24 wedding table decor and centrepiece ideas for a memorable day

Your wedding decorations can really set the tone for your wedding, and your table décor plays a big part in that. Since guests spend a large part of the day at the table during your wedding breakfast, the right decorations are key to capturing the tone and style of your celebration.

The first consideration is the setting for your wedding breakfast. Do you have a spacious room offering flexibility or are you more limited on space and perhaps need to take a more understated approach? Maybe you’re planning a three-course meal on traditional round tables, or it might be that you’ll be serving a relaxed banquet-style buffet. These details will all help determine the type of decorations you should go for.

You’ll also want to consider the style and theme for your day. Will you keep things simple and classic or opt for something bolder and more fun? Are you having a summer celebration with a big focus on flowers? Or planning a Christmas wedding and want the decorations to be seasonal and cosy? Make sure you keep your vision in mind when selecting your decorations.

Finally, make sure you take into account what else the space is being used for. If your meal will be in the same setting as your evening reception, for example, you may want to go for decorations that will work well for both elements of your day.

Whatever your plans, we’ve put together some of the best and most stylish ideas, to fit your style and budget!

Choose statement tableware

Statement pink and gold tableware at Electrowerkz

We like the idea of incorporating tableware into your table design. Think elegant charger plates, stylish glasses, and classic napkins, while traditional silver cutlery can be swapped for gold or bronze. Speak to your venue about the tableware options available or alternatively look into hiring a set for the day.

Use photo place cards

These polaroid placecards from Etsy bring a personal touch to your table decor

Swap standard place cards for a polaroid photo of each guest – even better, if you can use photos of each guest with the happy couple. These fun alternatives work as a great icebreaker at the dinner table and serve as a lovely keepsake for friends and family too.

Mix and match your decorations

Take inspiration from this statement mix and match spread at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace 

Make the most of rectangle shaped tables with a selection of candles and flowers through the center. This doesn‘t need to be too carefully uniformed; you could, for example, mix and match your flowers, candlesticks, and vases for an effortlessly chic look.

Elevate your tables

This elevated foliage display at The Zetter Clerkenwell creates an impactful tablescape

Adding a stand to each of your tables is a great way to make an impact. This offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to displaying flowers and greenery, while also helping to fill the space in venues with particularly high ceilings.

Go for statement flowers

These beautiful flowers at The Zetter Clerkenwell show how effective floral-focused decorations can be

There’s no such thing as too many flowers on your wedding day and the dinner table is the perfect place to get creative. If you are going big on flowers, why not keep the rest of the table simple with a coloured napkin tied with a classic ribbon.

Leave your table bare

Bare tables at The Humble Grape Fleet Street show how to incorporate industrial style into your wedding decor

While in some instances it can add to your table design, don’t feel obligated to use table linen. There’s a lot to be said for keeping it effortlessly fresh, with no tablecloth and sweet posies staggered along the table.

Choose a flower runner

Be inspired by this lavender-hued floral table runner at Mortimer House 

If you are looking for a way of packing in as many flowers as possible, consider a runner down the centre of the table. This looks really affective on banquet-style tables, with the low-level display allowing guests to easily chat to the person opposite!

Go big on pampas grass

For couples planning a festival-style wedding, pampas grass not only looks great but can be a more affordable option than traditional fresh arrangements. Pair with other dried flowers or keep it simple for the ultimate boho look.

Add a touch of disco

Disco balls are a brilliant choice for party-loving couples, who love to dance. Dazzle your guests with a cluster of small balls in the centre of the table or if the space allows, opt for a single disco ball hanging above each table. We love that these props can then be reused later on the dancefloor!

Use balloons

Big balloons at 100 Barrington make for an impressive feature

There are plenty of ways to incorporate balloons into your centrepieces, from a bright cluster hanging from the ceiling to an oversized helium balloon positioned at the centre of each table. This fun alternative is not only eye-catching for your guests, it will be the perfect prop for your photos too.

Light it up with lanterns

These lanterns from Etsy instantly brighten up any wedding table decor 

Whether you opt for small handheld lanterns lit with tealights, or large hurricane lamps with pillar candles inside, lanterns are an easy way to add an instant glow to your tabletops. It’s worth considering battery-powered candles for a safer and longer lasting alternative to a traditional open flame.

Dine under the trees

Beautiful tabletop tree decoration at The Langham Hotel

Whether you want to create an enchanting woodland forest or dine under pretty blossom trees, this impressive alternative to flowers brings a sense of nature to your wedding table. Whatever style you go for, wrap the branches in fairy lights for that added magical glow.

Add a pop of florescent colour

Take a look at these pink acryllic table markers from Etsy

For a modern take on feminine pink, consider these florescent table numbers. The contemporary style looks amazing on its own or can be teamed with more traditional flowers and decorations.

Add some Christmas magic

Hosting a Christmas wedding? These festive place cards will bring your table to life

If you’re having a December wedding, there are lots of ways to incorporate the festivities into your table plan. Why not swap your summer flowers for a red poinsettia or seasonal foliage like ivy and eucalyptus, and for your name card holder pinecones are the perfect option.

Give a nod to autumn

Autumn couples can take inspiration from the season with their tablescape. Combine rich hues of orange and brown with dried flowers and twigs, and if your wedding happens to fall around Halloween, different coloured pumpkins could add that special something.

Collect jars and bottles

A great DIY wedding hack is to substitute expensive candle holders for glass jars and bottles. Simply ask your friends and family to collect their share in the leadup to the wedding, fill them with flowers and tea lights, and you’ll have an inexpensive but super effective look on the day!

Choose classic candelabras

A classic candelabra display at The HAC

There are so many ways to display candles on your table, but if you want to add some old-school glamour a candelabra is the way to go. Keep it simple with white cathedral candles or a brighter colour if you fancy a more contemporary take on a classic style.

Let them eat cake

Cute cupcake decor at The HAC shows that decorations can also be delicious

While many couples choose to display their wedding cake on a designated stand, we love the idea of cupcakes on the table. Not only do they look great, but take it from us - your guests will love not having to await until the evening for a sweet treat!

Don’t forget your chairs

Elegant floral chair decoration at The Zetter Clerkenwell

There will of course be a lot of focus on the table, but don’t forget about your seating too. There are plenty of ways you can smarten up your chairs, with the addition of elegant sashes, oversized bows, or why not go all out with a floral decoration on every seat?

Incorporate wooden features

Try these wooden centrepieces from Etsy

If you’re going for a more rustic theme, these oak hoop centrepieces are the perfect way to display your table names or numbers. We love that they can be personalised to work with the rest of your table decor; so whether you choose to decorate them in flowers and foliage to match your colour theme or keep them plain and simple for a more minimalistic look, they are bespoke to you.

Focus on a flower cloud

A jaw-dropping flower cloud display at Pythouse Kitchen Garden

For a seriously impressive way to display your florals, how about creating an incredible flower cloud to be displayed above the top table? As this arrangement is packed full of beautiful colourful blooms and fresh green foliage, you’ll be able to keep the rest of your table decorations simple and minimal.

Get creative in small spaces

Creative floral decorations in The Hackney's intimate wedding area

If you’re hosting an intimate wedding breakfast in a small area, you might be limited on table space. If that’s the case, think about different ways to showcase your decorations. We love this creative display of flowers behind the top table!

Add coastal touches

For couples planning a wedding by the sea, you’ll get plenty of inspiration from the coastal surroundings. From pretty shells to rough slabs of driftwood, large pebbles to rustic rope, you can combine classic beach decorations with fresh flowers and candles for a super romantic seaside theme.

Have heavenly hydrangeas

Classic hydrangeas at The Milestone Hotel & Residences 

Hydrangeas have long been a popular wedding flower and for very good reason. Of course, there are many different ways they can be displayed, but we love this simple take. You could ask your florist for short stems displayed in shallow vases for a bit of understated glamour.

Once you have decided on your decorations, it may be time to start thinking about more important things... like the bride's outfit! Perhaps you have chosen your dress but are undecided on your footwear? If you aren't a fan of heels, you might like to keep it comfy with these chic and contemporary wedding trainers for daring brides.