Wedding Tabletop Trends for 2023
Wedding receptions are as unique as the couple that’s marrying. And setting the right tone begins with your table decorations. “Many couples really love to showcase their reception space with table décor that is personal to them.” states Wendy Brown-Haddock, CPCE, General Manager for Monona Catering. Whatever you have in mind—from jaw dropping elegance to eye-popping colors—your table decorations will help you get there.
So where do you start? Brown-Haddock offers several trends she’s seeing in 2023.
Vibrant Colors Are Everywhere
Bold, bright colors are here to stay for a while, and what better way to display your personal favorites than with flowers. Dramatic colors extend beyond the dining tables, as you’ll see variant colors in bridesmaid dresses, splashes of contrasting colors on bouquets and corsages, and throughout wedding venues with flower walls and displays.
Vibrant colors extend to the tablecloth, runners, and napkins with colors that complement floral arrangements and centerpieces. Popular color palettes include emerald green, lavender, dusty rose, sage green, yellow, navy blues, and earthy tones, especially if the wedding is in the fall and has a boho theme.
Earthen color palettes have softened this year, as you’ll see on Pinterest. Dusty Rose, Champagne, Blush Pink are a few examples that provide a subtle yet dramatic touch to a table’s décor.
Remember that color palettes tend to shift with the seasons, so plan accordingly.
Go Green
Sustainable weddings are popular and impact every aspect of the wedding, including using recyclable paper, digital invitations, digital menus, sustainable plants and decorations, and no plastic in sight. For tabletops, you’ll see more potted plants used as centerpieces. Couples can select a plant or flower and accompanying “pot” that reflects their style, and it’s not something from the local garden center. Elegant metal or glass containers, teak boxes, and even hand-thrown ceramics are options to consider.
As for what plants to use, go with local and sustainable wildflowers, greenery, and various plant types to highlight your centerpieces. Fortunately, Wisconsin has a rich variety to choose from. Even young bushes, trees, or succulents that can be replanted are great ideas and make for memorable table flora.
Also, from a sustainable perspective, Monona Terrace is a certified Platinum Level “green building” and a top sustainable, modern wedding venue in Wisconsin.
Always Right with Candlelight
Candles add sophistication to any style wedding. It’s all about the candle type and holder. Go for framed candles, antique lanterns and holders, wood, and unique candelabras that match your overall theme. And consider a range of shapes, heights, and types of candles on each table. To ensure safety, they will be enclosed by glass holders.
Tabletop Technology
Your guests may spend more time at their tables than anywhere else. The tabletop is a wonderful place for interactive elements. These days, QR codes are everywhere at weddings. It’s a fun, easy way for guests to upload photos they take at the wedding. Put your QR codes on printed cards, place settings or a placard at each table. It’s quickly replacing the digital photo booth. Options include Flowcode, Guestpix, and VideoStamps.
Variations on Head Tables
Rather than a long table where you, your spouse and wedding party sit along one side, consider a harvest table instead. The two of you sit at the head, with your wedding party—and even their guests—joining you along both sides of the table. Some couples even include family members. Conversation is easier at a harvest table, and you’ll have more room for larger, eye-catching table decorations. Or a sweetheart table for just the two of you provides a more intimate experience.
Behold Boho
That Boho theme mentioned earlier? It continues to be a big trend for 2023. The bohemian spin on any theme casts tradition to the wind. It allows a couple to be more expressive and whimsical with their chosen theme, whether it’s beachy, modern, chic, or rustic. In other words, it’s okay to do what you want. For the tabletop, it might be an eclectic mix of wood, metal, glass, and greenery. Mix vintage and antique with modern and architectural. Adding artistic elements that represent the couple are a must. For instance, if they play music, include instruments in the design. If they love the outdoors use lantern candles, canvas, and cleverly arranged greenery.
Varied Groupings
They could be small vintage bottles or eclectic vases, circular or geometric—or any combination that’s pleasing to you. Whatever they’re made of groupings are popular, particularly if you want to showcase flowers. If you’re planning on featuring unique floral arrangements on each table, consider centerpieces of the same color tones but vary their sizes. Doing so gives your reception tables a less “matchy” look.
Nods to the Past
Including some vintage pieces alongside modern items adds personality to your tables and captures the current trend of mixing old with new. For example, intricate vintage pewter vases positioned next to modern, airy glassware achieves a beautiful balance and connects the past with the present. Friends or family might even be willing to lend you some of these vintage pieces, and a simple card on the table can tell the story of why the items are meaningful to you.
Happy Planning
Talk with your wedding planner about these and other ways to personalize your wedding day. Says Brown-Haddock, “they have wonderful creative ideas to help you personalize your reception and make it very special for you and your guests. incorporate the ideas into what feels right for you. Your venue will bring it all to life for those once in a lifetime memories.”
For more table design and wedding reception ideas, check out our Pinterest board.
Want to learn more about weddings at Monona Terrace? More information is here. Or call Breanne Chase, Social Sales Manager, at 608.261.4093.