How much do Wedding Tablescapes cost?

How Much Do Wedding Tablescapes Really Cost? A Full Breakdown for Brides & Grooms

When most couples dream of their wedding reception, they imagine beautifully styled tables dripping in elegant florals, glowing candles, and luxurious tableware. But when it comes time to budget, the question always hits: how much does a tablescape actually cost?

The truth? Tablescapes can range from surprisingly affordable to absolutely extravagant. So let’s break it all down together—from linens to florals to lighting—so you know exactly where your money is going and how to prioritize your design dreams.

Download our FREE pdf Cost Breakdown here:

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1. Table Rentals

Before you can even start decorating, you need a place for your guests to sit!

• Basic banquet tables (round or rectangle): $10 – $15 per table

• Specialty/farmhouse tables: $50 – $150 per table

• Luxury custom tables: $150 – $500+ per table

Pro tip: Farm tables often eliminate the need for full linens, saving you money elsewhere.

2. Linens & Napkins

Linens are where your color palette starts to shine. The fabric you choose can dramatically impact the overall look.

• Standard polyester linens: $15 – $25 per table

• Premium fabrics (velvet, satin, specialty textures): $30 – $100 per table

• Custom or designer linens: $100 – $300 per table

• Cloth napkins: $1 – $3 each

Note: Specialty fabrics often require delivery, pressing, and special care, which adds to labor costs.

3. Chairs

The chairs you choose make a huge visual impact and can completely shift the vibe of your tablescape.

• Basic folding chair: $5 – $12 each

• Chiavari chair (the classic wedding favorite): $9 – $15 each

• Ghost chair / Louis XVI / Specialty chairs: $15 – $85 each

Pro tip: Some venues include chairs; always double-check your rental agreements.

4. Tableware

Your table settings create an intimate moment for each guest. Here's where those little details add up fast.

• Dinner plate: $1.50 – $5 per piece

• Salad plate: $1 – $3 per piece

• Chargers: $2 – $10 per piece

• Flatware: $0.50 – $2 per piece

• Glassware (wine, water, champagne): $1 – $3 per glass

• Specialty glassware or flatware: $3 – $10+ per piece

Total Tableware Cost Per Guest:

• Basic: $8 – $20 per guest

• Luxury: $40 – $75+ per guest

Remember: more courses, more glassware, more costs.

5. Centerpieces & Florals

Florals are often the biggest design splurge (and worth every penny for the visual impact!).

• Simple greenery garland: $30 – $75 per table

• Small floral arrangement: $50 – $150 per table

• Lush, full centerpiece: $200 – $500 per table

• Tall statement arrangement: $300 – $1,000+ per table

Pro tip: Mixing sizes (some tall, some low) can create drama while balancing costs.

6. Candles & Lighting

Soft candlelight is a must for almost any wedding style—but it comes with a price tag.

• Votives (multiple per table): $10 – $20

• Pillar candles: $15 – $50

• Taper candles with holders: $20 – $60

• LED (battery-operated, heat-safe): $20 – $80

If your wedding is outdoors or during warm months, always opt for LED to avoid melting wax disasters.

7. Extra Decor Details

These finishing touches bring your tablescape to life and personalize the guest experience.

• Table numbers: $2 – $10 each

• Menu cards: $1 – $5 per guest

• Place cards: $1 – $4 per guest

• Runners, chargers, specialty accents: $10 – $50 per table

Total Tablescape Cost Estimates (Per Table for 8-10 Guests)

Style	Low-End	Mid-Range	High-End
Basic	$150 – $250	$400 – $700	$1,000+

Where Costs Sneak Up

Even with careful planning, there are hidden costs to keep in mind:

• Delivery, setup, and teardown fees

• Cleaning or pressing charges for specialty linens

• Rush orders or last-minute changes

• Out-of-town vendor travel fees

• Extra staff required for elaborate setups

• Heat concerns (melted candles, wilted flowers, overheated electronics)

The Vendor Perspective: Behind-the-Scenes Realities

As a wedding planner, I can promise you: intricate tablescapes require a LOT of extra work behind the scenes.

• Planners: We often need additional setup time for complex designs, especially outdoors where heat slows everyone down.

• Florists: Heat can destroy delicate blooms; many require on-site refrigeration and fast setups to preserve the florals.

• Photographers: Camera equipment fogs up moving between AC and humidity; harsh sun requires extra time to capture great shots.

• Catering teams: Food safety becomes a challenge; cold dishes need protection from direct sunlight.

All these moving parts mean more time, staff, and coordination—which translates to added costs.

Final Thoughts: Designing Within Your Budget

Tablescapes are one of the most photographed parts of your wedding. They set the tone for your entire reception and give your guests that "wow" moment as they sit down to celebrate.

Whether your budget allows for simple elegance or full-blown luxury, thoughtful planning can create a breathtaking design at any price point. Prioritize what matters most to you—maybe it’s jaw-dropping florals, or maybe it’s specialty tableware—and allow your planner to help balance the design to fit your vision.

Happy Planning!

Lynea