How to Find Wedding Table Linens

There are so many little details to take care for a wedding, but one of the most visible, aside from the bride and groom, are the tables. There are tables everywhere at the wedding: guest book, buffet table, guest tables and the cake tables. So, finding the right table linens is very important and not as difficult as one might think.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check with your wedding coordinator or the catering service. Often the catering service plays a huge role in the appearance and set up of most of the tables at the wedding. Most will provide opportunities for table linen rentals. The coordinator for the catering service should have books that contain samples of the actual fabrics and should be very knowledgeable in helping to find the colors and fabric that will compliment the wedding colors. Selections should be made many months in advance to make sure that your selection is not being used by someone else that day. Deposits will be asked for in addition to the cost of rental.
2. Rent the linens from a party rental service. The party rental services are experts in finding everything you need, including the wedding table linens. They will have a staff member that will help decide how many and what sizes to reserve for rental. Again, deposits will be asked for in addition to the cost of rental.
3. Ask the wedding coordinator or staff member at your church regarding wedding table linens. Many churches will allow you to use their linens, if the wedding and reception are on site at the church. Often a cleaning or laundry fee will be requested. If you are a long standing member of the church, there may be no charge for the use of the linens. However, it would be most appropriate to give a donation to the church for the use.
4. Make your own wedding table linens. If you are dealing with only wanting table coverings or cloths, these can be easily found. This would be an excellent idea as you will be able to keep the table coverings and it would be more cost efficient than the rental. Count all the tables that you will need and make a chart listing all tables and their measurements. Visit your local fabrics center to find your selections. If you are using all square or rectangular tables, neatly cut fabric may be all you have to handle. There would be more planning and some quick seam stitching involved for circular tables and cloth napkins.
5. Browse through flea markets, antique and vintage stores. Many times beautiful lace table coverings are found in these locations. They would be particularly beautiful as a wedding table linen over a solid more rich base colored cloth. Again, you would be saving money and would be able to keep the table coverings.
6. Surf the Internet for online auctions to find table coverings for weddings. You may be lucky and find everything you need at one auction or you may have to combine several auction finds to complete your wedding linens quota. Ask questions regarding these linens before you make a serious bid to make sure they are not stained or torn.

Tips & Warnings

• Add up the total price for all tables that will be covered in linens before you sign a contract for rental and not just base your "ok" on an estimate given for one table.

Who Can Help:

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