subject: Choosing the Perfect Place Settings For Your Reception [print this page] Choosing the Perfect Place Settings For Your Reception
When you are designing the centerpieces for your wedding, keep in mind that there are other important parts of a tablescape. Choosing the perfect china for your place settings will also make a big difference in the ultimate style of your reception.
Now you may be thinking, plates are plates, right? Wrong! Plates can be so much more than just the thing that holds the food. If you put some thought into finding place settings that are beautiful, they will enhance the look of your reception and reinforce your wedding theme. The plain white plates used by most caterers will certainly be up to the task of keeping the filet mignon off the table, but they will not add any flair or charm to your tablescape.
When seeking interesting place settings, put some thought into the effect that you are hoping to achieve at your reception. The level of formality will play an important role in this. After all, we all know that a wedding where the bride wears a ballgown and ornate jewelry would not be the right occasion to break out the paper plates and red plastic cups.
On the other hand, the gold embellished fine china that is ideal for a black tie wedding would seem out of place for a casual reception with the bride in a simple linen dress and handcrafted wedding jewelry. In other words, all of the elements of the wedding need to flow together. When you stop and think about how many place settings you will have at your reception, you can see why they have such a big impact.
When most of us think of place settings for a wedding reception, we think of round plates made from fine bone china. This is always beautiful and elegant, but there are also some very unique alternatives available. Any bride who is hosting a modern or Asian inspired wedding should consider using plates that are square instead of round. The unexpected shape will immediately change the feeling of your tables. If your favorite centerpiece is a stalk of bamboo anchored in smooth river rocks or a single exotic potted orchid, then square plates will be the perfect accent.
A very chic idea is to mix and match different patterns on the china. You can choose one basic color palette, such as mint green and brown, and then layer a few prints together. Think about using wide borders, thin borders, and plates with an all-over pattern. The effect is very eclectic and feels homey rather than institutional.
If renting complete sets of special china would put you over your decorating budget, there are still some things that you can do to give your place settings more personality. Plan to use the standard white china, but layer something fun under the plates. At a formal wedding, you cannot go wrong using a gold charger. The charger is an extra-large plate that sits under the dinner plate. It is wide enough that it will show even with the largest white plate on top of it, and as the plates are changed during the various courses the gold chargers remain in place (no food is placed on chargers). Chargers will make your tablescapes feel opulent and elegant, no matter how simple the rest of the place settings may be.
Be creative when choosing the place settings for your reception. There are many great ideas in bridal magazines and online if you are looking for inspiration. Setting a unique table is just one more way that you can put your own personal stamp on your wedding.
Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry,receptions and gifts.Wedding jewelry makes a wonderful gift idea.
