The RECEPTION
Rounds or Farm Table
The Dinner Party
The dinner portion of a wedding is possibly one of my favorite parts of a wedding. Before the wedding has even begun, so much time and energy has gone into the planning of the whole area. From table linens and flatware to table size and floral arrangements, even the menus and name cards. All these details come together on the table so that you and your guests will enjoy this later part of your wedding.
It is these details, that when carefully pulled together create a masterpiece that will leave an everlasting memory for your guests. It is here where your guests will enjoy a planned meal, and hear heart-felt toasts honoring the couple, it is here where your guests will laugh, cry, and enjoy the company of your friends and family.
Tables are another artistic element of a wedding that takes the planner and the florist to curate an experience for their client’s guests. And whether the tables are round or farm style, there are ways to create moments of beauty that will leave a lasting impact for your guests on your wedding day.
When planning your reception
Whenever I am on a call with a client or a planner, and we are discussing the reception portion of the evening, there are a few questions that must be asked before we even dive into the floral elements.
What style is the food service? Are you (the client) wanting family style, buffet, or plated?
Why this matters - When you choose a family-style dinner, which is a popular option and potentially a money saver, you are losing space on your tables. Whether you decide to do rounds or farm-style tables. The amount of space that we, the florist, has to place flowers or candles, has ultimately been cut in half. Buffet or even plated proved for more creative opportunities, there is ultimately more space for candles as well as flowers.
What flatware are you planning on going with? Will there be a charger, will the flatware be formal or informal?
This is a minor detail compared to the style of serves, but it can be an important detail when it comes to a farm-style table. If you plan on a charger and a formal plate setting, the space on the table is being reduced. And if your farm-style table is narrow, this will also leave you with less opportunity for the potential vision you have for the table with candles and flowers.
Is your reception indoors or outdoors?
At least here in California’s Wine Country, our summer season can bring wind and many of our stunning venues are outdoors, it is part of the allure of being in wine country. However, as a disclosure, there are some venues due to their geographical location that get more breeze - in a not Covergirl kind of way - than other venues. As for flowers, this is not the end of the world, but when it comes to candles, specifically taper candles, there is a chance that they will have to be removed because their shades will get blown over by the wind and shatter - not the vibe we are going for. But we always strive to achieve the vision, weather permitting.
Rounds
Round tables, might not be your first pick, or maybe you have even had to compromise on using round tables due to budget. I want to encourage you, rounds can be just as elegant and timeless if you trust your planner and florist.
Rounds provide your guests with a central point to all communion at, where each guest gets to admire an arrangement or table vignette designed specifically for their table.
For smaller rounds, consider a mix of bud vases or small arrangements
For a 60’ round, these are great for a lush medium size arrangement
For a Large 72’ table go big and have a statement piece or play around with mixing the styles listed above.
Farm Tables
Farm tables - what I think is key here, is knowing the width above all as well as the style of serves and flatware. Then from there, the discussion of floral arrangements can be the muse. Here are some of my favorite options when it comes to the style of serves and table width.
For a family-style dinner, I personally think bud vases are your best option and if your table is wider you could bump it up to a small arrangement. This provides enough room for the catering staff to place the food.
If you have a Queen (35’) or King size (42’) farm table here are a few of my go-to options:
Bud Vases with a mix of small arrangements
Small arrangements with larger arrangements
Two statement arrangements
One of my favorite additions no matter the table size is adding seasonal fruit, if you have not considered it, it is an amazing way to add another element to your table that fills the foreground and plays off the colors of the flowers.
