At weddings today, tablescapes are no longer an afterthought. They are mood-setters, conversation starters and often the most photographed parts of the celebration. Beyond aesthetics, they become natural gathering points where guests linger, mingle and savour what is arguably the most pivotal element of any wedding: the food. Layered linens in unexpected palettes, sculptural florals spilling across candlelit runners and thoughtfully designed place settings elevate the dining experience. Personalised menus, textured glassware and artisanal accents add dimension, while clever lighting ensures every detail shines on camera. A beautifully styled table does more than host a meal. It frames memories around shared plates and shared laughter.
Timmy Kader, the co-founder of 1SW Events, agrees. “Table decorations tie the entire look together.” Part of one of the UK’s most premier wedding planning and decor companies, she has become synonymous with standout tablescapes. Known for her discerning eye for balance, texture and scale, she crafts immersive settings that are luxurious and customized to the T, elevating every celebration she touches. From candles to flowers, read on for her recommendations for a stunning tablespace on the big day.
Aim for architectural florals
For Timmy, tablescapes begin and end with florals, but never in a predictable way. Her approach leans towards sculptural rather than just decorative, with arrangements that twist, trail and rise in unexpected formations across the table. Think cascading installations that weave between taper candles, clustered bud vases and dried or dyed stems layered with fresh blooms for depth and dimension. “Flowers are the prettiest, freshest elements when it comes to weddings. Even if you don’t want flowers, you will need a floral element. From dried and dyed, to smaller head flowers, there is a wide variety available to create a unique look, texture or shape,” Timmy says.
Go bigger and better
When it comes to tablescapes, more is more and nowhere is that truer than with florals. Think of your tables as a canvas for abundance, where blooms set the entire mood of the room. “This year, flowers are getting bigger and brighter, everywhere. My favourites are peonies, hydrangeas, delphiniums and all types of roses. Touches of jasmine are wonderful too,” Timmy shares. The key is mixing scale and height. Tall centrepieces create instant drama and lower, sprawling arrangements let guests feel surrounded by blooms without blocking conversation across the table. Use both. Variety is what makes a tablescape feel lush rather than staged.
Add unique varieties
The most memorable tablescapes are rarely built on roses alone. Choosing unexpected blooms is one of the easiest ways to give your wedding flowers a signature look. “Don’t limit yourself to tried-and-tested options. There are lots of unique shaped flowers such as hellebore, nigella and dill flower that add texture to a tablesetting. Gypsophila and delphiniums are one such flower which are unique in their shape and have their own scents. When they are used in abundance, they create magic.” The beauty of unusual varieties is in the unique look they bring to the table. Think downward-facing hellebores paired with the warm scent of dill flower interspersed with palm leaves.
Avoid matchy-matchy
Rather than blending every bloom together, consider grouping similar flowers in clusters to let each variety breathe and be seen on its own terms. “I love to use similar flowers grouped together rather than blend them. If I am blending different species of blooms together, then I prefer to pair them with olive and eucalyptus. Adding touches of dried flowers is also quite cool and very boho,” Timmy explains. When grouping, think in odd numbers. Seven stems of one variety clustered together will almost always look more natural than six or eight. It is a small trick that florists rely on constantly.
Go low but not invisible
Low arrangements have their own charm. “Small can also mean something low. But I am not keen on small, invisible decor that gets covered by crockery and drinks. During the ‘I Dos’ or speeches, you should be able to see the ceremony. I suggest raising floral arrangement a little via a stand, riser or a slightly lifted vase.” If you love the idea of low décor but want it to feel abundant, think in terms of runners rather than centrepieces. A long, loose trail of eucalyptus, seasonal blooms and candles running the length of a table creates a stunning visual. Tuck in fruit like figs or dried citrus slices, small bud vases at varying heights or clusters of pillar candles.
Let there be light
“There’s something so special about candlelight dinners. No wedding table is truly finished without the warmth and soft flickering of candlelight,” says Timmy. “Make the most of candles and votives in vibrant tealight holders to add colour and glow. It’ll look stunning in your wedding photos too.” The beauty of candles is how much variety exists. Tall, tapered dinner candles in deep jewel tones add height without taking up much space. Pillar candles in varying widths and heights create an abundant feel. Tealights tucked between arrangements fill the gaps with ground-level warmth. Colour glass holders cast a tinted glow. Scented candles add another layer entirely. Warm, woody scents like sandalwood or amber suit evenings, while lighter notes of jasmine or white tea work well for daytime settings.
Use a centrepiece
“The vase, lantern or stand you use as your centrepiece is just as important as the actual flowers you choose to create your setting. Consider vases of various styles and heights. Higher options will look fancy at a reception, while a sculptural base will allow guests to keep conversations flowing,” Timmy suggests. Think beyond the standard glass cylinder. Antique brass urns, unique accessories, fluted ceramic vases, footed compote bowls and even repurposed vintage bottles each bring their own character to a table. The vessel itself becomes part of the story. For a cohesive but collected look, avoid matching vases entirely. Instead, pick a common thread, whether that is material, colour or finish, and let the shapes vary.
For more information:
1SW Events
www.1SWEvents.com
