So I’m sure you’ve heard of table settings or dressing the table, but what exactly is a tablescape? Well in fairness, not that different from table settings or dressing a table. The difference lies in that every item upon your table tops – such as centrepieces, linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware, place cards, menus and décor were all chosen specifically and for a reason.
Tablescapes are designed, planned and created to add that WOW statement to your event and wedding. They are focal points, they can change and impact upon the feel and mood of your meal and they set the scene, showcasing objects or enhancing and projecting an overall theme to your day.
Pinterest and Blogs are filled with images of tablescapes and there are so many to take inspiration from. They really are like mini landscapes of tabledoms (ok I made that word up, but a table kingdom doesn’t quite sound right!) created by marvellous vision and style. Budget dependent, these can be things of absolute marvel and wonder, or kept clean, simple and stylish.
If you want to build tablescapes into the styling of your wedding, knowing where to start might be quite a daunting thought. Fear not! Help is at hand. Firstly, you need to think about a theme or colour scheme you may have. This will help guide you in a direction, so all elements join and flow seamlessly together, making each eventually feel as if they belong in one big tablescape harmony (I get carried away easily I’m afraid!)
Secondly, think about what flowers you are having and whether you can use these as your centrepieces. Centrepieces are a big part of the tablescape! They don’t always have to be floral, but (and if you’re anything like me and adore all things floral) they help create a focal point and look simply stunning. Yes, they are tradional but if you have a vision in mind or have seen something you want to create, ask your florist or whoever is doing your flowers, if you can do something similar, traditional, modern or otherwise!
Thirdly – what linen will you be choosing, or will you be having the table surface on show? There are so many new and wonderful linens on the market, so you don’t have to settle for just plain white or ivory. So many textures, materials, effects and colours are on offer, so do a little research and have a play around; matching different materials, layers and colours. Mix and match tablecloths with napkins and order samples, see what you can create. Also play around with napkin folding and styles. It sounds daft, but honestly, there are sooo many ways of folding a napkin! If you don’t believe me, look it up, or look at the way different restaurants display theirs. (Working in a 5* hotel has certainly given me good napkin training…ok…observation…my folding skills leave a lot to be desired!) Depending on the type of starter you are serving or where you have place cards / menus, and the type of plates, this could impact the fold of the napkin too.
Next up is the crockery and cutlery. Some venues may have specifics that they require you to use, but you can add the creativity into the centrepieces etc. If you have the flexibility to choose your own, then see what you can find and order. Look at images and blogs, find hire companies or ask your caterer/planner to help. Order samples and see what works. Yes, it’s a slightly painstaking task, but it doesn’t have to be, it can be fun…and if you don’t want to do it, then having a wedding planner and stylist who does this kind of thing for a living, may be just the right option for you! There are so many shapes and styles out there; including charger plate options and cutlery now comes in different styles and metals too. Think about your theme and overall style of the day and pick what you think will work with the rest of your items on the tables.
Glassware may again be restricted by venues, but depending on what drinks you are serving, you can have as many or as little glasses on the table as you wish. There are many options available to you and if you are wine experts…and I don’t mean you manage to get through a bottle a night…then you will understand the type of glass the wine is served in has an effect on the taste. All little details, but this is where tablescapes come into their own…the details are all important!
Stationery…the design and style may well have already been chosen and that is fine! The placement of these can be what you have fun playing around with. Set up an example table at home and place the table number, menu and place cards (you may have joined the two together) in different places – above, on or to the side of the plate. Again, think about if the food is already going to be served at the table (don’t then put anything on the plate or charger plate as guests won’t see it!) and make sure it’s visible.
You may have other décor such as props, table crystals, quizzes or photos that you would like positioned upon the table. If you have kept the table quite simple, these may look great, however if you have gone quite floral and crockery / cutlery and glassware heavy, then consider how much you need on there. You want everything to look polished and that it all belongs, not just thrown together and everything piled on there just because.
Remember, the idea of a tablescape is to be planned, designed and created to add that wow statement to your wedding. It needs to evoke emotions and really set the scene and enhance the styling. However, you don’t need to spend all your time planning the design and creating it and getting stressed about it, but some thought does need to go into it. Have fun in the design and really show off your style!
Words by Emma
Images via Pinterest
Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events. We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.
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