Preparing a wedding banquet is a lot of work, the main part of which is making sure that the newlyweds and guests spend this day fun, joyfully, and remember it as a real holiday. The harmony of a wedding celebration is only possible if all its participants feel comfortable, which largely depends on what kind of people are sitting around. In this article we will look at the main wedding table arrangement options
, so that you can later choose the most suitable one for yourself.
Thoughtful seating of guests at tables
, compiled taking into account the characteristics of your guests, be it menu preferences or personal qualities, is the guarantee that the entire wedding reception will take place in a friendly, positive atmosphere and will bring only positive emotions to everyone.
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Your desires, preferences and creative approach to organizing a holiday can be key in deciding how the tables will be arranged
in the hall and guests behind them. However, objective circumstances, such as the number of guests, the nature and features of the room, its area, shape, different floor and ceiling levels, should be taken into account in order to create the most ergonomic space, convenient in all respects for the holiday.
For a wedding reception with a small number of people in Russia and other European countries, they often use a seating arrangement that involves the presence of one fairly large table.
This can be one rectangular table (for 10-12 people) or several tables connected together in the shape of the letter "T" or the letter "P". The bride and groom sit in the center or at the head of the table, where they can be seen by all guests, with parents and witnesses next to them.
Seating guests at one table.
Arrangement of tables in the shape of the letter "P"
This arrangement of tables allows you to comfortably seat up to 50 guests. However, if the number of guests is not large, then it is better to place all guests on the outside of the table. Thanks to this, all guests will sit facing the newlyweds, and no one will be with their back or side.
Seating arrangement in the shape of the letter "P".
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European seating chart
This seating option differs in that instead of one common table, several smaller individual tables are used. This allows you to accommodate guests in such a way as to unite them by age, interests, menu preferences, etc. This is a definite plus of this arrangement of tables.
However, taking advantage of the European seating arrangement
and by dividing your guests into smaller groups, you limit their ability to get to know each other better. Therefore, if your wedding celebration also has the goal of introducing the relatives of the bride and groom, then give the task to the host of the wedding reception so that he can think through competitions or other joint events for guests on both sides.
European table arrangements vary depending on the prevailing customs in a particular country.
European seating arrangement for wedding guests.
Tablecloth and fabric runner: difficulties of choice
First of all, I would like to give you some tips that will help you decorate your round wedding table in the best possible way.
- The shape of the tablecloth should follow the shape of the table. This unspoken rule is the key to aesthetically pleasing design. However, it is not always possible to find a round tablecloth. You're in luck: the round table is more flexible in this regard and serves as a kind of exception to the rule. Square tablecloths may be suitable for this.
- The edge of the tablecloth should hang down no less than twenty-five to thirty centimeters. It is better to choose too long than too short. A satin tablecloth on a “one-legged” table can be tied with a wide ribbon with a large bow. But it’s better to leave the lace edges as they are.
- The fabric runner should differ in color from the tablecloth by one or two tones. It is acceptable to use a different color if your wedding is decorated in this color scheme. For example, red and white tables are perfect for an Alice in Wonderland themed wedding, while blue and purple tables are perfect for a delicate white and pink celebration.
- Of course, tablecloths and tables can be decorated and served with your own hands. However, I recommend turning to professionals: this will save you the hassle and eliminate the possibility of errors in design. The latter is especially important, because at holidays scandals often break out due to the fact that someone did not get a spoon or glass, or there was an unforeseen incident with the numbering of tables.
English version of table arrangement
In England, the arrangement of tables differs in that square and rectangular tables are most often used, at least the newlyweds' table is usually rectangular in shape. Besides the bride and groom, other guests (parents or witnesses) most often sit behind him.
Care must be taken that guests do not sit with their backs to the newlyweds. To do this, the table of the bride and groom is most often placed not in the center of the hall, but against one of the walls, and the tables of the guests are placed in a checkerboard pattern or along the walls.
English seating.
Variety of styles: pros, cons, subtleties
Now that the task assigned to you - to decorate a round wedding table - is more or less clear, I propose to consider the most popular design options in different styles and colors.
Classic style - a tribute to traditions
The classic style is considered one of the strictest. In this case, tables with satin tablecloths without lace or runners and chairs of the same color are suitable for a holiday.
A vase of flowers can serve as decoration. Ideally, artificial ones. Roses, peonies, and orchids are perfect, but not wildflowers. The color of decorative elements - napkins, glasses, candles and “numbers” - should match the tones prevailing in the room. So, in the photo all the elements are orange.
Provence style - it smells like France here
Elegant, gentle, airy - this is how Provence can be described. Pastel colors, eye-pleasing shades of lilac, discreet decorations and airiness in every detail. Any flowers are suitable for such a table: both artificial and lush, and real wildflowers. The latter must be placed in a vase or other vessel with water, otherwise they will wither by the end of the holiday.
An original solution would be to decorate the table with balloons - this will add lightness and “weightlessness”, interior items will not look heavy and bulky, and the space of the room will visually expand.
Retro style - one foot in the past
This style has a very sparse range of colors, but at the same time a wide selection of fabrics and shapes. Instead of flowers, you can also choose candles or lava lamps as decoration, and dishes and napkins can turn from a nondescript addition into an independent detail that accents the attention. A huge plus of retro is that it does not shy away from black. On the contrary, dark shades create an advantageous background for white and delicate pastel colors.
Rustic style - almost homely
“Cozy and warm” - that’s what the designers call it. Pieces of light wood furniture in themselves already create a warm, soulful atmosphere. They are usually complemented with light - soft pink or cream - tablecloths, discreet flower bouquets, candles and naturalistic patterns.
An excellent solution would be to replace cold glass flower vases with wicker baskets. The gold color will also fit well into a rustic wedding.
Tiffany style - turquoise aesthetics
The Tiffany style differs from all of the above in that it is very easy to overload with details. As a rule, white is chosen as the main tone, and bright turquoise is used to give an accent. With equal success, you can choose rich blue or sea green.
Many couples make the mistake of adding too many “accents” to this harmonious combination: turquoise candles, napkins, ribbons on chairs and glasses, number plates, flower vases, balloons... I recommend choosing one, maximum two elements on which you concentrate the attention of your guests. Even objects left unnoticed will sparkle with new colors in this case.
You can diversify the Tiffany color scheme with a small amount of emerald, faded yellow or orange. It's important not to overdo it!
Shabby Chic style - delicate floral wedding
For lovers of simple decor, naturalistic elements and delicate romantic shades, a table in the Shabby Chic style is suitable.
Light tablecloths or tablecloths with a floral pattern, colorful decorative elements and a lot - really a lot - of a light pink shade will give your wedding elegance and airiness.
Marine style - an ocean of aesthetic pleasure
Saturated with blue and blue shades, bright and light, the marine style is simple in execution, but pleases the eye with the demanding novelty of colors.
Unlike all the previous ones, this style, strictly speaking, is limited only by colors and themes, providing immense scope for flight of fancy. For example, an original idea would be to replace classic chairs with white covers with “wicker” chairs without covers.
Boho style - unusual and colorful
Boho decorations are not limited to the color palette. The main selection criterion in this case is your own taste. The abundance of flowers, fruits, candles and dark wood gives the tables a cozy, welcoming look. Decorate a round table in a boho style, and guests will feel relaxed and at ease.
Gatsby's style is luxurious, like in the movies
Hollywood style - for the most secular wedding
Noble colors, luxurious decorations, replacing simple details with exquisite innovations... A Hollywood style wedding table will make you feel like a real celebrity. Frankly speaking, it will make you a celebrity: such a design will be discussed for a very, very long time.
Italian table seating
Another option for European seating is Italian. According to it, the table of the bride and groom is set in the presidium and, as a rule, on a raised podium, and the guests are seated at small round tables of 4 people each. This seating arrangement is ideal for a large room to comfortably accommodate a small wedding procession.
Italian table arrangement.
Seasonal design: checking the weather
When choosing a wedding decoration, it is always important not only to match the theme, but also to fit into the landscape outside the window. If the wedding takes place in a tent or outdoors, this criterion becomes paramount.
So, a spring wedding is the time to turn to rich colors, colorful prints and lush bouquets as decor.
Summer is the time for “sunny” shades: yellow, orange, and less often, red. Against the backdrop of lush greenery, the classic white color will look advantageous, and you can easily add berries and fruits to the flowers in the bouquet.
An autumn wedding is more limited in color range. Orange and brown shades, as well as noble burgundy and dark red, would be appropriate. Guests will find it appropriate if you decorate the tea table or sweet table with autumn leaves. But it’s better not to overload the main round table with details: you can choose a satin coffee tablecloth and a small vase with rowan tassels or yellow and orange leaves.
Winter celebrations are the time for lace white tablecloths, origami napkins and artificial cream flowers. Bright colors will not be so appropriate here, but light pastel colors will appeal to guests.
Herringbone table arrangement
An intermediate option that combines the advantages of traditional seating at a large table and European seating is a table arrangement called “Herringbone”.
With this arrangement of tables, you can comfortably accommodate a fairly large number of guests (50-60). Invitees can be grouped together at tables according to age or interests, while at each table there will be 10-12 people, enough to make new acquaintances and at the same time feel comfortable, because... There will be some familiar people.
The downside is that most guests will sit sideways or quarter-turn to the newlyweds.
Herringbone table arrangement.
