Long tables with family-style service have become very popular for wedding receptions. The idea behind this style of dining is to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that encourages conversation and good times. However, it is not enough to swap long tables for round tables; You also need to set the table to encourage this friendly flow of conversation. Here are some suggestions for family-style wedding centerpieces.

The tall formal flower arrangements often seen on traditional round reception tables just don’t work for long family-style tables. Not only are they too stuffy for the laid-back vibe of a family-style dinner, but their high height blocks the view of people across the table, making it difficult for the conversation to flow. Rule number one for designing centerpieces for long tables is to keep them low. Your guests should be able to chat without craning their necks to see around the centerpieces.

If you opt for tall items like chandeliers, choose those with narrow bases and open designs that don’t create a wall between the two sides of the table, and place them in the spaces between the silverware to keep the line of sight clear. You can then fill in the spaces between the chandeliers with low flower arrangements. Rustic iron chandeliers would be wonderful for a vineyard wedding with rectangular tables. For a more airy look, create clusters of clear glass candle holders with very tall stems at various heights. Place ivory candles in them to add the soft romantic glow of candlelight to your family style reception, and it will cast a flattering light on your guests in your lovely wedding earrings and pearl earrings.

Flowers are very popular for centerpieces. A great effect for long family-style tables is to use a series of small low centerpieces across the table, rather than a few separate larger arrangements. It also makes it easier to get dishes across the table, if necessary. A mix of floral colors and textures suits the relaxed character of the family-style service. Choose flowers based on the season, your wedding venue, and of course your personal taste. If you are a bride who loves the timeless look of pearl earrings and lace, bunches of white garden roses, pink peonies and yellow peas falling down the sides of vases and vintage white nail bowls would be lovely. . Loose arrangements will add a “fresh from the garden” feel to the centerpieces.

Less common natural items like succulents, river rocks, and desert flowers (just not prickly cactus plants please!) Would be a fresh, contemporary approach to decorating long reception tables. Set the table with white tablecloths and place a runner in the center to help unify the various decorative elements. The runner could be in a natural color like wheat, or contrast with the understated decorations by choosing a runner in a bright shade like hot pink or orange. This would make a fantastic table setting for a reception in a field or a place with clean lines like a city loft.

When decorating your reception tables family style, don’t overlook the design possibilities of fruits and vegetables. For a classic fall celebration, place hollowed out pumpkins, mini pumpkins, and eggplants in the middle of rectangular tables. Fill them with seasonal flowers in shades of red, purple, orange, and cream. A fun idea for a summer reception would be to place low-legged bowls filled with lemons and limes along the tables. Between the fruit bowls, layer in very low arrangements of hot pink gerbera daisies, lime green kermit mummies, and a scattering of tiny white flowers (to break up the rich color palette a bit). The final effect of your centerpieces will be cozy, festive, and absolutely perfect for a fun family-style wedding reception.