Choosing a table shape for your reception is a crucial part of creating the ambience of an event. Are you interested in the dramatic, long “king’s table”, the trendy look of the square table, or the more traditional comfort of the classic round table? Here are some pointers for selecting a table shape, and ideas for decorating each of these shapes to give that extra “wow” factor to your room.

The King’s Table
The choice of a single, long table, commonly referred to as a “king’s table”, has become very popular over the past five years. It makes a dramatic statement and evokes a sense of old-fashioned opulence that can’t be beat. However, not every space can accommodate this type of table, so you need to check with your venue to see if this is a viable option.

Because the king’s table is accommodated in a long space, you have many choices of interesting floral decor and accessories. The example shown here has tall candelabra to elevate arrangements above the table, mixed with low arrangements in different sizes and interesting votive candles, which extend the decor along the entire length of the table and create a very lavish effect. Rich colors work especially well on a king’s table. You can add punch with the tablecloth or with vivid napkins and seat cushions. Add a detail, such as a napkin ring or ribbon tie, along with elegant place cards and favors, and you have a table truly fit for a king!

The Square Table
This shape has gained popularity very quickly and is showing up more often at hip Bay Area weddings. Seating eight (two people per side), it gives more room per person than the traditional round and facilitates conversation, as people face each other directly across the table.

Decorating a square space gives you the option of working with multiple elements. The current trend of very stylized arrangements, ­ such as those featuring flowers or fruit inside glass vases, or floating elements such as single large candles or blooms,  is a good match for the square table.

The Round Table
This shape is the long-time favorite and remains the top choice for brides. It offers ease of conversation, a flexible number of seats (from 7 to 10 people per 60" diameter table), and allows you to seat an odd number of guests without it seeming awkward.

The traditional approach to decorating a round table is to place a single arrangement in the center, surrounded by votive candles. However, with the trend toward mixing elements on the table, more brides are opting for multiple vases of different heights, with the addition of taller candles, such as columns or floating candles in cylinder vases. Glass containers are especially popular and can add a more modern twist.

The two examples shown here illustrate the look of the single, tall, lavish arrangement vs. the more mixed approach. While both tables start with classic white tablecloths, one follows a traditional style with lush flowers and elegant china and glassware, while the other moves in a more modern direction, with lime green napkins, glass chargers and more adventurous flower choices.

A general trend worth noting is the increasing use of brown for tablecloths, napkins and chair cushions. It gives the drama of black, but is softer and easier to coordinate with popular accent colors (light blue, green, hot pink) to make a modern statement.