Reception Table Linen Tips
Advice on Colors, Styles, and Fabrics
Before choosing your reception table linens, there are a few things that should already be set in place. You should have your venue, your theme, your florist, your caterer, and your head count officially decided when considering linens for wedding reception.
Also, know how many guests will sit at each table, how many tables you are going to have, and the way in which you are going to arrange them. Here are some questions to answer:
- Do I want a sweetheart’s table (for just the bride and groom), or do I want a bridal party head table?
- Do I want the bridal party head table to be round or elongated (like banquet style)?
- Are the tables going to be outside, or indoors? (Many venues offer both options).
- Does your caterer supply tables and chairs?
- Do I have the option of having different types of tables (for example, some round, some square? This depends on whether your catering company, the venue, or another company supplies the tables.)
- Does the caterer supply linens and/or chair covers?
- What do the plates, cutlery, and glasses look like? (Usually the caterer provides you with a few options).
Now you're ready to start mapping out your seating plan and selecting fabrics:
- Draw out a map of your table arrangements to make sure that your plan makes sense logistically. This is usually done with your caterer. If the caterer has done events at this venue many times, they should already have some table arrangement options mapped out for you. If the caterer has never done an event at your venue, you need to make sure that your seating plan will work in your space. Some spaces appear larger than they are, while others can hold more tables than they appear to.
- Once you have your table arrangements mapped out, you need to find out if your caterer supplies reception table linens. Sometimes the linens are already accounted for in your catering cost; other times they can be added for a specific fee per table. Depending on the options they offer and the cost, it may be better for you to look for cheap reception linens elsewhere.
- You should have your wedding colors and florist chosen. Your florist should be able to offer valuable advice as to what table linen colors, fabrics, and styles will set off your centerpieces best. Remember that the centerpieces are the most important decoration at the reception, and the linens should serve as the perfect backdrop for them. (Sometimes, basic white linen is the optimal choice. If you choose something simple, remember that you can always accent it with a gorgeous ribbon or sash to add a bit more flair without taking away from your centerpiece).
- If you are looking for a particular fabric and color, then your best bet is usually to go through a wholesale website. That way, you can ensure that you will be able to find enough linens for each of your tables and shapes. Bargain home goods stores are also an option, but the difficulty is in finding enough of the same product.
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