35 Gorgeous Wedding Place Settings Ideas For Your Day

It’s great news that you are now onto organising your wedding place settings. However, I know too well that it can feel overwhelming choosing your decor ideas and finalising your wedding day look.

But, no need to worry as I am going to share some beautiful place setting ideas, as well as what to include in your settings and answer some FAQs. Hoorah!

Photo: Sara Ribera Photography via Vintage Style Wedding

35 Wedding Place Settings Ideas

Before we look at the essential elements, let’s dive into the inspiration gallery.

Take note of the styles or elements you like best and see if there is a recurring theme. That way you’ll be able to start narrowing down what you’d like to achieve on your wedding tables.

It’s also worth noting that the more complex your settings are, the more likely costs will start to add up. Not to mention the time involved in planning, setting up pre-wedding and clearing away post-wedding. There are ways to save money though. I will cover more at the end of the article.

Finally, never ever feel like you have to go all-out with your wedding decor and details. If you want a simple, low-key wedding look, that’s absolutely fine. There are no rules around here!

1. Boho Dreams

For the ultimate boho wedding look, use dried grasses, raffia and macrame with metallics.

Photo: Sara Ribera via Boho Tipi Wedding Ideas

2. Greenery & Botanical

Greenery always looks beautiful. Try having botanical stationery and fern leaf for a simple chic style.

Photo: Maureen du Preez – South Ayrshire Wedding

3. Mediterranean

Take inspiration from the Mediterranean with citrus fruits and sea blues.

Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas

4. Children

Don’t forget the little ones! Rather than styling out their place setting, find entertaining activities such as colouring pages.

Photo: Olegs Samsonovs Photography via Hayne House Wedding

5. Rust Orange

Autumnal weddings can make the most of the season with rust oranges and foraged pieces such as pinecones.

Photo: Laura Williams Photography via Burnt Orange Wedding Ideas

6. Spring Blossom

Spring couple? Utilise the season with soft pastel colours and blooms.

Photo: Sugarbird Photography from Cherry Blossom Wedding Ideas

7. Eco-Friendly

If you want to ensure your day is sustainable, think about using wooden plates and cutlery rather than single-use plastic. Add kraft paper, wood and greenery to maximise the style.

Photo: Lyra and Moth – Abbey House Gardens Wedding

8. Earthy

Neutral earthy tones can look stunning. Ensure you mix textures and materials for an elevated style.

Photo: Finn and the Fox Photography via Wilderness Wedding Ideas

9. Green & Gold Opulence

Luxe and dramatic, green and gold together can make for a very fine dining experience.

Photo: Jeannine Marie Photography via Floral Minneapolis Wedding

10. Eucalyptus & Soft Greys

Soft and romantic, eucalyptus teamed with grey and silver looks magical.

Photo: Chloe Ely Photography via Grey Violet Wedding Ideas

11. Ocean Vibes

Beach weddings can really make use of the location. Forage for driftwood, add soft linens and plenty of candlelight.

Photo: Rachel Watkinson Photography via Ocean Wedding Ideas

12. Vintage

Mix and match with vintage china and cutlery for a sweet place setting style.

Photo: Paul Underhill from Knighton House Wedding

13. Autumnal Harvest

Don’t forget to add in autumn vegetables rather than just fruit. Plus you can add in extra special tableware for pizzazz.

Photo: Natalia Ibarra Photography via Autumnal Wedding Ideas

14. Colourful Pom Poms

Colour lover? Inject rainbow brights with flowers, pom poms and cute stationery.

Photo: The Shannons via Chateau De Lacoste Wedding

15. Celestial

Celestial vibe weddings are always a popular choice. Choose midnight blues with starry-feel gold cutlery.

Photo: Christine Third Wheeling via Celestial Wedding Ideas

16. Multicolour Napkins

Keep your place setting simple, but mix them up for an impactful look for the whole table.

Photo: Emily Jarrett Photography via Bridal Jumpsuit Wedding

17. Spring Of Rosemary

Rosemary not only looks pretty but smells amazing. Is it the perfect way to begin a delicious meal?

Photo: Pickavance Weddings via AirBnB Wedding

18. Rustic Wood Slice

Create special place mats with log slices, they make a great keep-sake post wedding too.

Photo: Meraki Wedding Photography via Woodland Geometric Wedding Ideas

19. Gold

Gold always looks special, perfect for opulent weddings and pretty days alike.

Photo: Sofia Balli via Whimsical Tuscany Wedding

20. Black & Gold

Black screams dark and moody, but add a pop of gold for a special touch.

Photo: Taylar-Jayde Photography via Black Wedding Ideas

21. Natural Rustic

Keep things natural with rattan, wooden elements, real flowers and raw fabric.

Photo: Victoria Baker Weddings via Intimate Garden Wedding

22. Tropical

Bring the tropical atmosphere to your wedding with unusual flowers and bright colours.

Photo: Jade Touron Photography via Staycation Wedding Ideas

23. Artistic

Add a touch of art with special plates and tin can vessels.

Photo: Emma Lawson from Glen Dye Wedding

24. Tonal

Take one colour and use different tones for a cohesive style.

Photo: Camilla Andrea Photography via Modern Pink Wedding Ideas

25. Mix & Match

Take different elements you love and put them together. You’d be surprised how eclectic styles can really work in harmony.

Photo: Anna Gomes Photo via Acre Baja Wedding

26. Christmas

Festive weddings are an excuse for reds and greens, foliage and plenty of twinkling lights.

Photo: Barbara Markiewicz Photography via Christmas Tree Farm Wedding

27. Pretty

Pretty place settings are always a popular choice, use pastel tones with blousy blooms.

Photo: Mindy Coe via River Romance Wedding Ideas

28. Grey & Texture

Use all the grey tones in differing textures for a warm and tactile look.

Photo: Charlie Britz Photography via Somerset Elopement Ideas

29. Modern & Soft

Keep your place settings simple and clean, with essential items such as place names and favours.

Photo: Emilie May via Wedding At Home

30. Simple Rustic

Having simple cutlery teamed with a napkin and pretty flower will keep a rustic style to your reception.

Photo: Richard Skins Photography via Berkshire Barn Wedding

31. Pastels

Choose all the pastel colours as they work so gorgeously together, like these yellows and lilacs.

Photo: Freya Raby via Ooakwood At Ryther Wedding

32. Romantic & Luxe

Layer items for a really polished table setting.

Photo: Sara Ribera Photography via Vintage Style Wedding

33. Pink & Red

Pinks and reds really are a bold choice, super modern and beautiful.

Photo: Heledd Roberts via Garden Picnic Wedding

34. Black & Pink

Bold pink and black table decor looks ever so striking.

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Modern Pink Wedding

35. Earthenware

Think about using earthenware for a modern meets rustic look your guests will love.

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Norfolk Barn Wedding

What To Include In Place Settings?

What do you actually need at a place setting?

Think about what your guest needs to eat and drink, according to the food and drink you will be supplying. For a three-course dinner, starter, main and dessert tableware will be required. The same for drink glasses, if you are having a toast, ensure you have a suitable flute for your tipple of choice.

Guests will need a wedding napkin to protect their attire and clean up, as well as information. For example, any instructions you may need to give them, perhaps a menu and their place name.

Then there are the more optional elements, wedding favours and flourishes to make your settings shine. You may wish to keep your settings simple, especially if you are going for a statement wedding centrepiece. Or you could go all out and create a really luxe place for your guests to enjoy their wedding breakfast.

Do You Have To Have Place Settings At A Wedding?

No, you don’t have to have place settings at your wedding. For example, if you are having a wedding buffet, plates and cutlery can be placed on the buffet table and drinks served from the bar.

However, for a more formal wedding breakfast sit-down meal, it’s more practical to have place settings. It will speed up dinner service and be a more relaxed and organised atmosphere for your guests. Less queuing, less questions and more time for fun!

Do You Put Full Names On Wedding Place Cards?

You don’t have to put full names on wedding place cards. However, if you have guests with the same first name, it’s best to use both their first name and surname on the card and table plan.

For informal weddings, first names can work well, but for a formal affair, full names are your best bet.

How Can You Save Money On Wedding Place Settings?

The golden rule to saving money on your wedding place settings is, to keep things simple. As a rule of thumb, the less you incorporate, the cheaper your table settings.

That being said, if you are still at the bear minimum you could try this:

• DIY elements such as favours, stationery and linens
• Hire rather than buy new
• Buy second-hand items on marketplaces and at charity shops or boot sales
• Scour places like supermarkets or large homeware stores for candles or lighting
• Reuse decor from the ceremony to take to your reception
• Upcycle items or use pieces from your home
• If buying new, reuse items as gifts, favours or to keep and reuse yourself
• Post-wedding re-sell items to fill your wallet back up