’s dreamy Costa Rica wedding at Dreams Las Mareas. The couple brought minimalistic elegance to life using a soft color palette, an abundance of florals and greenery, and a reception set under the stars.
The couple kept many details simple, but they didn’t shy away from adding some glam to the day. The two both wore fitted beaded wedding dresses and some seriously cool bridal jumpsuits. And did we mention that Kadia surprised Jessica with fireworks during their first dance? Now that’s a surprise to remember.
Ready to see an opulent ceremony amongst the palm trees, a stunning beach photoshoot, and a romantic sparkler exit? Then keep scrolling! We have a feeling you’re going to love the photos captured by Junebug member Raw Shoots Photography.
We travel a lot and wanted to get married in one of the countries we first visited as a couple. Costa Rica was the country we fell in love with as we fell deeper in love with each other. We had three locations in mind for where we wanted to get married. A year before our big day, we planned to fly to Costa Rica to check these places out, but plans changed when Kadia had to fly to another country for work—where she would be for three months! We didn’t want to cancel the trip to CR so Jessica went on her own, documenting all of the places she went and video calling Kadia at all hours. Once we reviewed the locations, we sat internationally on Skype from Costa Rica and London to pick our top choice. We each wrote our top choice and after a countdown, we showed each other the location we’d picked. Eventually, we started screaming when we realized we had picked the same one.
Breaking Traditions For Their Ceremony
Before getting married, we’d always said we never wanted to walk down a traditional aisle. We wanted to meet each other halfway. So we walked down two beautiful stone staircases that were parallel to each other. And we saw one another at the same time before meeting at the altar. We had a live band that played an acoustic version of our favorite songs and didn’t have assigned seating. We picked out the style of our alter arch so that it was unique to us—not a circle or triangle. After exchanging vows, our walk down the traditional center aisle was together as a married couple.
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An Unforgettable First Dance And A Dip In The Pool
Our first dance and jumping in the pool are our beloved memories from our day. We danced to “You’re the Reason I Come Home,” by Ron Pope–a song that has been dear to us since we met. The song played as fireworks–a surprise from Kadia–lit the night sky above us. By the end of the night, almost all of our guests were in the pool! Then we jumped in, holding Jessica’s father’s hands. We now say, ‘whenever you get the chance to jump in the pool, take it.’
Calling all chic, boho babes! Jordan and Reggie’s wedding at North Arm Farm will make you swoon. We’re all in our feels over this couple’s style. Dried florals by Blue Violet Events, a mix of fabulous blush bridesmaids dresses, and even more! We love this bride’s style, as she rocked a Lola Varma gown that she purchased at LOHO Bride and paired it with a perfect bridal hat for the outdoor reception. If you’ve ever dreamed of long reception tables, these photos by Sambajoy Photo & Art are the ones for your inspo board!
We decorated with neutrals and pops of golden hues in the bridal bouquet and in the sprigs on the table. My dress was two toned so I played with that and my bridesmaids wore all different shades of champagne, beige, nude and pale pink.
Our best friend Matty married us. He called us both ahead of time and asked us different questions and he worked our answers into our vows. It was perfect. I cried like a baby!
Madalena and Marcelo from Sambajoy were a dream. Not only were they couple goals but they made everything so easy! They new the shots they wanted and we were so happy with their work!
The vibe was a chic romantic garden party. I played with textures in different shades of nude and golden hues. Linen napkins, mismatched glass vases with different varieties of sprigs in them, a silk hand dyed ribbon for my bouquet, and parasols for all the guests. Everything tied into each other and came together even more beautifully than I could have imagined. It was the dreamiest evening.
When looking for venues the meal was one of the most important parts to us, we wanted to provide our guests with that farm to table experience. I started to look into them and stumbled upon some photos showing the backdrop of Mt. Currie with the long table setup and absolutely fell in love!
Planning your 2019 wedding and looking for that extra something special to make it truly unforgettable? We’ve forecasted 11 2019 wedding trends to incorporate into your table decor, fashion, floral design, reception activities, and more! From our pick for wedding color of the year to the one bridal accessory we just can’t get enough of to the style influence you’re going to want to recreate, your 2019 wedding planning starts here!
The Color Rust
Lovers of the ’70s can celebrate in 2019 because rust is the trending wedding color of the year! Not-quite-burgundy, not-quite orange, the nuanced hue fits right in with two major influences on weddings this year: retro styling and desert vibes. Make a statement with a rust suit or bridesmaids dresses or use it as a pop of color with bouquet ribbon, stationery, or accent florals.
2019 will be remembered as the year of larger-than-life floral design! From giant hanging installations to floor-to-ceiling floral walls, 2019 is the year to let your wedding florist go wild and create something extraordinary and one-of-a-kind.
If you’ve been looking for a venue off the beaten path, may we suggest browsing Airbnb? Rental properties listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway can be a great hack for finding a unique wedding venue that fits your vibe, has a cozy atmosphere, and that hasn’t been used by every couple in town. Note that not every property available for rental is allowed to be used as a wedding, so be upfront about your intentions when reaching out to the owner in order to save yourself a major headache (and tons of fees!) later.
Minimalism may have ruled the wedding design world for the last several years, but in 2019, maximalism is BACK! Dramatic floral installations like we mentioned above, abundant table settings, and plenty of pattern and color will be key in 2019 weddings, so don’t be afraid to get a little (or a lot) extra with your decor. Not sure where to start? Hiring an exceptional and experienced wedding planner will ensure your wedding will look cohesive and stylish, no matter the vibe you decide on!
Not a veil kind of bride? No worries because 2019 weddings are all about brides in hats! Fedoras, Panama hats, and floppy hats made of straw, felt, and wool are the perfect finishing accessory to your boho bridal look.
Not only is Morocco a popular 2019 wedding and honeymoon destination, but couples are getting inspired by the cultural influences of the West African country. A few key styling notes include hanging lanterns, vibrant textiles, star details, lounge areas with plenty of pillows, pampas grass, and desert hues.
We’ve posted about velvet already a few times this winter, but our velvet obsession is just getting started. From major velvet moments like suits and bridesmaids dresses to subtle details like shoes or a ribbon hanging from your bouquet, velvet is a beautiful way to add a touch of texture and luxe to your wedding style.
If you’re looking for creative reception activities, 2019 is all about tarot! Hiring a tarot reader for your wedding provides a cool and unique experience that your guests will never forget.
Gone are the days of strict girls on the left, boys on the right. 2019 is officially the year of gender-neutral wedding parties with people of every gender standing next to the bride(s) or groom(s). The gender of your best buds isn’t nearly as important as their support on your big day. Looking for a catchy name for the friends standing by your side? A few we’ve heard (and became totally obsessed with) include Babes of Honor, I Do Crew, Vow Crowd, and Matrimony Homies!
Forget cater waiters carrying hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour because charcuterie boards are all the rage for 2019 weddings! The DIY approach to appetizers is a great way to create an intimate setting that gets your guests chatting and feeling cozy. Plus, the spreads are seriously gorgeous!
If we were to sum up the 2019 wedding trends in one phrase, it would be attention to detail. No trend illustrates this better than handpainted wedding cakes, which are as delicious to look at as they are to eat! From watercolor flowers to masterpieces of abstract color, this might just be the sweetest trend of the year!
When it comes to finding color palette inspiration, some of our favorite sources are the reception table decor couples use for their weddings! A tablescape is usually where all of the colors of the wedding come together into one beautiful design. From muted palettes of rose gold, blush, and tan to dramatic palettes of navy, silver and black, we’ve found reception table decor color palettes to inspire any vibe or style.
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