Image by Dan Stewart Photography

Your wedding guests will spend a great portion of the evening seated at their tables – therefore it is essential to create beautiful (and functional!) place settings. This is where they will enjoy toasts, your first dance as Mr. and Mrs. and the dinner menu you’ve so carefully curated. When it comes to event design you can start the process thinking big by considering the room’s layout or focal points of the space, but sometimes we reverse that process and find inspiration in the finer details, like the table design and place settings. Tablescapes can inspire the look for the entire space and set the tone for the day! The table linens, china, flatware, glassware, menu, place cards and decor must work harmoniously to create a stunning place setting that your guests will enjoy throughout the evening.

Image by Kate Krueger Photography

There is beauty in simplicity. Crisp white china allows the colorful blooms to serve as the focal point on the wooden banquet tables. Calligraphed place cards add a classic, personalized touch!

Image by Jen Kroll Photography

For this lakeside event, we paired beautifully embroidered paisley blue linens with woven rattan chargers for an elegant, yet laid back vibe. The pair of adirondack chairs was a recurring motif in the couple’s wedding branding and the wedding day itself – the menu is a great place to incorporate branded elements from your stationery or other printed pieces. Additionally, the guests names were calligraphed and secured around the napkins with lovely blue ribbons.

Image by Jenna Rowland Photography

At ADIM we are crazy about monograms and personalized pieces. We adore these chic napkins embroidered with each guest’s initials. This place setting also exemplifies how you can mix patterns at your tables to create a unique and interesting design. The texture of the linens paired with the birch pattern of the circular menu enhanced the design of the reception decor. Another great way to personalize your friends and family’s place settings is to leave a hand written note for each of your guests. Who doesn’t love a personalized letter?!

Image by Jen Kroll Photography

When you are designing your place settings, be sure to not overlook your flatware selections. These beautifully detailed pieces are a highlight of this place setting’s design. They also perfectly compliment the silver beaded chargers and the color palette of the floral centerpieces. Whether you choose ornate, vintage flatware or perhaps stunning gold utensils, this is another thoughtful detail to consider in the design.

Image by Jen Kroll Photography

Add layers of detail to your place setting to create interest. From the rich detail of the gold chargers, to the colorful goblets, to the hand dyed silk ribbon used to secure the blush napkin and menu, all of these elements worked together to create a place setting that delighted guests for the entire evening! While this design was full of details, the table wasn’t overly crowded. The comfort of your guests and the functionality of the design is of upmost importance!

Image by Jen Kroll Photography

We love using interesting decor pieces and a pop of color to add an unexpected touch to the place setting design. The vivid hues of purple used in the glassware and the table linens were bold and beautiful. The glass terrariums filled with a delicate flower was a lovely way to hold the guest’s place cards. You might also consider sourcing unique decor pieces or larger blooms and placing them directly in the center of the plate.

There are infinite ideas and way to approach your table design. Be sure that the pieces you select are a reflection of your aesthetic and have fun with the styling and placement!