How did you/will you do the table settings at the reception?

I am doing everything for my reception myself with the help of my family and friends. Its at the New York Botanical Garden, and in May, but I do not want to over do it in regards to decorations yet I do not want it to look cheap and tacky. Any ideas?

How did you/will you do the table settings at the reception?
Keep it simple. That is such a lovely place already it doesn't need a whole lot done to it.


http://www.surroundings.com/order.cgi?ca...


I would think about using some of the centerpieces that they sell on this website. You don't have to buy the supplies from here, it's pretty basic. But you can get some ideas.


You could be surprised how much candles and some nice rose petals can look. Also, if you wanted to go with the floating candles, look into floralytes. You can drop them in there and they look beautiful...here are a few pics


http://www.blushingbridesilkfloraldesign...


http://www.littlebrightlights.com/site/1...
Reply:You'll probably want to lay low with flowers, considering the setting. Candle centerpieces are nice, but make sure they're unscented candles, as no one finds candle wax particularly palatable.


Does the reception hall have their own linens, etc? If not, choose something subtle and neutral to contrast with the wild colors of the flowers outdoors. Some other good ideas:


A basket of digital disposable cameras at each table so everyone can help take pictures (people REALLY seem to enjoy this!).


Wine glass markers - the small kind that go around the bottom of the wine stem, so people have a tasteful way to tell which drink is theirs. Usually they are metal rings with charms such as a bunch of grapes or wine bottles etc.


Personalized place markers always make people feel special.


And everyone loves a "goody-bag" - what you put in it can be personalized, if you have that kind of time, or it can be a simple selection of gourmet candies, something engraved with the bride/groom name/initials and date, and some birdseed packages made of lightly gathered colored netting tied with a ribbon to throw later.
Reply:candles are great. i've also seen picture frames. just flowers are good. you could use lanterns. you could do camera's. personally i wouldn't consider it but some people like it. the problem with them though is that you get a bunch of pictures with people putting their hands over their faces or turning around, or pictures of the ground. In the end you end up having to pay the money to get every camera developed. My cousin did this. after she forked over the money to get more than 30 cameras developed, she had 3 pictures that were worth keeping.
Reply:If it's outside (%26amp; at night), don't underestimate the power of white Christmas lights. Other than that, just go with basic centerpieces on the tables. Since it's at a place like the Botanical Garden, you could use tropical looking flowers.
Reply:a nice candle floral arrangement would look nice. colors to match the wedding party.
Reply:ours were very simple. orchids, 4 votive candles, table card, carafe of water, water glasses, napkins tied with coordinating ribbon, silverware





http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/l...





The total cost per table was less than $20 to decorate.
Reply:Candles, candles, candles....they are inexpensive and add a great ambiance. The great thing about gardens is they really need very little additional decor.
Reply:Congratulations. My table setting was just a cream color - wanted it to look classy. The centerpiece was a round mirror and on top of the mirror were glass bowls filled with simple floating flowers and around the bowls were small cream candles. It was really nice.





Have fun!