Bridin’ on a Budget – Beautiful Guest Tables
Article By | Amy Kujawa, Party Time Rentals
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ou’ve locked down the perfect venue and booked your photographer. Your guests are going to enjoy an amazing meal by your caterer of choice. One of the last things to check off your “to do” list is your guest table design. The inspiration boards and Instagram hashtags you follow have all pointed you in the same beautiful, luxurious, and seemingly expensive direction. But inspired table tops don’t have to be expensive. Beautiful doesn’t always mean big-ticket. With the following suggestions, you can affordably elevate your guest table design. With careful planning and smart choices, you can achieve a stunning look without breaking the bank.
Linens
The single most important factor in determining your wedding reception’s overall look and feel is your guest table linens – the hue and texture of the table coverings you choose.. Not only do your tablecloths enhance the overall look of your venue, they also provide the opportunity to effectively add the greatest appeal, and the most color to your space. If you are wanting to dress up and finish off your tables, but are unsure of pricing, request a phone, email or on-line quote from your local rental company. In most cases, bisic (or economy) linens will be the same price no matter what color you choose. If you are not set on a color, but are instead more focused on the texture or pattern, ask your event rental consultant to suggest similar options in a different price range.
Pro tip- if you are considering purchasing linens online, although it may sound like a great deal, you may have unforeseen costs such as having to get them steamed or pressed prior to use. Sometimes these linens are so thin you’ll need a felt pad underneath to disguise their transparency.
Napkins
Your guests will enjoy the elegant touch a cloth napkin brings to the table – and will appreciate your efforts to reduce wedding “waste”. Perhaps you’re leaning toward a more neutral color palette, but are still wanting to add a little something special, along with a pop of color to the guest tables? Cloth napkins are available in virtually any color, texture, and pattern you can think of. Take the napkin to a whole new level with impressive or fun folds . Check out YouTube and Pinterest for options and recom- mendations – the possibilities are endless!. Your rental company will generally allow you to pick up your napkins a day early so that you can add an interesting fold at each setting. Folded napkins are free to do, and cost you nothing except for your time. One of our personal favorite folds is the “knot”. It is easy to do and adds a 3D feel to the place setting. A napkin can be set on top of, or elegantly draped beneath a charger or a dinner plate. Creating a flatware and menu card folder is another simple but impactful napkin use.
Salad Plate
Is your heart set on having both a dinner and salad plate at each setting, but it’s not in your budget to do both plates in your favorite style? Opt for doing either an ivory (traditional) or white (classic) dinner plate, and turn your attention to a decorative salad plate. The salad plate will be the most visible, and is offered in a wide array of patterns and colors.
Charger
The charger can be the most unique table design component. Don’t let the idea of making an added expense take away from the fact that chargers are available at a number of price points – you can choose a more economical option. Chargers come in all colors and materials. If you’re on a budget, instead of looking at glass chargers, consider acrylic chargers. These are most frequently found in gold and silver, but are also available in metallic hues, different colors, faux wood and “the real thing”. If you and your caterer have agreed to not have a dinner or salad plate at the table,adding a simple charger and napkin at each seat will make each guest feel as though there is a place at the table just for them.
Recap
Designing your dream tablescape doesn’t have to break the bank. Visit your rental company’s showroom, or chatting via phone or via email with your event rental consultant, you’ll see first hand exciting and affordable options to help make the most of your wedding rental budget. Utilize online features such as Party Time Rentals’ wishlist to get an idea of your rental costs. Then prioritize your wants and needs so you’re able to have your dream wedding design.
Vendors:
Host: At The Table | Venue: The Grand Texana | Photographer: Sara Abdulaziz Photography | Planning & Creative Direction: Shannon Rose Events | Floral: Maxit | Decor/Rentals: Party Time Rentals | Stationary: Yellow Rose Calligraphy | Linens: BBJ Linens