When it comes to adding a dash of elegance and personality to your wedding decor, one often overlooked element is the humble table runner. Whether you’re looking for a subtle accent or a bold statement piece that ties in perfectly with your overall aesthetic, finding the right runner can be a challenge. To help take some of the pressure off, I’ve curated a collection of stunning and unique wedding table runner ideas to inspire your big day.
Show-Stopping Wedding Table Runners
Before we embark on the adventure of exploring table runners, let’s address a crucial consideration. Having no table runner at all is a perfectly valid choice for many couples, as it keeps things straightforward, reduces expenses, and promotes sustainability. However, for those who still want to incorporate a stunning table runner into their wedding decor while staying mindful of environmental concerns, I’m here to guide you through the process in this article.
Velvet
Winter and autumn wedding seasons offer the perfect excuse to incorporate luxurious and tactile elements into your big day’s aesthetic. Velvet, with its sumptuous texture and rich appearance, is an ideal choice for these seasons. Its luxe feel makes it a natural fit for winter and autumn weddings, which often evoke feelings of coziness, warmth, and celebration.
Personalised
For an extra-special touch, consider personalizing your wedding runner with a custom design that incorporates your names or special dates. Alternatively, take a creative approach and use fabric pens to add a heartfelt message or your own unique design to a pre-made runner. This thoughtful detail can make for a beautiful and meaningful addition to your big day.
Festive
When planning a Christmas-themed wedding, incorporating elements like spruce, candles, and pinecones can add a warm and inviting touch to your celebration. The rustic charm of these natural materials perfectly complements the holiday season’s cozy atmosphere, making for a unique and memorable occasion.
Macrame
As a bohemian couple, you’re likely drawn to unique and creative ways to incorporate your personal style into your wedding decor. One idea that’s gaining popularity is using macrame as an unconventional yet stylish runner option. This not only adds a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic but also provides a thoughtful take-home gift for your guests. The best part? You can encourage them to reuse or resell the items, allowing you to recoup some costs after the big day.
Stripe
Emphasize simplicity by letting stripes take center stage, allowing your wedding attire to shine. A bold and eye-catching design like this can elevate a straightforward outfit into something truly unforgettable. By keeping the overall aesthetic uncluttered, you’ll draw attention to the stripes themselves and create a striking visual effect that will make you stand out on your special day.
Rainbow Blooms
Consider taking your table runners to the next level with a vibrant and eye-catching option – a rainbow flower garland. Alternatively, if budget is a concern, you could opt for a more subtle yet equally stunning approach by focusing on a floral-heavy runner on your top table.
Balloons
Transform your reception space by suspending the table runner and adding a pop of whimsy along its centerline. Strategically place balloons to create a visually striking focal point that will delight your guests. This clever design element is sure to get conversations started and leave a lasting impression.
Autumnal
Transform your autumnal gatherings into a feast for the senses by harvesting seasonal flowers and vegetables to create a table setting that’s as vibrant as it is bountiful. The beauty of nature is perfectly captured in this stunning image from Charly Mae Photography, showcasing the simple yet elegant charm of a woodland wedding.
Doilies
Inexpensive paper doilies can instantly elevate the aesthetic of a wedding table, bringing a tactile element that can’t be replicated with traditional linens. To maximize their impact, consider layering different shapes and sizes to create a visually interesting arrangement.
Hessian
For couples seeking an understated yet elegant aesthetic for their rustic wedding reception, Hessian fabric is a top contender for table runners. Its organic, muted hue creates a warm and inviting ambiance that seamlessly integrates with various decorating styles. The timeless appeal of this natural fiber makes it an excellent choice for those desiring a subtle yet memorable presentation.
Lace
To add a touch of elegance to your outdoor wedding, consider draping a simple yet elegant lace over your tables. You can find affordable options at most haberdashery stores. The lightweight fabric will create a beautiful contrast between the tablecloth and the surrounding scenery, allowing the natural beauty of the outdoors to shine through. The relaxed atmosphere of an outdoor wedding is perfectly captured in this photo, courtesy of Jennifer Jane Photography, which showcases a stunning farm marquee wedding.
Sequin
As daylight fades, sequin runners come alive, casting a mesmerizing display of reflected light and subtle sparkle. This enchanting quality makes them an ideal choice for winter weddings, where the soft glow of evening hours can be perfectly complemented by their radiant sheen.
Tied With Greenery
As you conclude the beautifully set table, consider making a statement with your runners at the end of the table. This can be achieved by tying the fabric with bundles of fresh greenery, not only adding a pop of color but also releasing a delightful scent that will further elevate the ambiance.
Book Pages
Transform your literary-themed tables with a touch of elegance by repurposing vintage book pages. Scour thrift stores or gather unwanted books from friends to collect unique, affordable, and stylish materials. The end result is a visually stunning centerpiece that exudes sophistication and creativity, making it an ideal choice for any literature-inspired celebration.
Greenery
With its versatility and affordability, greenery has emerged as a top choice among brides-to-be. One of the most appealing aspects of incorporating greenery into your wedding decor is that it can be sourced from your own garden or locally, making it an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option. The impact it creates is truly undeniable, with lush foliage adding a touch of whimsy and romance to any setting.
Moss
The lush, velvety texture of moss adds an undeniable charm to any setting. When incorporating it into your design or decor, it’s essential to prioritize sustainability and opt for eco-friendly sources that minimize environmental impact.
Chevron
When incorporated into your wedding design, chevrons can produce a clever optical trick, making spaces appear larger than they actually are. Moreover, these clever patterns can guide the viewer’s attention to specific areas of the event, such as the sweetheart table or the dessert bar. The visual interest created by chevrons can also distract from any shortcomings in the decor, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your love story.
Knitted
To add an extra layer of personal touch to your wedding decor, consider creating your own custom rug or sourcing one from a skilled crafter. Not only will this bring a unique element to the space, but it also makes for a thoughtful and meaningful addition to your special day.
Foliage Sprig
While a lush, verdant foliage runner is undoubtedly breathtaking, its understated counterpart can also make for a striking visual display. The simplicity and subtlety of a sparing foliage runner can be just as captivating, thanks to the clever balance of textures and hues. As seen in this stunning wedding feature by EKR Pictures via Bohemian Luxe Wedding, even the most restrained foliage runners can bring a touch of elegance and refinement to any setting.
Sharing Platter
To elevate the dining experience for your guests, consider utilizing a wooden plank as a makeshift pedestal to display the table centerpiece. This practical solution allows easy access to the food and drinks, ensuring a seamless flow of mingling and merriment throughout the celebration.
Plain White
Opt for understated elegance by incorporating a plain white fabric runner into your decor. This versatile choice allows the beauty of your other decorative elements to take center stage, creating a harmonious and timeless atmosphere.
Blanket
Consider adding a warm and cozy element to your autumn wedding, such as a plush scarf or a soft blanket, to add a touch of uniqueness to your special day. This can be particularly effective on crisp autumn days when the temperature cools down.
Ferns & Palms
A modern wedding table can easily incorporate elements of the forest floor with ferns and palms, transporting guests to a whimsical woodland or lush jungle setting. The lush foliage provides an unexpected yet charming contrast to more traditional wedding decor.
Wallpaper
While often overlooked, wallpaper can be a budget-friendly way to add a pop of personality and vibrancy to any space. Its versatility knows no bounds, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.
Pampas Grass
Pampas grass, a staple in wedding trends, is also an excellent choice for crafting a unique and elegant table runner. The rustic charm of this natural element has captured the hearts of many couples seeking a non-traditional approach to their big day.
Vertical
Revitalize the traditional approach to table runners by experimenting with a vertical installation. This innovative twist can yield breathtakingly beautiful results, adding an extra layer of visual interest to your decor.
Wool Pom Pom
Transform your tabletop decor with the simple yet charming art of crafting wool poms. For those with a flair for DIY projects, a pom pom maker is an essential tool in creating these delightful additions to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or a lively celebration, adding a touch of handmade charm to your table setting can make all the difference.
Draping Fabric
Imagine sweeping up the room with romantic, flowing fabrics, transforming any space into a whimsical and dreamy setting. This effortless yet elegant approach adds a touch of romance to your decor, making it perfect for a fairytale-inspired wedding or any special occasion where you want to feel like royalty.
Rugs
Imagine the subtle yet striking visual appeal that can be achieved by incorporating mismatched rugs or runners into your design scheme. Rather than striving for uniformity, consider embracing the unique charm that arises from combining different textures and patterns underfoot.
Written Words
By presenting a thoughtful gesture, such as a heartfelt note or a unique keepsake, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. A simple roll of craft paper and a sincere message can be incredibly powerful in conveying your appreciation and gratitude.
Leopard Print
When it comes to choosing the perfect fabric for their wedding attire, fashion-conscious couples can’t go wrong with leopard print. Not only does this bold and eye-catching material add a touch of glamour to their outfits, but it also reflects their sense of style and individuality.
Pinned Flowers
Transform a simple table runner into a visually striking centerpiece by adding fresh flowers pinned to its surface. This unique combination of textures and elements creates a captivating focal point that adds depth and visual interest to any setting.
Candles
When it comes to incorporating candles into your event, the more the merrier is a great approach. Consider lining them up to create a stunning visual display that will add warmth and ambiance as the evening progresses. Before doing so, be sure to check with your venue first to ensure they are comfortable with the use of real lit candles.
Ribbons
To add an extra layer of elegance to your event, consider laying out criss-cross patterns or simply placing ribbons on a plain tablecloth. This unconventional approach can result in a visually striking display that’s sure to impress guests. For inspiration, take a cue from this stunning example (Credit: The Collection via Kite Wedding Ideas)
Grass
Imagine slipping a luxurious row of real grass beneath your dinner plates or under your morning coffee cups. This extraordinary table runner brings the essence of nature to your home, with its authentic turf providing a tactile experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
How To Choose A Wedding Table Runner
When selecting a table runner, consider two key factors: practicality and budget. Measure your tables’ dimensions to ensure you choose a runner that provides ample space for dining and leaves room for a visually appealing setup. A longer runner that extends all the way to the floor is also a good idea if you want a cohesive look. From a cost perspective, it’s essential to consider the complexity and weight of the runner. For example, more intricate designs or heavier materials may increase the price tag. On the other hand, opting for no runner at all or exploring alternative options like foraged greenery, paper rolls, or repurposed fabrics can be more budget-friendly. If you’re looking to make a statement, however, extravagant flower garlands are likely to be the most expensive choice, with the number and variety of blooms directly impacting the cost.