Wedding Reception Decor: Gather Your Guests for a Royal Feast

Trends
Written by
Megan McCarty Lara Burnap

Published:

Fall/Winter 2013

Feasting tables—seating
large groups at tables joined together—set a bold scene. From head tables to
symmetrical rows or mixed among rounds, the options are endless. And the décor
really adds an impact, explains Los Angeles–based David Pressman.

“The sense of drama is the result of the table design while the fun comes from the guests and joy of the celebration,” Feasting tables are also a great option for small weddings. “For weddings under 40 to 50 guests I love a single, long table,” says Pressman.

In addition, long tables enable guests to mingle. “They allow intimate conversation with a larger number of people than traditional round
tables,” notes Palm Springs’ Cathy O’Connell of Celebrations of Joy. Let’s not forget the statement of a head table, says Taryn Ruiz of Touch of Style Events,
“It’s a way for the couple to sit with their best friends, look out at their guests and celebrate their amazing day.”

(above) O’Connell and Dorrie Wynham created a romantic setting in Viceroy Palm Springs’ Presidio Garden with a sophisticated palette of steel gray, pink, peach and celadon green. Silver mercury glass urns filled with garden roses, ranunculus, peonies hydrangeas, amaranth and other elegant garden blossoms in shades of pink and peach, with pops of orange and celadon green, were scattered down the tables and mixed with assorted sizes of dark brown lanterns with pillar candles

Photographed by Justine Ungaro

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(above) For this couple's reception at Santa Monica’s Jonathan Beach Club, Kristin Banta Events used warm neutrals of blush, cream, champagne and vanilla mixed with gold, bronze and copper metallics to create an intimate, residentially inspired space. Mahogany wrought iron chairs and long, chocolate leather, Chesterfield-style banquette sofas added a cozy appeal to the feasting tables. 

Photographed by Yvette Roman

(above) Alexandra and Blake’s wedding at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch featured high ceilings adorned with wrought iron chandeliers. Ruiz and Laurel White of Adornments Flowers & Finery softened the space by streaming blush and cream ribbons from the iron lighting fixtures and added crystal chandeliers over the impressive 48-foot-long head table. White created centerpieces of English garden tea and spray roses, cafe au lait dahlias, hydrangeas, ranunculus, wax flowers, lisianthus, olive and dusty miller, with hints of gardenia nestled among mercury glass hobnail votives.

Photographed by Sylvie Gil Photography

For Justin and Chloe’s spirited reception at Malibu’s Saddlerock Ranch, Pressman and florist Krista Jon opted for a free-flowing array of freshly cut florals—ranunculus, garden roses, peonies, dahlias, Icelandic poppies—in a variety of different hued glass containers to create a mood that matched the vibrant couple’s personalities.

Photographed by Next Exit Photography