Other than the bridal couple and each other, the view that guests will see the most at a sit down reception is their very own table. So how the tables at weddings look is often the strongest way to set the mood for the celebration and reflect the couple’s individual tastes and personal style. We’ve asked some of Australia most in-demand wedding and event stylists - Branka Panici (of Perth’s Blonde & Blue), Felicity Lea (of Melbourne’s Creating Beautiful) and Melissa Murray (of Sydney’s Ashdown & Bee) – to share what’s inspiring table settings now and how they set the scene.
Styling: Blonde and Blue
Photography: Ashley Higgins
Styling: Blonde and Blue
Photography: Ashley Higgins
Stylist: Ashdown & Bee
Styling: Blonde and Blue
Photography: Ridhwaan Moolla
What’s in demand when it comes to wedding table styling right now?
Blond & Blue: A lot of golds, rose gold and metallics as a whole.
Creating Beautiful: Monochromatic colour theming. Like black-on-black or working within a similar tonal palette such as blushes and terracottas. So neutrals, but done monochromatically.
Ashdown & Bee: There’s been a huge increase in elements such as charger plates, linen napkins, detailed cutlery and ornate glassware. For signage, acrylic is really in at the moment, as it is sleek and modern and minimal. This can extend to table numbers, place cards, welcome signs and drink menus. Classics colours are always in - white with a touch of gold. As well as a lot of blush pink accents through the flowers or even table décor such as linen napkins.
Stylist: Ashdown & Bee
Stylist: Ashdown & Bee
And what’s out?
B&B: Using just what the venue has available. Hiring everything in is on the rise as people realise that their wedding is not going to look any different if they take the white table, the white napkin and keep the standards. And place cards: tables are cluttered enough!
CB: Individual name cards: they are always built in within the menu.
A&B: Rustic is on its way out, and has been for a while. The trend is still suitable in certain venues and locations like a country venue but is not as popular as a theme.
Aside from flowers, what types of centrepieces are in high rotation?
B&B: Lots and lots of candles everywhere and one statement floral, perhaps a hanging arrangement. It looks very romantic and timeless.
CB: Dried large tropical leaves, like a dried fan palm with big shaggy leaves, pampas, cotton. It’s really textural and very on-trend for something a little bohemian.
A&B: Super long taper candles in candlesticks in the accent colour e.g. gold or brass or black! They add an element of atmosphere and romance to the dining experience and are the perfect accompaniment to floral arrangements.
Stylist: Ashdown & Bee
Styling: Blonde and Blue
Photography: Angela Higgins
What do you predict fashion-forward couples will fall in love with next?
B&B: Silver is coming back into play. It’s classic, timeless but still modern. White, black and silver are the new neutral tones. We’re definitely going to be seeing the whole timeless-yet-modern look brought back to life. So your whites, your blacks, your silvers, very clean-cut looks are making a comeback. Couples will consider details like having custom bridal tables made and mixing and matching round and long table shapes and sizes.
CB: Colour wise, midnight blue paired with blush is really beautiful. Or dusty pinks and dusty blues for a more pastel version. Silver is definitely on its way back in for a fresher palette but that’s something we still need to convince our clients on - it’s not general knowledge yet! Neon light strips down the middle of the table to add some mood lighting: we definitely have that on our radar to try. Or putting coloured lighting among the florals on the table.
A&B: More personalisation and customisation in terms of signage and custom builds.
Styling: Blonde and Blue
Photography: Ridhwaan Moolla
What styling elements do you personally adore at this very moment?
B&B: A combination of flipped roses, Phalaenopsis orchids and baby’s breath; it’s just magic and so neutral it works with anything. Acrylic menus, place cards, invitations, anything stationery in acrylic. And adding vinyl to glassware, plates, DJ booths to keep details in keeping with your stationery.
CB: We are obsessed with fringing; we use it on everything. You can never go past a beautiful rose. And exposed tables instead of linens - but not in a rustic way - in luxurious materials such as marble instead.
A&B: Customised neon signs. Acrylic wishing well boxes. Super long taper candles!