You've got the venue, the caterer, the date. What's left is the detail that decides everything: rows of round tables in white cloth that look like a school canteen. In truth, wedding decor has less to do with how many objects you pile on than with fabric and the way it falls.

Break up the white with texture

A white tablecloth is a neutral base. Lay a runner in washed linen or organic cotton over the top: crinkled linen brings texture, while cotton keeps a crisp line. You can vary the colours without overloading the overall look.

Overhead view of a wedding table mixing a white cloth, a sage green runner and terracotta napkins
Sage green and terracotta warm up a plain white cloth

The chairs, so often forgotten

Give non-woven covers a miss: that synthetic fabric usually ends up in the bin after a single day. Hire linen or OEKO-TEX certified cotton covers instead, which the supplier launders and puts back into circulation. One statement piece per table — a dried flower garland, a roll of drapery for high ceilings — is enough to give the space structure.

Product shot inspired by a white flame-retardant drape, 10 metres x 150 cm
Product shot inspired by a white flame-retardant drape, 10 metres x 150 cm
Large wedding venue with linen drapes hung from the beams above the table
Linen drapes dress high ceilings without weighing the room down

Wedding favours

The little box of sugared almonds is still a classic. A longer-lasting option: an engraved flute, or a small object your guest will genuinely use and keep. It's up to you whether you dress every place setting or only the top table.

Product shot inspired by a personalised engraved wedding champagne flute
Product shot inspired by a personalised engraved wedding champagne flute
Kraft paper box of sugared almonds on a place setting with a linen ribbon and dried flowers
The sugared almond favour, reworked in kraft paper and linen ribbon

Ask your caterer to dress the room themselves: they know the space, the logistics and the timings. It saves you a huge amount of time.

What it costs

Chair cover hire: budget around £2–£8 per cover. Linen table runners: roughly £8–£25 per metre. Drapes: £5–£15 per square metre to hire, or £3–£10 per metre by the roll. Treat these as guide prices only — costs shift with the city, the length, the quality and the cleaning, so confirm figures with your supplier. Where to look: event hire companies, fabric shops, decor retailers, or straight from your caterer. Always ask for a written quote before you commit.

Sources

  • OEKO-TEX — oeko-tex.com