One of the key focuses of planning a wedding is on wedding reception table ideas.  Where you place your guests will affect the overall social atmosphere of the reception, and the decorations and centerpieces will add to the theme.  Here are some great wedding reception table ideas that will make your reception the best it can be.

Formal versus Informal?

If your wedding reception is semiformal or informal, you are not required to provide tables at all.  Some simple clusters of chairs for the guests to relax in while they enjoy their appetizers and cocktails is probably sufficient, and will cut down your space requirements if your budget is a factor.  However, for more formal affairs a sit-down meal is absolutely required.  If you plan to serve your guests more than small appetizers or cake at the reception, then you will need to provide tables.

Table Seating Etiquette

Typically you will have a main table for the bride, groom, and wedding party.  This will usually be a long rectangular table with the wedding party all sitting on one side facing the guests.  For very large bridal parties, sometimes the head table will be in a U-shape with the opening facing the guests.  Seating at this table will traditionally have the bride and groom at the center, with the best man seated immediately next to the bride and the maid of honor seated next to the groom.  The rest of the wedding party will alternate boy/girl on either side.

Many of your guests will not know each other, so it is proper to provide seating cards so they will know where to sit.  Cluster your guests in groups according to their ages and similar interests.  Some wedding reception table ideas for grouping your guests:
·    A table for out of town guests who haven’t seen each other for a while and will want to visit
·    One or more tables for single guests
·    Seat older guests as far from the music as possible
·    Try to alternate boy/girl at as many tables as possible, seating couples at the same table but separate

Wedding Reception Table Ideas for Decorating

The tables should be decorated according to your theme, your wedding colors, and the formality of your reception.  For example, if your reception theme is Mardi Gras, the table may be decorated with bright colors, including confetti, helium balloons, and masks.  Or, if it’s an elegant, formal affair, your tables may be decorated with exquisite orchids and long tapered candles in silver candelabras.

According to traditional etiquette, wedding reception table ideas for a formal wedding will require that the tablecloth and napkins be linen, and the tablecloth reach the floor.  The plates should be fine China, and the glassware, crystal.  The tableware will usually be sterling silver, although silver-plated is fine.  Formal receptions are often more expensive than their informal counterparts, but are absolutely the standard in many social circles.

A less formal reception will be more relaxed and allow for more creativity when it comes to wedding reception table ideas.  You may use paper or plastic tablecloths, standard plates and glasses, and stainless steel tableware.  If it’s a very casual reception, such as a backyard barbecue or pool party, use disposable tableware.

Centerpieces

Floral and other centerpieces at the guest tables can be as extravagant or simple as you like.  However, they should ideally be at eye level or below, so guests can converse without having to crane their necks around a large centerpiece to speak to the person across the table.

As you can see, planning the wedding reception table ideas does not have to be a difficult process.  Assuming you plan to provide tables at your reception, planning the layout of the space and seating chart for the guests is quite simple.  Remember, the point of the reception is to bring people together and provide an atmosphere that encourages mingling and socializing.  Choose appropriate decorations for each table that will enhance the overall theme and style of your wedding party, and be sure that the level of formality of your décor and place settings are correctly matched to the style of your meal.  Above all, plan your reception budget carefully before you start choosing flowers and decorations for the tables.