Wedding Blog
A couple days back, the catering manager of our venue set up a table for us to mock around a little bit. This is what it looked like before I got my paws on it:
…and this is what I did to it:
What frustrates me is, it doesn’t even look that different! I added a centerpiece set up, a table number photo, charity tokens, placecards, and a mini menu. But even with all of that and the colored napkins, it still looks blah to me:
I folded the napkin like this to hold my fake “Sweet Charity” card (the real ones haven’t arrived yet). I suppose with those, a full set of the mini menus (I only brought one), the flowers and candlelight, and the matching pink and silver chair sashes (not included in the mockup trial), it’ll look better…?
I just feel like all my little touches aren’t packing much of a punch. 
Also, I think the table card numbers need to be raised. I’d love to use the same sort of sign holders we got for the candy buffet. But I am plum out of time and money.
Am I just being a shortsighted whiner? Or do I need to add some oomph to this table? And if so, how??
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Try adding a colored table runner. It needs some more color.
Your theme was never in-your-face dramatic, and I think it looks lovely (I can actually envision your dress when I look at the table). I bet you’ll see the difference you want when the lighting is in effect though. The table numbers are a bit tough to see….at least in the pictures, but it’s not a huge deal. Remember, the last week is when you pick your battles. 
I agree with the need for more color. If not a runner how about a square color napkin/paper of some sort underneath your centerpiece?
You’re being a shortsighted whiner. Your color palette is very muted. So, while lovely, it’s going to rely on lighting (dim lights & candlelight) to get a soft, romantic glow. But it will, so relax and fear not. It’s going to be gorgeous!
I think it looks beautiful! Don’t make yourself crazy… and remember there will be a whole bunch more tables that all look the same… adding to the punch. Candlelight… flowers… if anything maybe raise the numbers up on something and call it a (your) day.
It looks great! The silver sashes will complete the soft look, and with the candles lit, it will look soft and inviting! Anything else and it would be overdone.
I 2nd Angel’s comment…
I think the mock table does look much better, and with the flowers (which all add some height as well as color), and the candles–the tables should look great. Besides, you’ve taken such care in the details and once guests start to notice the quirky, personalized pieces, they’ll be looking for them all over… (and they’ll keep finding spectacular little surprises)
If you’re reallllllly yearning for improvement, probably the only thing that comes to my mind is what about putting the tray on something raised? Perhaps the location/caterer would have some appropriate cake stands?
After so many “omg, I love your wedding!” comments from the hive, don’t start doubting yourself now! 
I like the softness of the table - i think a runner or something under the centerpiece would distract from the centerpiece it self. i also think alot more color will be added with the chair sashes.
if you have the time to make more books, you could put the number of books on the table as the table number. this could also varry the height of the centerpieces. Or, make the top book a “volume table number” or “table number-th edition” so people can see that looking straight at the table when walking around.
Fret not - I think it’s gorgeous! You’ve really created a consistent, original theme. And no, you’re not a whiner, you’re getting married very soon and are second-guessing your choices, which comes with the territory. I think you’re going to have an amazingly beautiful reception, based on the posts I’ve read.
Looks really pretty and soft. I agree with Mrs. Triamisu, just get something to elevate the table numbers and your done. The flowers and candles will be enough.
the only change i would make is elevate the table numbers (which are uber cute!!!).
It looks lovely, LB! You could even add some pale pink flower petals (real or fake) all around the center tray for even more of a stunning effect.
I can’t wait to see all your details come together!
I think it is GORG too and I love that your guest will be able to see and therefore be able to speak to one another.
one more suggestion that you might like: candles definitely add a lot to the table. at the suggestion of our event manager at the hotel, we added three small candles to each table (less than $1 per table cost) and they packed a big punch.
It’s LOVERLY! Your flowers will add a perfect “punch” and with the candlelight and silver sashes, it will all come together. I agree that adding a runner or something else under the centerpiece might just be too much, and it’s not at all necessary.
If you’re just not completely satisfied yet, though (which I understand, as an over-obsessive perfectionist myself), I think Mrs. Eggplant’s suggestion of adding some more candles will add to the ambiance, and raising up either the centerpiece (cake platter) or table number will further refine things. But honestly, you don’t need it
I agree with Lucy. You are being a shortsighted whiner. And I agree with Angel, I CAN envision your dress. The rooms at the Inn also add their own element, so leave it bee!
I think it looks good and agree with the others. Your colors are soft, but the chair sashes will definitely help. If you want more punch, I would say change the tablecloth or underlay to grey (isn’t that one of your colors) and add candles.
I like the flower petals around the books idea - remember that there will be food there most of the time to look at as well!
I too think the table numbers should be elevated. I personally like a really dramatic tablescape, so I would add some color. However, if you are looking for a more subtle theme, then I think it looks great. Flowers and candles do make an impact and I think your guests will notice all the details you worked so hard on.
If you do want that extra pop, then I agree with Natalie, I would use a grey tablecloth or overlay.
you’re colors are too washed out. do you have any other colors to work with?
I would suggest switching to a pink overlay with silver napkins. I think there just isn’t enough color to make any impact. If you have colorful flowers it may help, but may not be enough.
I agree about adding a table runner. The colors are a little blended together, which may be causing your disapproval.
You did say that you didn’t want to overdo the details, but I do agree that a taller table number holder would be a nice touch, too.
It could be that so many things are at a low level?
I love your table setting! I think you need to add a few more candles and test, with dimmed lights. Your table already looks soft and romantic, and I think the candles will add the punch you are looking for, while still keeping with your theme and not being too overwhelming.
I love the soft and romantic colors… very understated, very you I really can’t wait to see it in candlelight.
Hmmm, thanks for the input, all. I’m afraid at this point, rentals and other linens aren’t really an option. And Mina, no, I’m afraid that four days before my wedding, I can’t change my colors.
But I was packing up all of our silverplate vases/teapots and things just now, and I realize that they make such a lovely focal point on the table…I’m ok with everything around it being soft and subdued, especially when the candlelight and flowers come in.
May try to raise those table numbers. May not. Am really enjoying being DONE at this point, yanno?
Ditto with everyone saying how lovely the table is–and from following your planning story, it didn’t seem to be about the “punch” and more about the details. From this humble vantage point, it seems like your guests will be thrilled to discover all of the little flourishes you thought to include. It’s the wedding equivalent of a Georges Seruat painting–lovely from a distance, sure, but when you step closer and examine the preciscion that it takes to create the tableau it gives you a completely new appreciation for it.
Ok, here was my thought process when I saw this post…
1) Ooh, so pretty! Why aren’t I going to this wedding?
2) Ooh, I forgot about the centerpieces. Beautiful … so old English. Maybe I should steal this idea after all.
3) Wow, those napkins do look better in the second table
4) I think the only thing missing is some flowers
So, seeing as you are adding flowers, this is going to be one pretty kick-as table.
The look you want has always been about muted pinks and greys, softness, ambience … this look definitely achieves that. Your theme isn’t about ‘punch’ - it’s about subtlety, and details that take a second look.
Remember that when your guests see the table, they wont be thinking “does this best represent my colour scheme?” - they’ll have seen everything for the first time, and will be thinking about how pretty it is, and looking at all the surprising details (the table no., the name cards, the book titles etc)
The flowers, chair sashes and candles will really bump up the look.
Remember that your guests will mostly see the table while sitting down … if you look a the 3rd and 4th pics you can definitely see all the different details more.
I’m not sure what else will be added to the table, but I’m guessing things like wine bottles, ice buckets, bread baskets, butter, salt and pepper. These will crowd the table more, so you don’t want too much on there.
The only changes I’d maybe make would be moving the name cards further forward to right above the napkins. I think they’d be noticed better, and won’t get in the way of the centerpiece.
I’m not sure I’d raise the table number sign up - you don’t want it to block the centerpiece. Would you be able to print another set, so you could have one on each side of the table? (don’t want the guests to miss all your hard work).
Hope the above helps. And finally … stop whining you ninny! It’s bootiful! 
p.s. god that post was long - sorry!
p.p.s. ignore those that say you should change your colours - they obviously don’t ‘get’ your theme
Lovebug, your probably just too deep into it to be able to appreciate it. Fresh eyes will love it! Those who know you (your guests) will love your well thought out details and it will be fun for them to discover them once they are seated. What the table is lacking is the flowers, which you will have on the day. All your hard work in the months leading up to the wedding day will pay off. Enjoy being done!
I think it looks fantastic- you did a great job putting the table together compared with the original shot. I really liked how you changed the napkins. I really like the tone of the whole setting & think it looks lovely. Your table really shines with all of the personalization you have done!
What will your flowers look like? As other posts have said, once your tables have the flowers & candlelight it will be complete!
Just thought of one idea, but it might be rubbish (I’m not very creative), so feel free to ignore me…
In lieu of petals, how about tiny pieces of pink and white paper scattered in and around the tray, with some of your favourite words and/or phrases typed on?
Rather time consuming, but it might add a little something something. Still not a very big impact though.
Like I say, feel free to tell me it’s rubbish
All I’d do is move the place cards closer - other than that, it will be gorgeous w/ the flowers and dim lighting. I’m having a soft, muted wedding as well!
Definitely adding flowers will give it more color and emphasis. It looks gorgeous.. good job.
Just wait for the flowers! It’ll make a big difference.
the candlelight and the chair sashes will make the table complete…and adorable! you’re right though, the table number photos could be elevated and that would make it pop even more!
Lovebug I am one of your biggest fans and so when I saw your “little” changes, I went “WOW, that makes such a difference, it looks so refined and beautiful.” I love the fact that you have this beautiful muted color scheme, in fact I think in comparison to so many other weddings that are bright, yours will stand out. I think it is hard to envision a final product when one is missing the flowers and candles and dim light that so add to the ambience of an event. Stick with it Lovebug and don’t make changes, it is beautiful and elegant and very very sweet!
When I first saw the pics the only thing I was going to add was that the chairs needed something. Now that I see that you are adding chair sashes I think it will be beautiful. Don’t stress over it. I love what you have done for your wedding!
We did something very similar with table number pictures. I put them in clear, acrylic photo frames. You can just slip them in, and it sits the picture up a little higher. You can get them at a $1 store or something, and I think it would work out well for you. We, too, we’re trying to avoid spending anymore money at that point! The chair sashes will make a huge difference, as will the lighting:-) it will be wonderful
It think the flowers in the teapot will add a lot but if your still worried, have you thought a bout a darker tablecloth to make all the light colors pop. Perhaps a black or a dark gray color? Or even monopoly green.
I also think that dimming the lights and lighting the tea lights will also make it pop more.
I wouldn’t add too much, otherwise it might get too crowded (be nice to the kultz’s of the world!) My only suggestion would be to make the table number more apparent. Other than that, I think it’ll look lovely! :o)
I think it looks beautiful, Miss Lovebug! Your changes (especially the way you folded the napkins) added a wonderful touch! Don’t add more color; having the candles lit and flowers in the centerpieces will add just the right amount of charm to your soft, muted color scheme. And I think that raising the table numbers will compete with the centerpieces too much. You are four days away from your wedding, after all…take some time to rest and relax; you’ve planned your wedding and its myriad of details so wonderfully you deserve a break! Hope it all goes well Saturday; I’m sure it will be absolutely beautiful and you will be stunning!
it’s very romantic
what about changing the chair sash to match the napkins?
I think a table runner would look good too, a long skinny one would add a bit of contrast. I don’t know what your other colors are but a darker color or maybe a fun print?
I think a table runner would look good too, a long skinny one would add a bit of contrast. I don’t know what your other colors are but a darker color or maybe a fun print?
You need some color - its way too muted and the accessory pieces you chose are too small in scale to make any kind of impact. Also, the pink and black is great for invitations and other paper goods, where is it on the table? I think you have alot of great ideas, but they are too focused on smaller details. Lose the chair covers, they are way too 2003 in the first place, and put a pink and black toile seat cover with a black bamboo chair. Or get some David Hicks type pattern for the seat cover. BIG BOLD GEOMETRIC GRAPHICS WILL INPUT A NICE DOSE OF COLOR.
GOOD LUCK
It’s seriously beautiful. Even if you don’t change the table numbers, I think it’s lovely. Enjoy your day!!!!!
Miss Lovebug I really like your re-do of the mockup. The original one just looks messy! It will look lovely with the chair sashes and flowers. Don’t underestimate the impact flowers can make! =)
JDM - Miss Lovebug did not ask for a complete rehash of her whole theme … she’s getting married on Saturday - I think she knows perfectly well what look she’s going for … and yes, that does mean ‘muted’ and ’smaller details’.
‘Big bold geometric patterns’? You’ve got to be kidding.
I think it’s gonna look fabulous… just like your whole wedding day! I can totally imagine how beautiful those soft colors will look when lit up with candles; the reflection off the silver in the middle will also help. Looking forward to seeing the results of all your hard work on the big day!
Gorgeous. Really. The flowers and the lighting will be the perfect finishing touches to bring it all together - you are an inspired planner and these details are going to make your wedding one that people have a great time at, and that they always remember. You’ve had a blast planning all these details, and we’ve all had a blast reading along with you - trust your original instincts, because they were totally right. You have designed a romantic, charming and COHESIVE wedding … which is no small feat.
Cannot wait to see photos of the tables on Saturday!
SMILE! You’re getting married!
miss LB your tables will amaze everybody, don’t worry. every idea you had is absolutely wonderful, original and very personal. You did a super uber good job. i think it is already magazine worth. flowers, candles, food and people will do the rest!!
good luck and enjoy your day!
I too think it looks great– you don’t need anything more, maybe just try rearranging things. My suggestion would be to feature the mini-typewriter place card holders. They are my favorite thing, and very sweet, I think right above the napkins they would add to the effect of your beautiful, well thought out table.
I agree with a lot of ppl above. Maybe if you have some bolder colored flowers coming out of the teapot it will bring more oomph…
Okay I didn’t read all those comments but I think that the strength of your table is all the small details you’ve included- the mini typwriters, the book covers, the table cards etc. It’s a subtle and elegant sort of beautiful, rather than the kind of thing that knocks you over. People are going to LOVE discovering all the little things you’ve added as they enjoy dinner. I think it looks LOVELY!
I personally think you need to go with colored linens or a colored table topper to add more color so that it doesn’t look so plain to you. Something like this:
Look under Gallery 1, the 1st picture in the 2nd row and the 1st picture in the 3rd row. I think the first picture in the 2nd row has an Old English look and feel to it from the design on the table cloth.
http://affairstorememberonline.com/_wsn/page2.html
Other than that, everything else is fine. Adding more candle light may be a good idea. I’m not sure what your flowers look like or how they will be arranged on the tables.
It’s going to be perfect - it is so sweet and elegant. Don’t worry!
I adore your wedding, Miss Lovebug, and think your tables are absolutely fabulous. Your guests are going to have a great time. Good luck!! I can’t wait to see pictures.
That’s a great idea tho - to set up your tables before the wedding as a mock trial. Storing that in the memory bank as my wedding isn’t until September.
Its going to look so great with the flowers and the candles reflecting in the silver! It you wanted to add a little more drama to the centerpiece stuff when people walked in, you could move the roll plate onto the bottom of the napkin and stack the tokens and typewriter/placecards on the plate. That would move everything away from a full on cluster in the middle of the table and might make your table numbers more prominent without having to raise them.
Mostly - enjoy your day - everyone is going to love it!
I think it’s a bit bland. When you’re looking at small things like invitations, etc., the pastels make it elegant and soft, but with a whole table it just looks a bit washed out. I’d try to punch it up a bit with maybe some more black (or dark charcoal gray) touches? Black chargers under the plates, maybe? Black chair sashes? A black mat under the centerpiece? Think of it as an outline, like a frame for your elegant pastel picture.
Maybe a black circle made out of paper or fabric to sit on your serving tray under the books and candles. Or something similar to add a little punch to the centerpiece.
I think it is beautiful and it will really look more put-together once all of your other elements are together- the flowers, chair sashes, your dress, all of the sweet signs and typewriter keys. I think you’re just doubting yourself because you’re (rightfully) anxious and excited. People will be wowed the day-of– relax and trust your instincts!
Will you just go get married already!? I need to see the photos
I think when the lights are down and the candles are lit, everything will look gorgeous. Your guests will be very impressed with how much thought you put into every detail.
This single table is without guests, candelight, food, the candy buffet, other tables, music and that “yay-two-fabulous-people-just-got-married” feeling.
All of that will be there on Saturday, and it will be wonderful.
Get over it. It’s 7,000 times lovelier than pretty much any wedding I’ve been to. Don’t stress yourself out aiming for 8,000.
with the addition of flowers, candlelight, colored sashes, and more menu cards, it will make a great impression. my only suggestion might be to move the placecards somewhere closer into the individual place settings to emphasize symmetry between the place settings and draw more focus to the centerpieces themselves by reducing “clutter” around the center. great job!
Methinks there will be a lot of food and drink on the tables? if anything just a few more candles for ambiance but I just love your centerpieces so much I’d hate to see them compete with anything. If you want a little more color, you could add a runner but I like it as is.
OMGGGG 3 more daysssss
The chair sash will be a nice touch… you don’t want to overwhelm the table. The candlelight and people sitting at the tables will bring some life to it
putting a simple box under the table cloth to hoist up the silver tray a bit will add some interest.
I think the flowers and candle light are going to make the difference that you are searching for !
NO worries enjoy the last few bits of “singledom” and know that you put so much thought everyone will love everything since it’s so unique and has your stamp all over it !
That is the best part of your planning I think is that everything def. seems to be YOU… (and I don’t even “know” you) so the people that do will totally be smiling that knowing smile.
I don’t know what allllllll the other comments have said, but I love the softness and the look of your tables, as is. I *think* that these will be cheaper for you than incorporating flowers, but candles would add a glow (and kick off that silver gloriously!).
I also think that your table is gorgeous and appropriately understated. Candle light and flowers will certainly add more. I would echo the suggestions about table linens. If I remember correctly, you have a guest count of under 100, which probably means less tables; have you considered colored linens?
Looks great! There is something about the middle - perhaps pull the name cards out just above the place settings. It will be easier for guests to see them as they are walking around trying to find their places, and it will de-clutter the center of the table a little. Flowers in the tea pot and some of the same petals scattered on the tray might look cool too.
Ok. I couldn’t help but show you this etsy site. I keep stumbling upon it and thinking of you.
This link is to one of the items that make me think of you but they also have earrings, necklaces, etc.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10966735
Let me know what you think!
As for the table…its all been said but I promise when the day arrives, the details will fall into the background.
use an odd number of candles(3,5,7) and remember you are seeing details most people won’t even notice.
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Mrs. Lovebug, Tucson
Age and Occupation in 06: 31, Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Professional Game Show Contestant
Engagement Date: February 18, 2007
Wedding Date: April 19, 2008
Venue: Historic Inn
About Me: Likes: blogging, wikis, semi-colons, cuddling, fragrant flowers, syntax, and spooning. Dislikes: typos, dangling modifiers, flypaper, citronella candles, and run-ons. If I had my druthers, I'd exchange simple vows in a candlelit library. But I lost my druthers long ago...anyone seen them?
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