WEDDING IDEAS

The Trend: Textured tablecloths
Never put on a white cloth -- that‘s the number one rule," Beahm says. Not only is it boring, but white doesn‘t read well on camera, and you want to make sure your photographs will do the room justice. Table coverings run the gamut from lace and linen to cotton and crushed velvet; you can add personality with stripes, or even a bold damask pattern. Take a cue from the formality of your event: gingham is the perfect complement to a casual, garden-chic wedding, while silk dupioni sets the stage for a black-tie, ballroom affair.

Hint: If you‘re reluctant to get crazy with color, cover a plain vanilla tablecloth with a beautiful, shimmery overlay.

The Trend: Using napkins for a dual purpose
Have your caterer pre-fold the napkins so that the menu cards slip right in. A single, sweet-smelling bloom goes a long way toward dressing up the setting too. Unique napkin rings are a fun detail that can also complement your design scheme: A string of puka shells is a perfect accent for a beach wedding and could also double as a favor.

Hint: Don‘t let the beautiful presentation get lost after your guests take their seats. Ask your caterer to make sure the waitstaff re-folds the napkins when guests are away from the table.

The Trend: Untraditional chargersDon‘t limit yourself to pristine porcelain or bone china. Beahm tells us that this year‘s hottest wedding color is copper, which is perfect for creating an earthy, elemental feel. Another way to really wow your guests: Don‘t use plates at all! Beahm suggests squares of Plexiglas, which have a fresh, natural vibe that can transform your table -- press fresh flowers beneath them for a spring-like surprise. Or try using mirrored tiles, which reflect bejeweled centerpieces, for an aura of old Hollywood glamour.

Hint: Take Plexiglas one step further and use it as an innovative (and space-saving!) way to display menu cards. Can‘t locate Plexiglas? Rent clear glass chargers to capture the same effect.

The Trend: Fashionable favorsFavor boxes double as decor when placed on each guest‘s seat.

The Trend: Unexpected touchesStraight pins go from functional to fashionable when composed in a small vase.

The Trend: Site-driven centerpieces
A grand ballroom with vaulted ceilings demands a sizable centerpiece, but it doesn‘t necessarily need an oversized display. If subtlety is more your style, focus on the area above guests‘ heads. Flowers hanging from the ceiling and cascading down onto the table create a gorgeous, ethereal display. Other suggestions to make your flowers stand out: Group them together in breakaway clusters, or even have garlands suspended over the seating area. Use your imagination and talk to your florist to devise something truly jaw-dropping.

"The secret behind good flower design is making the blooms look as though they were grown there, not as though they were planned to be there," Beahm says. He advises brides not to be afraid of using earthy plant life, like ferns, mosses, and grasses, which create a soothing ambiance. And don‘t get rooted in the idea that you have to keep your centerpiece flowers in vases -- with a different mindset and unique placements you can transform the entire room into a beautiful garden.

Votive candles give a warm glow and highlight the beauty of colored glass.>> See more features from this issue!

Table Talk

Centerpieces may be the crown jewel of the reception table, but it takes linens, chargers, and even menus to pull it all together.

Photos By: David Beahm and Glenn Barnett Photography

Think reception tables don't leave much room for creativity? Think again. Imagine a reception table as a giant jigsaw puzzle, and each component (the tablecloth, the dinner plate, the menu card) is but one piece. Take a tip from renowned event designer David Beahm, president of David Beahm Design: "When you're looking at designing a room, think of the big picture. What do people see when they first walk in? You want something that pulls them into the room and gets them talking."

-- Meredith Gray