Ceterpiece/ theme tables

beachfitzy

Hi,

We are getting married March 2016, we are having a beach themed wedding and I was thinking of doing themed tables instead of table numbers.  I was also thinking of making the table theme as the centerpiece for that table.  For example a lighthouse table and we would have a lighthouse as the centerpiece of that table, and a mermaid table and that table would have a mermaid statue.  I have included a few pictures so you can get an idea (these wouldn't be the ones I'm using). 

Is anyone doing anything like this, or is it just too over the top?  Do you think it would be hard for guests to find their tables?

southernbelle0915

As long as you have a good map telling guests which tables are where OR you only have couple tables, I think you're fine. Personally, I'd probably number tables as well. So do you lighthouse themed table, but have your escort cards say "Mr. John Smith - Lighthouse Table (#1)" or something. It's just easier for people.

We went to a wedding that had about 150 people with tables themed to countries the couple had visited. They had no map and everything was spread out. It literally took about 20-30 minutes for everyone to find their table and sit down. Plus everyone was super annoyed when they finally did find their seats. 

atlastmrsg

I like simple.  If there's not a clear diagram for a small number of tables, a number will help.

Also, think about it--a mermaid and sea siren could look similar to someone/an old guest.

It's better for people to just know where to go than have to interpret.  Also, I wouldn't have wanted a bunch of statutes, etc. around.  I think it could look like beach tchotchke yard sale.

Numbers also were less expensive.  My caterer already had silver framed numbers for the table.  Clean and simple.

Jen4948

The centerpieces are okay, but when it comes to letting your guests know what tables they should sit at, I think a numbering scheme is much more efficient than table names or decorations. Unless you have a really clear chart, everyone will have to walk around looking for their seats.

Dreamergirl8812

I would do it the traditional way and direct guests to their tables by number. Then you can just have each table themed. Guests will figure out the theme without you writing it down.

HappyinLove56

I am naming my reception tables but I am only having 7 or 8 tables and they are all located within a compact space.  How many guests are you having?  How far apart will your tables be?

beachfitzy

Thanks for the feedback everyone!  I'm having around 100 guests (inviting about 120, but not sure if everyone can make it) and 8 guests per table so about 13-15 tables.

melpaps

Me again with the beach wedding hahah - I've seen cute table numbers like lifeguard chairs that had numbers on them - best of both worlds? Otherwise definitely have a number at the table as well and on the seat cards so that people aren't confused but you still can have your mermaid, etc?

atlastmrsg

Knottie61024715 said:

Thanks for the feedback everyone!  I'm having around 100 guests (inviting about 120, but not sure if everyone can make it) and 8 guests per table so about 13-15 tables.

Yeah, I'd be annoyed if I went to 13 tables to find "conch table."

Number them.

MandyMost

I went to a wedding once where they had "theme tables" where your escort card had a stamp of an image on it, and you matched up that image to the centerpiece of a table. The wedding had an antique theme overall, so the tables were things like a phonograph, and old telephone, etc. (this sounds bad, but the wedding itself was really beautiful and tastefully done...held in a big brick-walled room of an antique museum). 

Finding the table wasn't an issue...figuring out what the heck was going on was the issue! No one knew that the stamp on your escort card had the meaning of what table you were at. Guests were walking into the room so confused, and literally every single guest had to have it explained to them in order to find their table. 

So if you do a theme, just make it clear that's what's going on!