Glitz and Glam - Table Linens that are Sure to Dazzle and How to Get the Look for Less

Your guests will be spending a significant portion of your wedding reception at dining tables. Thank them for being a part of your special day with comfortable chairs, gorgeous table linens, and all of the table top details. Wedding designers know the benefit to customized linens and intricate table top details. The warm glow of candles makes all of your guests look spectacular. The feel of a damask print linen is much more luxurious than a basic cotton or satin. And this may not be as expensive as you thought. Working with wedding coordinators or wedding design specialists will make sure that you find the best deals around. These professionals have relationships with vendors that ensure you have the latest trends and best prices at your wedding. While designing your wedding alone might be daunting, engaging the services of one of these talented professionals will ensure that your day is worthy of a princess. However, working with talented professionals is also the way to take these high-end ideas and transform them into something that works for any budget.

One of the most luxurious vendors is Resource One. See more designs on their website (information below). They work with designers nation-wide to create custom linens and chair covers that push the boundaries of creativity. Creating a table top is truly a work of art and can represent your personal style. See below for some examples from one of Resource One's latest trade show booth.

These table designs were featured at the BizBash Style Show in October 2008. Find out more about Resource One at www.resourceone.info.

Featured in this picture: Bronze metallic brocade table cap with rhinestone trim; Bronzine dupioni silk and lemon ice taffeta striped skirt; bronze metallic brocade chair cap with rhinestone trim; lemon ice taffeta upholstered chair cover; bronze dupioni silk covered chandelier with rhinestone trim. Gold chargers and taffeta napkins are at each place setting, finished with rhinestone napkin rings. Red roses in three different size spheres sit on dramatic amber glass holders.

This is a lavish look that can be recreated for less. Dupioni and taffeta are among the most expensive fabrics. Talk with your event designer about using a most cost-effective material. Don't custom upholster chair covers, work with a rental company that has something ready to rent. The cap for the table allows the designer to use a more expensive linen on the part of the table that guests will see the most of. Chair caps aren't always necessary, but there are also a wide variety of these available for rental. It isn't likely that you will have a chandelier over each dining table (though that would be nice), but you can use additional cuts of fabric to decorate your venue - drape them from the ceiling, use them to create a stage back, or create a swagged entrance treatment.

Featured in this picture: pink amethyst metallic soutache table cap; pink and gold taffeta striped linen; pink gold soutache chair back; pink gold taffeta striped cushion. Also featured on the table are gold julep cups in various sizes mixed with amber glass containers. Bright pink and yellow spring florals dress this table, but the look would work just as well with darker jewel toned florals for a fall or winter wedding.

Featured in this photo: gold duchess satin double dinner napkin; pink gold taffeta napkin band; gold rhinestone buckle. Also on the table is a glass beaded charger plate and a closer view of the gold containers used for florals, that each have a tarnished, gold-leafed appearance.

Work with your event designer to create a similar table for less money. A solid table skirt will cut your cost, and when it is surrounded by more chairs, will not be as visible as in this picture. Custom chair cushion are lovely, but no necessary. Most rental companies will include chair cushions with chiavari chair rentals. An upgrade to a custom color made be available for a small fee, or try creating cushion covers in a solid fabric. The same beaded charger plates are available from most rental companies - anything you can find in acrylic will be less expensive than glass. Custom linens for chairs are a great addition to any design scheme, but not necessary. Standard chiavari chairs (such as the one pictured) can easily be accented with ribbon or organza to create a similar coherent look at less cost. Single sided napkins will usually cut cost and most of your guests won't notice the difference - they are usually backed with a less expensive fabric. While napkin rings are a fantastic addition to the look of any table, remember that they will only be in place for about 30 seconds until your guests tear them off. Unless they are something reusable, their effect will then be over - so don't spend your money here!

Featured in this photo (my favorite!): smoke glitter dot overlay; platinum duchess satin base cloth; platinum duchess satin double dinner napkin; platinum napkin band embellished with button and crystal. Also featured is a black deco chandelier and smoke Victoria ghost chairs. This is a modern yet elegant table that also provides some texture to the table. Black glass containers and candle holders on the table add to the modern edge. Again, beaded glass charger plates fit well with this theme (they are versatile and can go with a more traditional or more modern look).

The overlay makes the look with this table. Cost savings can definitely be found with a less expensive base linen. Remember though, the feel of the base linen against your guests legs is very important. This overlay is created with glitter appliques, however a similar design but be created with embroidery or a print for less money. Standard ballroom chairs or chiavari chairs will save money. Ghost chairs are among some of the most expensive rental items available. Because they are clear plastic they scratch easily, therefore they are very hard to maintain. Again, there is a savings with simple sided napkins. Look for creative ribbons that are inexpensive to use as napkin rings, not an embellishment of costly buttons and rhinestones.

The moral of the story is: working with event professionals is the way to go no matter your budget. Vendor connections and many events allow them to get the best rates and reuse custom items for multiple events. I recommend contacting Fourth Wall Events (www.fourthwallevents.com; 212-316-0052) who is well-versed in corporate and wedding design and can work with any budget (they are also really fun to work with).