Wedding Place Settings

Spring is on its way, bringing with it the excitement of plenty of spring and summer weddings.If you’re one of the lucky ones getting married this spring, or if you’re helping to plan the wedding of someone who is, you know that table decorations and place settings can be a big wedding planning stressor.They don’t have to be, though, especially when you have a base from which to start building your dream wedding place setting designs.  We’ve created this guide to 2014 Wedding Place Settings to help you find the perfect place settings for your upcoming wedding celebration.

What Type of Wedding Place Setting Do You Need?

When planning your perfect wedding place settings for your wedding tablescapes, it’s important to keep a few essential items in the front of your mind:

1. Type of Wedding—traditional, cultural, destination, 1^st vs. 2^nd wedding, etc.
2. Type of Food Service—plated sit down, casual, buffet-style, chef action station, etc.
3. Themes and Colors—beach party, winter white, rustic, color schemes, etc.
4. Wedding Décor—florals, lighting, entertainment, etc.
5. Functionality—the must-haves for guests to enjoy your wedding meal

The type of wedding you’re having can make a huge difference when it comes to how you plan your décor, including your wedding tablescapes. Tablescapes and wedding place settings should be functional while simultaneously working with—and enhancing—your overall wedding event décor.  Pinpoint what type of wedding you’re having, and then proceed to the next step for easy wedding place setting planning.What’s Trending in 2014 Wedding Place Settings?Florals—and in a variety of capacities! These flowers are coming in bright colors that accent the rest of the tablescape, match the bride and groom’s wedding theme colors, or provide excess elegance or fun. Place some in a small vase at each guest’s seat, work them into larger bouquets to adorn the table or lay them on top of each guest’s plate with a name tag to act as a place card. Don’t miss out on a great chance to really make a color splash with these easy-to-work-in elements.Simplicity & clean lines—instead of the common over-the-top tablescape production, we’re seeing many brides and grooms select simple tablescape and wedding place setting designs.  Choose a tablecloth or overlay that works with your wedding theme or wedding colors.  Next, select simple dinnerware and linens that provide elements of sophistication and elegance.  Accent with appropriate silverware and glassware, and use smaller elements—such as brightly colored florals (see above for more floral ideas!)—to bring a little something extra to this effortless wedding place setting design.Natural and rustic—bringing the outdoors inside. Utilize plenty of natural elements like florals, small potted plants, earthy candles and other natural items to bring your favorite components of the spring and summer into your wedding place setting designs. Choose colors that reflect nature, such as greens and browns, to create rustic-inspired place settings.  Focus on pastel colors, oversized flowers, and plenty of green accents to keep this natural and rustic place setting design truly alive.

Patterns—patterns, and more patterns! From vintage checkers and needlepoint-style linens to elegant lace and paisley designs, and encompassing everything in between, brides and grooms are selecting elegant patterns to adorn their wedding place settings and wedding tablescapes. Current patterned trends in wedding place settings include chevrons, not as a whole linen but as a table runner—that’s a big one! Patterns are an excellent way to grab your guests’ attention while also creating fun and stylish décor choices that are sure to be memorable.Elegance—may seem like a no-brainer when it comes to wedding décor planning, but this wedding place setting concept is here to stay.  Brides and grooms holding weddings with all types of themes are bringing out the fine silver, stylish china, crystal stemware, flawless linens and chic floral designs to create a rich, storied wedding event of dreams. Consider using menus and linens colored in pastel hues to really “make” this Victorian-inspired theme. Also, utilizing just a touch of glam—something with a little glitz added to either the table numbers, place cards, runners or other smaller decorative items—will add an air of sophistication that isn’t too over-the-top.Textured fabrics and linens—your tablescapes don’t have to be one-dimensional, and creating a textured look from the base up is a creative way to bring literal layers to your wedding place settings. Select linens with soft ruffles, lace overlays or three-dimensional flowers to help generate a more fun and fashionable aspect in your wedding place settings’ sophistication. 

Round vs. Square Tables—you can choose one or the other, or follow a current trend of mixing the two! Each style of table seats a different number of guests, which means that having a combination of both might make accommodating your guest count a little bit easier. Use both round and square tables for a creative, functional room design, and select square china for an added touch of simplicity in your wedding place setting.Round vs. Square China—a personal decision, but an essential one when completing your wedding place settings. Round china on square tables or square china on round tables adds a bit of a classy contrast that will help create an eye-catching and clever tablescape design. Additionally, sticking with your wedding theme while taking into account your guest count will help you to select the type of china (and tables—see above!) that will best accommodate your wedding day diners. Your wedding planner or caterer will be able to help you choose patterned china vs. plain white, as well as aid you in pairing your round or square china with the appropriate linens for your event.For even more wedding ideas, visit our Weddings Pinterest board.Need help deciding on an indoor or outdoor wedding or reception?  No problem!  We'll help you make your decision with this long list of pros and cons for indoor and outdoor weddings.  Indoor or outdoor, you'll want exquisite tablescapes and table settings for your big day.  View these 10 Ideas for a Beautiful Wedding Tablescape for more inspiration.You'll also be interested in the latest wedding trend in Boston--a wedding registry, for your actual wedding!  Take a look at this unique and growing concept.