17 Wedding Napkin Folds To Inspire Your Unique Place Settings

Napkins are a core part of wedding table etiquette. They make up one of the practical elements of your wedding table, along with cutlery, plates and glassware. So it’s a great idea to be considering your wedding napkin folds.

Not only can napkins elevate your wedding table look, but they can add personality and nail down your theme or style. Whether down to your choice of napkin fold, or fabric you can totally make your napkins unique to your day.

Photo: Josipa Weddings via Croatia Wedding Inspiration

Wedding Napkin Fold Ideas

Without further ado, let’s take a look at those wedding napkin fold ideas shall we? Before I share my top tips and advice on all things wedding napkins!

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Loose Knot Napkin

A popular style for wedding napkins is the loose knot style. Easy to create (simply practice at home) and there is no need for hours of ironing. But be sure to choose a looser, more romantic fabric that lends itself to this informal look.

Buy Muslin Napkins

Photo: Rebecca Love Photo via Gold Autumn Wedding

Triangle Pocket Fold

Create a sweet pocket fold style for your napkins to encase and protect your cutlery. Be sure to get an iron at the ready and find sturdy material perfect for those precise folds.

Buy Your Perfect Napkin Colour

Photo: Lyra and Moth via Abbey House Gardens Wedding

Napkin Ring

Any napkin will look all the more beautiful with a stunning napkin ring. The perfect accessory for a really luxe look.

Buy Napkin Rings

Photo: Megan Donati Photography via December Wedding Ideas

Triangle Napkin Under Plate

Keep things simple with a triangle napkin fold, placed beneath plates. Choose a neutral tone and let your tableware do the talking.

Buy Linen Napkins

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Norfolk Barn Wedding

Simple Cutlery Wrap Fold

A simple napkin fold that envelopes cutlery but is much more relaxed and informal in style. Add a flower stem for wow factor.

Photo: Ideal Imaging Photography via Bluebell Wood Wedding

Triangle Embroidery Napkin

Add a personal touch to your napkin with a personalised monogram or embroidery. A wonderful keepsake or wedding favour idea for guests to keep.

Buy Personalised Napkins

Photo: Becky Wright Wedding Photography via Non-Traditional Wedding Ideas

Fold In Half

Simple yet effective, simply fold napkins in half! You could even opt for paper napkins to save money for the budget wedding idea.

Buy Paper Napkins

Photo: Amy B Photography via Alderford Lake Wedding

Belly Band Napkin

Wrap up your cutlery with a printed napkin with belly band. Don’t forget you could source fabric and make your own napkins too!

Buy Print Napkins

Photo: Hayley Jayne Photography via Teybrook Orchard Wedding

Relaxed Cutlery Wrap Fold

Use loose fabric to tie a knot around your cutlery. Chic and very relaxed, it will set the tone for your wedding breakfast.

Buy Silk Napkins

Photo: Luke Batchelor Productions via Moroccan Wedding Inspiration

Formal Multi-Fold

For a traditional and classic style go for a sharp napkin fold with layers.

Photo: Whitney Lloyd Photography via Stately Home Wedding

Pocket Envelope Napkin

Create a pocket for your cutler with a linen napkin. Modern yet rustic in style.

Photo: Golden Hare Wedding Photography via Rust Wedding Inspiration

Just Laid Out Napkin

For a very relaxed look, omit the fold and just naturally lay out your napkins.

Photo: Emma Wilkinson Photography via Beige Wedding

Rose/Flower Fold

To make a real statement with your napkins, try the rose or flower fold. Twist and stand on end for a very pretty style.

Photo: Joanna Briggs Photography via Winter Blue Barn Wedding Ideas Napkin: Table To Dine For

Upfold Napkin

If you have some special stationery, upfold your napkin to tease the menu for your meal.

Photo: Hayley Baxter Photography via Wharfedale Grange Wedding

Bow Fold

Add a romantic style with this twist meets bow napkin fold. Add an acrylic menu to really make a styish place setting.

Photo: Birgitta Zoutman Photography via Coral Wedding Ideas

Bow Tie Fold

Cute and fun, a bow tie fold is simple to create with a piece of twine.

Photo: Aga Tomaszek Photography Napkins: dotandarmy

Hanging Fold

For an elegant wedding table, leave napkins hanging off the side.

Photo: Ellie Lou Photography via Beach Picnic Wedding

Wedding Napkins FAQ

Allow me to answer some of your most pressing wedding napkin questions now that you’ve found the ideal fold.

How do you fold a napkin for a wedding?

Once you’ve chosen your ideal wedding napkin fold, get practising! The simpler the fold, the easier set up will be before the wedding so do keep that in mind. Especially when folding 50+ napkins or delegating the task to your venue or wedding party.

Take a look at photos for inspiration or head to Youtube for tutorials. Be sure to select an appropriate fabric and don’t forget an iron, creased napkins won’t look the part on a crisp formal table.

Where to buy wedding napkins?

You can rent napkins from wedding tableware and linen companies (this is eco-friendly and can cut costs).

Alternatively buy your own from places like:

How many napkins do you need for a wedding?

If you are planning on using fabric napkins, one napkin per guest place setting is recommended for day guests. If you would like to provide paper napkins for canapes and evening snacks or spills, think about buying enough so each guest has between one and three paper napkins.

Where do you put the napkins at a wedding?

The best place to display wedding napkins is on the place setting with the plate and cutlery. It’s easiest that it’s to hand at the beginning of the wedding meal. Alternatively, place them in a basket near food or drink at a buffet or bar area.

Is it cheaper to make your own napkins?

It can be cheaper to make your own napkins, but it could also work out more expensive. It depends on which fabric you’d like and any customisations. Do your research and price up both options before committing to buy to ensure the most cost-effective option.

So there you have all the napkin fold ideas you need for your wedding. And your wedding napkin questions are solved! Hooray.

Hopefully you're now armed and ready to tick off wedding napkins from your to-do list.