You’ve got your venue booked, but now you have to design your table settings. Setting the table for a wedding is a little different than setting the table for dinner. It’s all in the details! You will have to know how to set a proper table to ensure your guests have a wonderful dining experience while also entertaining them. We have created a guide that will hopefully answer all (or most) of your questions about the proper etiquette for table settings. We have a guide that will show you 3 different ways to set your guest tables: formal, semi-formal, and casual/buffet.
Before we dive into each type, let’s go over some general rules that apply to any table setting.
- The flatware is set in order of which they will be used starting on the outside. For example, the salad fork is placed on the outermost edge of the left side of the plate before the dinner fork because salads are served before the main course.
- The forks are placed on the left side of the plate as opposed to the knife and spoon, which are placed on the right side of the plate. Knives are always placed with the cutting blade facing inwards towards the plate.
- Charger plates and all flatware should be placed about an inch from the edge of the table and lined up evenly across the bottom.
- Only set what will be used. For example, if salad will not be served, then there is no need for a salad fork.
Now that we know the general rules, let’s move on to the specifics.
Formal
The formal table setting is used most of the time with more elegant themed weddings where more than two courses will be served.
- In the center, the charger plate is set first with the dinner plate on top of that, and then the salad plate goes on top of the dinner plate. Next, on top of the salad plate is the napkin. There are so many ways to fold a napkin, but the most popular is the menu style. This way the menu card can be slipped right into the fold of the napkin. Adding a little sprig of greens or a single flower with the menu card adds a special touch!
- To the left of the plate (going left to right), we start with the salad fork, then the dinner fork. On the right side of the plate (continuing left to right) is the dinner knife with the blade facing inwards towards the plate and then the soup spoon. Above the plate is where the dessert fork goes facing to the left.
- Directly above the dinner knife and soup spoon are, in order starting closest to the plate are the water glass, wine glass, and champagne glass. Don’t forget the place card for assigned seats! The place card goes above the dessert spoon centered with the plates.
Semi-formal
The semi-formal table setting is the one we see the most. It is perfect for dressing up the guest tables without being too formal.
- Of course, we start with the charger plate in the center and then the dinner plate on top. A salad plate is optional here. On top of the dinner plate (or salad plate) will be the napkin with the menu card. A sprig of greens with the menu will add a touch of elegance.
- Then we go to the left side of the plate. As I mentioned before, the salad plate is optional, so if there is a salad plate, we need a salad fork which will go first. Then the dinner fork closest to the plate. Remember we are going left to right with the flatware. On the right side of the plate is the dinner knife closest to the plate with the blade facing inwards. Then the soup spoon goes next to the knife.
- We only have 2 glasses with this one. A water glass closest to the plate and then a wine glass. They still go directly above the knife and spoon. The place card will go centered above the plate.
Casual/Buffet
This one is more for a laid-back style where your guests can plate their own food.
- With this one, we will only have the charger plate in the center. A charger plate always adds to the look of the table even if your reception is laid back and casual. On top of the charger is the dinner plate and then the napkin. You always want to provide a napkin!
- The flatware is next. Going from left to right, salad/dessert fork, dinner fork, dinner knife, soup spoon. The salad/dessert fork is optional here. Don’t forget to place the knife with the blade facing inwards and always remember, with any type of place setting, the charger plate and the flatware should be an inch from the edge of the table and even across the bottom.
- Last is the water glass, which goes above the knife and spoon. You can also add a coffee mug next to the water glass to give it a more casual feel.
Now with all of this table setting knowledge, you can set your reception tables in confidence and not have to wonder if your guests are enjoying themselves! You can sit back, relax, and take it all in.