When planning a wedding, the sheer variety of decorations can be overwhelming. To make things easier, let’s focus on one crucial element: the top table. As the centrepiece of your reception room, it’s only natural that you want it to stand out in style.
Fortunately, I’m here to help. With 41 fantastic decor ideas at your fingertips, you’ll be able to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere for your special day. And to get us started, let’s take inspiration from the beautiful photograph above – taken by HBA Photography via Hall Farm Hotel Wedding.
Gorgeous Top Table Wedding Decorations
Before we dive in, it’s essential to remember that staying within budget for wedding decor is crucial. You don’t necessarily need elaborate decorations on every table, and sometimes simplicity can be stunning. However, your top table is likely a priority, and you’ll want it to make a memorable impression.
To help you achieve this without breaking the bank, I’m sharing 41 unique decoration ideas that cater to various tastes and budgets. While some may require a bit more luxury, many can be DIY’d, sourced second-hand, or rented. Remember to think creatively and incorporate your passions, personal style, and loves into your decor.
Additionally, don’t overlook the opportunity to repurpose or reuse items after the wedding, which can help recoup some of your expenses. By being mindful of these factors, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and memorable wedding atmosphere without sacrificing your financial goals.
Greenery Hoop
Transform your wedding reception with a charming DIY centerpiece! Simply spray paint a hoop to give it a unique pop of color, then add a whimsical phrase or quote that resonates with you and your partner. For added visual interest, incorporate some lush greenery into the design, such as eucalyptus or ferns. This thoughtful decoration will not only add a touch of personality to your top table but also serve as a meaningful keepsake from your special day.
Tassel Garland & Fairy Lights
Elevate your table setting with a show-stopping DIY project – a handmade tassel garland paired with a subtle yet stunning fairy light backdrop. The combination of textured threads and soft illumination will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Meadow Flowers
Elevate your dining experience by incorporating a show-stopping centerpiece at your head table. To achieve this, consider bringing in a vibrant meadow-inspired floral arrangement that will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on your guests.
Wooden Hoops & Hessian Curtains
Elevate the rustic charm of your barn wedding by incorporating earthy elements like wooden hoops and natural textiles. Consider creating a show-stopping focal point with a wooden hoop backdrop, paired with flowing hessian drapes that will transport your guests to a whimsical bohemian world. This unique combination is sure to impress as you celebrate your special day amidst the rustic beauty of the barn.
Macrame
When it comes to decorating the perfect tabletop, macrame is consistently a go-to choice for its stunning aesthetic. The intricate patterns and textures created by this type of knotting artistry add an undeniable touch of elegance to any setting. And as seen in the beautiful image provided by Emily Little Photography, featured on Retro Wedding Ideas, macrame’s charm knows no bounds.
Wooden Letters & Lace
Integrate the warmth of natural elements into your wedding table design by combining wooden letters with delicate lace accents, creating a charmingly rustic atmosphere reminiscent of a whimsical woodland setting.
Opulent Flowers
Elevate your space with a show-stopping, vibrant flower arrangement that’s sure to capture attention. Drawing inspiration from the whimsical beauty of a Lancashire Barn Wedding, where lush blooms and rustic charm come together in perfect harmony.
Neon Sign
Neon signs infuse a dash of industrial whimsy into any setting. Furthermore, their versatility allows for endless creative possibilities when it comes to crafting clever and playful phrases that add an extra layer of personality to your space.
Personalised Table Cloth
Infuse your tablecloth with a touch of personality that will leave a lasting impression. Not only will it add a pop of color and whimsy to your special occasion, but it’ll also serve as a meaningful keepsake for years to come.
Origami
For those seeking relaxation without breaking the bank, origami is an excellent calming craft option. Its unique charm can be amplified by creating a striking display of paper cranes suspended from strings above your main dining area, adding a touch of whimsy to any gathering.
Eucalyptus & Protea
To craft a unique and captivating floral arrangement, consider combining traditional techniques with modern blooms. By marrying classic styling with fresh, contemporary flair, you can create a truly show-stopping centerpiece that will add an extra layer of sophistication to any setting. Start by selecting a mix of flowers in complementary colors and textures – think velvety red roses paired with wispy ferns or delicate white lisianthus surrounded by lush greenery – then use traditional top-table arranging techniques to bring the blooms together in a visually appealing way.
Wool Pom Pom Garland
Transform your space with a unique, handmade garland by creating wool pom poms and stitching them together. For a truly immersive experience, this tactile creation is sure to delight. The rustic charm of the finished product is beautifully captured in the photograph taken by John Wellings at Woodhouse Barn Wedding.
Paper Lanterns
Inexpensive paper lanterns can add an impressive and memorable touch to your wedding decor, making them an excellent choice as a striking backdrop. This cost-effective solution is perfectly showcased in the stunning image courtesy of Samantha Gilraine Photography, featured on Colourful DIY Village Hall Wedding.
Greenery & Candles
Transform your tabletop with a unique and earthy touch by opting for foraged foliage stems. To add an extra layer of ambiance, scatter different height candles down the length of your table. Before doing so, be sure to check with your venue if real candles are permitted to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. This rustic yet elegant decor idea is perfectly captured in the photo above, courtesy of Preston Priory Barn Wedding.
Coloured Glass
Elevate the visual appeal of your decorative pieces by swapping out traditional vases and bottles for stunning, vibrant glassware that adds a pop of color to any setting.
Flower Pillars
Consider incorporating your flower-adorned pillar or archway into your wedding reception decor. Not only will this add a touch of elegance and sophistication, but it’ll also save you money on additional decorations. The beauty of bringing the ceremony elements to the reception is that they’re already designed to complement each other, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration with your loved ones rather than stressing about last-minute decoration details.
Sunflowers & Daisies
Imagine a whimsical gathering where the beauty of nature takes center stage. This charming sunflower and daisy bouquet brings warmth and joy to any setting, evoking feelings of happiness and serenity. The simplicity and elegance of this floral arrangement make it perfect for any celebration or everyday delight.
Paper Flowers
When it comes to decorating for a special occasion, paper flowers can be a game-changer. Not only are they often more budget-friendly than their fresh counterparts, but making them yourself can also be a fun and creative activity. And let’s not forget the added bonus of being able to reuse them in future decorations – a cost-effective solution that’s hard to beat. As seen in this beautiful wedding photo, paper flowers can add a touch of elegance and whimsy to any celebration.
Classic Pink
Elegance exudes when classic pink blooms are paired with lush greenery, creating a visually stunning arrangement that transcends time and trends. This timeless combination is perfectly captured in the serene photograph by Jen Marino, showcasing its beauty within the context of a romantic Classic English Countryside Wedding.
Ribbons
With its versatility, affordability, and visual appeal, ribbon has the power to effortlessly elevate a tabletop setting. Its ability to add a pop of color, texture, and elegance makes it an excellent choice for transforming a plain table into a stunning focal point in any wedding or event.
Suspended Flowers
To elevate your wedding decor to new heights of luxury and sophistication, consider adorning your head table with an abundance of lush flowers. This stunning display will instantly create a sense of opulence and refinement, making it the perfect focal point for your special day. The image below, courtesy of Jeannine Marie Photography and Floral Minneapolis Wedding, beautifully captures this elegant arrangement, showcasing the versatility and drama that a flower-adorned head table can bring to your wedding celebration.
Custom Hessian Bunting
Incorporating personalized elements into your wedding decor can make for a truly unforgettable celebration. Consider adding a touch of whimsy and charm by draping customized bunting across the front of your top table, as seen in this beautiful photo courtesy of Esme Whiteside Photography via Magical Tipi Wedding.
Peacock Chairs
When considering the overall aesthetic of a space, it’s essential to extend your vision beyond just the table itself. The seating options, such as peacock chairs, can greatly contribute to the bohemian charm. This is evident in the beautiful imagery captured by Terri & Lori Photo and Film, featuring a rustic barn wedding with a hint of boho flair.
Balloons
Infusing a sense of whimsy into your wedding decor, gorgeous balloons can add a playful touch to your top table setup. The carefree charm they bring is reminiscent of childhood celebrations, making them an excellent choice for a special day like yours. As seen in this beautiful image courtesy of Grace Elizabeth Photography and Iridescent Sequin Wedding Dress, the right combination of color and design can truly elevate the ambiance of your reception.
Log & Pine Cones
Infuse your interior design with the serenity of nature by incorporating organic elements, like rustic logs and textured pinecones, to create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. The subtle beauty of these natural accents is perfectly captured in this image from Razzleberry Photography, which showcases Woodland Glade Wedding’s harmonious blend of the great outdoors and cozy interior spaces.
Streamers
To elevate the aesthetic of your streaming setup, consider crafting a unique backdrop that adds texture and visual interest to your textural top table design. A stunning example can be seen in this photo by Brad Gommon Photography, featured in an Endeavour Woodland Weddings celebration. The combination of natural elements, such as lush greenery and weathered wood, creates a visually striking contrast with the modern, sleek lines of the streaming equipment.
Palm Trees
When envisioning a tropical wedding, incorporating palm trees into your decor can be a game-changer. Not only do they add a pop of color and texture to your top table, but they also evoke the feeling of being transported to a lush, exotic paradise. Consider renting palm trees or using them as centerpieces to create an immersive atmosphere that will leave your guests in awe.
Double Flowers
If your reception features a lengthy top table, consider adding an extra touch with not one, but two beautiful flower arrangements. This visual element not only adds depth and interest to the space, but also creates a stunning focal point for guests to admire. The photo above, courtesy of Isabelle Elliott Photography via Hertfordshire Barn Wedding, perfectly showcases this idea in action.
Pastels
A delicate fusion of soft hues and warm glows, featuring sweet pastel flowers suspended within glass vessels accompanied by tea lights, is a visual masterpiece that exudes elegance. This captivating combination is perfectly captured in the photograph provided by Helen Jane Smiddy Photography at Lemore Manor Wedding.
Flower Hoops
The first thing that catches the eye is the beautifully decorated trestle table, adorned with delicate flower hoops. The photograph, courtesy of Kazooieloki Photography and featured in Cabourne Parva Wedding, showcases a stunning visual representation of the couple’s big day.
Pinwheels
A budget-friendly alternative to traditional decorations, pinwheels bring a whimsical touch to any celebration. The affordable nature of this paper wonder makes it an attractive option for those looking to add some visual flair without breaking the bank.
Banner Quote
Elevate the ambiance at your gathering by commissioning a custom banner featuring a meaningful quote that serves as a beautiful backdrop for your table setting. The added bonus is that this unique piece will also become a lovely addition to your home decor.
Stars & Moons
Add a touch of whimsy to your dining space by suspending star and moon-shaped decorative elements above your table. This unique addition can add an air of romance and sophistication to any gathering. The photo above, courtesy of Olegs Samsonovs Photography, showcases the beautiful way in which these celestial shapes can be incorporated into wedding decor. Consider incorporating them into your own special occasion or everyday dining space for a memorable touch.
Candles
Transform your reception tablescape by incorporating elegant candlestick holders. Aesthetically pleasing candlesticks can be acquired affordably, and if you’re looking to save even more, consider renting or repurposing second-hand pieces that can be easily resold after the event. This versatile solution allows you to add a touch of sophistication to your wedding decor without breaking the bank.
Ballons & Flowers
The ultimate wedding decor inspiration comes alive with this extravagant, maximalist setup that incorporates vibrant balloons and lush flowers – an undeniably eye-catching display that’s sure to make your special day truly unforgettable.
Dreamcatchers
Transform your event space with an enchanting backdrop featuring adorable dream catchers, either crafted or sourced from a variety of suppliers. The ideal starting point is a beautiful photo, such as the stunning image provided by HBA Photography, captured at Hall Farm Hotel Wedding.
Rag Bunting
Transforming scraps of fabric into a beautiful rag bunting is a delightful DIY endeavor that requires minimal effort and imagination. Simply collect various offcuts, tie them to a sturdy string or twine, and voilà! You’ll have a unique piece of home decor that’s both eco-friendly and sentimental. Scour local charity shops, thrift stores, or ask loved ones for their gently used fabric remnants. With a little creativity, you can repurpose these discarded materials into a stunning decoration that adds warmth and personality to any room.
Cushions
The charm of personalized cushions is undeniable, elevating the ambiance of any occasion – including a wedding breakfast. Not only do they add a touch of whimsy and personality to the setting, but they also provide an extra layer of comfort for guests.
Giant Letters
Adorn the entrance to your reception area with a striking visual statement by prominently displaying your initials. The unique touch can spark conversations and leave a lasting impression on visitors. A photograph, courtesy of Emma Boileau Photography, captures the elegance and sophistication that this design element brings to a room.
Mirrors
To instantly brighten up the atmosphere, consider placing beautifully framed mirrors strategically behind your top table. This clever design trick not only creates the illusion of more space but also bounces light around the room, making it feel airier and more spacious.