Wedding table decoration is like the icing on the cake of your wedding reception. The right wedding table decor will tie the whole reception together and enhance your overall wedding theme. However, the wrong decorations may make your guests feel disjointed, may make the wedding theme unclear, or even distract your guests from the beauty of your actual wedding reception. What a disaster!
Find the balance with these 40 fun wedding table decoration ideas. We’ve got suggestions for rustic weddings, eclectic weddings, and even classic floral suggestions. Read on and be inspired by our fun and creative wedding table decor.
What is wedding table decor?
Wedding table decor are the decorations, trinkets, and bits and bobs you add to your wedding table to complete the look. They can be used in place of a wedding centrepiece if you don’t want a specific focal point, or as accents to add to the overall feel of your wedding decor.
Wedding table decor adds to the look and feel of your overall wedding day, so it’s important to take your time considering the theme, colour scheme, and atmosphere you want to create.
What’s the difference between wedding centrepieces and table decor?
A wedding table centrepiece is the focal point of the wedding table decor. It’s usually larger and more prominent than other table decor elements, featuring your key decorative pieces to set the tone for the rest of the decor. For example, autumnal wedding table decor might have pumpkins as the centrepiece, along with autumn leaves, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks.
Wedding table decor, on the other hand, comprises smaller, complementary decorations which enhance the ambience without overshadowing the food or other decorations. They are accents to the centrepiece, but equally, you can use wedding table decor alone if you prefer a more simple or understated look.
40 wedding table decoration ideas
Looking for some inspiration for wedding table decor? Check out our top 40 ideas for wedding table decorations.
Rustic wedding table decorations
Rustic wedding table decorations are intended to be understated, natural, and simple, evoking a sense of organic beauty. They’re the perfect wedding table decor to DIY as they’re meant to be a little rough around the edges, so don’t be afraid to get handy with a glue gun and some scissors if you fancy a project.
1) Pinecone arrangement
This wedding table decoration idea is easy to recreate. Simply head to your local park with a canvas bag and start collecting pine cones from underneath pine trees. Pick a selection of big, small, skinny, and round pine cones to create a varied and textured display.
Once you’ve gathered enough, arrange them in the centre of the table or scatter them around for a more natural look. Leave them plain for a natural look or consider spraying them with a light coat of white or gold paint for a little bit of sparkle.
2) A wagon wheel candle holder
This one may need a little planning, but it’s a striking addition to a rustic wedding setup. Find an old wagon wheel at a car boot sale, a farm sale, or a replica online. Then, drill some holes at regular intervals around the rim of the wheel, large enough to securely hold candles. Choose sturdy, dripless candles that match your wedding colour scheme, or opt for LED candles if you’re concerned about safety.
Once your candle holders are in place, you can further decorate the wagon wheel with natural elements like ivy, eucalyptus, or lavender. This will add a splash of colour and scent to your wedding decor.
There’s no need for a centrepiece or extra table decor with this beautiful piece. It’s striking enough to act as both!
3) Dried leaves
If you’re planning an autumnal wedding, dried leaves are the perfect accent for your rustic table decorations. Collect leaves in a variety of shapes and colours from your local park or garden. You’ll need to press and dry the leaves if they haven’t long dropped, or you can wait a few weeks for them to dry up themselves.
Once collected, scatter the leaves across the table, weave them through your centrepiece, or tie them together with a small piece of string to create cute bundles of leaves. They’re the perfect addition to an autumnal tablescape.
4) A rock and pebble arrangement
If you enjoy a walk on the beach or by a river, collecting smooth rocks and pebbles can be another excellent way to bring rustic charm to your wedding tables.
Pick up a range of shapes, sizes, and colours for a natural, earthy look. Wash them thoroughly and arrange them around the table, particularly around candles or lanterns, to create a serene and grounded effect.
The great thing about these stones is that they’re free, environmentally-friendly, and completely customisable. You could paint the stones in pastel colours, add doodles or accents with gold paint pens, or even use them as place holders.
5) Recycled glass bottles
Collect old glass bottles from charity shops, car boot sales, or your own personal collection. Wash the labels off, thoroughly clean the inside, and let them dry so your guests can see the beautiful colours of the glass.
Try rubbing some sandpaper on the surface to give them a frosted look, or leave them clear for a cleaner aesthetic. Scatter the bottles around the table or arrange them together for a more cohesive look. You could also add branches, fairy lights, or candles depending on your preference.
6) Cinnamon stick and holly arrangements
If you’re planning a winter or festive wedding, cinnamon sticks and holly arrangements can add a lovely, seasonal touch to your tables. Bundle a few cinnamon sticks together with a simple twine or ribbon and tuck a sprig of holly or even some pine into the bundle. Scatter them around the table as decor and enjoy the festive scent and rustic feel.
7) Engraved wooden discs
Pick up some simple wooden discs from a craft shop, a carpenter’s workshop, or create your own from fallen branches or logs if you’re handy with woodworking tools. Have these discs engraved with your wedding date, the names of the guests, doodles, or simple messages or quotes which resonate with your relationship.
Scatter the discs around your tables for unique and personal wedding table decorations.
8) Personalised wooden crates
Personalised wooden crates are a functional addition to any rustic wedding. These crates can be stained, painted, or left in their natural state, depending on your preference. You can fill them with other extra decor to create a focal point or centrepiece. For example, wooden crates can be filled with dried leaves, lavender flowers, or punches of seasonal fruits depending on the time of year.
You can have wooden crates personalised with your names, wedding date, wedding location, or even other personal details like your favourite holiday destinations or meaningful love quotes which resonate with your relationship. This customisation not only makes the crates a unique part of your decor, but also turns them into memorable keepsakes from your wedding day.
9) Painted pillar candles
A collection of pillar candles is a beautiful and rustic addition to any tablescape. Feel free to use LED candles if you’re concerned about safety, or even don’t light the candles and use them purely as decorative elements.
To enhance their rustic charm, you can paint the candles in hues that match your wedding colour palette, or even add pretty patterns in candle wax like stars, hearts, or flowers.
10) Seashells and driftwood
Seashells and driftwood are another free and easy way to incorporate natural elements into your rustic wedding decor. Gather these items from your local beach or purchase them from craft stores if you’re inland. Arrange the seashells and pieces of driftwood around the table, especially near the centrepieces or along the table runner, to create a beach-inspired look.
Simple and elegant wedding table decorations
If you prefer a minimalist look or simply want to keep your decor understated, check out these 10 simple wedding table decoration ideas.
11) Floating candles
Fill a glass bowl or jar with tap water and gently place floating candles in it. You can choose candles of different sizes for a layered look or stick with uniformly sized candles for a more streamlined appearance. For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle some flower petals or greenery around the candles in the water.
This setup not only creates a calm and romantic ambience but is also incredibly easy to DIY!
12) Taper candles in candle holders
Taper candles are another great minimalist option for wedding table decorations. They’re beautiful, understated, and create a calming and romantic atmosphere.
Set them in sleek, simple candle holders to provide a sophisticated and clean look. Try using brass, glass, or ceramic candle holders — whatever suits the look of your venue.
Space them evenly along the centre of the table, or cluster a few at varying heights for a dramatic but understated look.
13) Tealights
Pop some tealights in small glass candle holders and scatter around your table for a simple but effective ambient glow. These can be interspersed between the taper candles or placed around the perimeter of your centrepiece for a cohesive lighting scheme. The subtle flicker of tealights adds a magical, twinkling effect which will enhance the intimate feel of your wedding reception.
14) Small glass vases with baby’s breath
Collect a variety of small glass vases from DIY shops, secondhand shops, and car boot sales. It looks best if the bases are a mismatch of sizes, colours, and patterns to add a touch of whimsy while maintaining a minimalist vibe.
Fill each vase with delicate sprigs of baby’s breath, which are not only affordable but also beautifully subtle, complementing the simplistic theme of the decor. Arrange these vases along the centre of the table or cluster together to create areas of interest.
15) Fabric knots
Don’t underestimate the beauty of a well-tied piece of cloth. It’s simplistic, elegant, and adds a soft, tactile element to your table settings. Choose a fabric that matches your wedding theme. For example, linen for a rustic look, silk for something more refined, or a cotton blend for a casual affair. Tie the fabric into loose knots and scatter them around your table. It’s understated, minimalistic, and modern. Your guests will be blown away by your taste.
16) Fairy lights
You can’t go wrong with a classic set of fairy lights.
Fairy lights can be arranged around other decor, gathered into containers, or simply strewn across the table for a casual look. Choose lights with a warm white hue to add a cosy and romantic ambience to your venue. The gentle light will create a beautiful, ambient glow that’s flattering for photographs and adds a magical touch to your reception.
What’s more, fairy lights can be purchased pretty cheaply on the internet. Just make sure you also purchase plenty of spare batteries to keep the beautiful twinkles going all night!
17) Hand-folded paper flowers
If you feel like getting crafty and learning a new skill, origami flowers could be a good choice for your wedding table decor.
Choose paper in colours which match your wedding palette and fold them into various floral shapes, such as roses, lilies, or even abstract forms. These can be scattered among your other decorations, used to accent your centrepieces, or arranged in small clusters to mimic real flower bouquets.
The beauty of paper flowers is their versatility and durability — they won’t wilt like real flowers, making them perfect for advance preparation. Plus, they add a personalised, crafty touch to your decor, showcasing the effort and creativity that went into planning your special day.
18) Paper or cotton doilies
Don’t be put off by the old-fashioned nature of doilies — they can actually serve as a charming and vintage-inspired addition to your table decor. Try white for a classic look, dye them in soft pastel shades which match your wedding colours, or even get creative and create tie-dye doilies! The options are endless with this classic decor for your wedding table.
19) White feathers in small jars
White feathers are a beautiful way to honour guests who are no longer with us. A white feather can represent the presence and memory of loved ones who are missed on your special day.
Placing a few delicate white feathers in small clear glass jars or vases along the table not only serves as a symbolic gesture, but also adds a touch of softness and serenity to your decor.
20) Confetti
Reuse your confetti from the ceremony by scattering it across your tablescape. This will give a cohesive look to your table decor and bring a playful and celebratory element to the overall setting. Choose biodegradable confetti in colours which complement your wedding palette to ensure it blends seamlessly with your other decorations.
Floral wedding table decorations
You can’t go wrong with flowers for table decor. They’re beautiful, classic, and fragrant. We recommend working with a professional wedding florist for the best results. They’ll know exactly what blooms to pair with you venue, and how to tie them in with your overall wedding theme and vibe. Check out these beautiful ideas for incorporating different types of flowers into your big day.
21) Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are an underrated and unique choice for wedding decor. They really pack a punch with their voluminous, cloud-like blooms and range of bright colours. You can style them in large, fluffy bunches to complement your centrepiece or intersperse them with smaller blooms for a more textured approach. The choice is yours!
22) Roses
Roses are a classic choice for a wedding. They’re romantic, elegant, and add a beautiful fragrance to your big day. Plus, roses are available in a range of different colours from burnt orange to pink to classic white. Feel free to pluck any roses from your bouquet for an eco-friendly touch.
23) Daisies
They’re bright, pretty, and sunny — everyone loves daisies!
The best thing about daisies is the versatility they bring. Do you prefer daisy chains, large ox-eye daisies, or the charmingly petite Shasta daisies? Regardless of your choice, these cheerful flowers can be used to create a light, airy atmosphere at your wedding. Cluster them in jam jars for a whimsical, rustic look, or pair them with sleek, modern vases for a more contemporary vibe.
24) Calla lilies
If you prefer a little drama, calla lilies are a great option for wedding table decor.
Try arranging individual stems in tall vases around your tables for an elegant look. Mix and match colours, lengths, and texture of vases to add depth to your decor.
25) Cherry blossoms
The best thing about cherry blossoms is their delicate blush pink colour, and the fact that natural and synthetic are practically indistinguishable, making them versatile for any budget. Their subtle elegance brings a touch of spring and a fresh, airy feel to any setting.
Consider using cherry blossoms in tall, clear vases to enhance their delicate stems and beautiful blooms, or create a cascading arrangement along the centre of your tables for a truly eye-catching display.
26) Gypsophila
Gypsophila, or baby’s breath, is very much in fashion right now. It’s beautiful, neutral, and adds a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement. It can also stand on its own for a minimalist, ethereal look. The tiny white blossoms give a dreamy, soft texture to table settings and pair well with virtually any other flower for added fullness and contrast.
For a delicate, romantic vibe, you can create dense clouds of baby’s breath along the centre of your tables or place them in small, graceful bunches in tiny vases or glass jars scattered throughout the space.
27) Wildflower bouquets
If you prefer a more natural feel, consider collecting wildflowers from local fields, flower-picking centres, or your own back garden to decorate your tablescapes.
Wildflowers bring a colourful, eclectic mix which can capture the essence of a garden in full bloom. They’re perfect for creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere and the unique nature of each bunch will add a touch of whimsy to your decor.
28) Sunflowers
Big, bold, and beautiful — you can’t go wrong with these sunny flowers. They symbolise happiness, longevity, and adoration, making them perfect for your big day. Plus, you only need a few flowers to make a big impact.
You can either lay them flat across the table or sit the flowers in a tall vase for maximum impact.
29) Dried flower bouquet
Dried flower bouquets are beautiful, sustainable, and chic. You can easily mix up the type of flowers you’d like to use, the colours, and the textures to create a look that’s both unique and timeless. Dried flowers such as lavender, roses, eucalyptus, and pampas grass offer a distinctively rustic elegance, which is perfect for creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
30) Peonies
If you love the romantic look and feel or their blush pink and white flowers, consider incorporating peonies into your big day. They’re known for their beautiful scent and big dramatic petals, making them perfect for laying flat on the table as an accent or as part of a floral arrangement.
Eclectic and modern wedding table decor
If you prefer a quirkier look, try out some of these more eclectic wedding table decorations. They’re perfect for adding a unique twist to your table decor and really allowing your personality to shine through.
31) Bohemian rugs as table runners
Use bohemians rungs in place of table runners for a unique and beautiful addition to your table decor. You can find bohemian rugs at antique shops, online marketplaces, or secondhand shops.
Choose rugs with rich colours, intricate patterns, and unique trims and tassels to add depth and a cultural flair to your settings. Each rug can vary in colour and design, and you’re unlikely to find the same rug twice, adding to the eclectic charm of your wedding and making each table decoration truly unique.
32) Mismatched glass and tableware
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colours in your table settings. Pair vintage china with modern geometric napkins, or rustic wooden chargers with elegant crystal glassware. This playful juxtaposition of old and new can create a visually engaging and memorable dining experience.
Collect your tableware slowly and over time from vintage shops, charity shops, and other secondhand stores for a truly unique look.
33) Sari silk runner
If you want to pay homage to your or your partner’s Indian heritage, consider incorporating sari silk runners across your tables. Saris, with their vibrant colours and intricate patterns, will bring a touch of traditional elegance and deep cultural significance to your celebration. You can use saris which have been in your family or source them from specialty shops that offer vintage or upcycled fabrics.
34) Pom-pom table runner
If you love getting crafty or like the look of handmade and playful designs, consider adding a pom-pom table runner to your eclectic decor. These runners can be crafted from an array of colourful pom-poms, adding a lively and fun element to your tables. You can choose a colour scheme that matches your wedding palette or go for a multicoloured approach to add an extra pop of whimsy.
You can either make your own pom-poms using two small circles of cardboard and wool (you can find a ton of make-your-own pom-pom tutorials online), or purchase a range of pom-poms online or in haberdasheries. Sew the pom-poms along the edge of a colourful table runner or sew them directly onto a plain tablecloth for a custom look that will surely impress your guests.
35) Vintage trinkets
Try exploring your local secondhand shops, vintage shops, or other antique shops to find a collection of vintage trinkets for your wedding decor. For example, you could collect old jewellery boxes, statues, thimbles, vintage photo frames, old cameras, and more.
If you want a truly eclectic style with no pattern or continuity, this is the wedding table decor for you.
36) Artisanal bread baskets
This wedding table decor is effective and practical. Simply have your caterers prepare a range of different types of breads and arrange them around the table as decor. You could ask for herby focaccia, a classic french stick, farmhouse sourdough, or some flavoursome olive bread.
Present these in handwoven baskets or rustic wooden crates lined with linen napkins to enhance the artisanal feel. Not only will this add a beautiful, rustic element to your table decor, but it also serves as a tasty snack for guests as they wait for their starters or main meal. Dot a few plates of butter or dipping oil around the table, too.
37) Tropical leaf runner
Use layers of tropical leaves like banana leaves, bird of paradise leaves, or tropical ferns to create a beautiful, fresh, and green alternative to a classic table runner. Arrange the leaves end-to-end, allowing some to slightly overlap for full coverage, and let their natural curves and textures shine as a major part of your table decor.
38) Neon signage or glow sticks
Neon signs were a big fashion for wedding decor a few years ago. You can have neon signs made in custom shapes, words, dates, and more to add a bright, modern twist to your eclectic wedding. Whether you choose a romantic phrase, your names, or the date of your special day, these vibrant signs will add a pop of colour and fun to your table decor.
If you’re looking for this effect on a budget, consider scattering some glow sticks around your centrepiece to add a fun pop of colour to your decor. Just be sure to snap them first to get the full effect!
39) Retro sweets
Retro sweets are the perfect wedding table decor if your guests have a sweet tooth or you love the nostalgic feel of love hearts, parma violets, and sherbet dib dabs. Create small, personalised sweet jars for each guest with all their favourite sweeties, or, alternatively, have a communal sweet jar at each table for everyone to share.
You can label each jar or dish with fun, vintage-style tags and ribbons, adding a playful and charming touch to your table settings. Guests can snack on these as they wait for their food for a much-needed energy boost. or come back to them later once they’ve danced the night away.
40) Vintage tea sets
Vintage tea sets add a whimsical feel to your wedding decor and will make your guests feel like they’re at a teddy bear’s picnic. Scour antique shops, secondhand shops, and even car boot sales to find mismatched tea cups, teapots, and saucers with unique patterns and colours.
Each table can have its own set, creating a charming and quaint atmosphere that’s perfect for serving hot or iced teas, or even cocktails, during your reception.
Find your dream decor with Bridebook
Wedding table decoration is an essential element of your wedding reception, tying together the theme and enhancing the overall ambience. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, minimalist, floral, or eclectic/modern vibe, the right table decor will make your reception truly unforgettable.
We hope these 40 wedding table decoration ideas have inspired you to create the perfect setting for your special day. From rustic pinecone arrangements to elegant floral bouquets and quirky eclectic displays, there’s something for every couple and every theme.
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to revamp your entire wedding theme, check out our list of the top 70 DIY wedding decor ideas! Packed with creative and thrifty ideas for transforming your venue, these budget-friendly options will help you craft a stunning look that won’t break the bank.
For those couples seeking a professional touch, be sure to explore our fabulous range of wedding decor providers and florists. With their unrivalled expertise and creativity, they’ll help bring your vision to life, ensuring your wedding decor is as beautiful and unique as your love story.
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- How to Save Money on Wedding Decor
Happy Planning!
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