As someone who's recently become obsessed with napkins in the lead up to my own wedding, I can safely tell you, that the power of tablecloths, napkins or runners is not to be underestimated when it comes to the overall look of your day.
So many couples think white, standard, plain linens are the only option they have for their wedding, or that anything else would be too expensive, while others think of linens as fussy, heavy or dated.
Either way, by the end of this post, we reckon you'll be thinking differently!
Photo by Shalyn Nelson Photography via La Tavola
Whether you go for a bare table with a sheer runner that billows in the wind, a luxe sequin sweetheart table paired with textured whites for your guests, or preppy striped tablecloths with bold accent napkins; linens have the ability to entirely set the tone for your day, even before you've added flowers or candles.
Don't believe us? We've brought in the expert, Emarie VanGalio, the Sales & Marketing Director at La Tavola Fine Linen Rental to help convince you!
Linen by La Tavola, Photo by Anita Martin Photography via Bridal Musings
La Tavola is an acclaimed Napa boutique linen rental company, that has now become a go-to for couples across the US for luxury linens in every colour, texture and style (there's probably no other vendor who we see more frequently featured in our real weddings!).
As a former wedding planner herself, Emarie knows exactly what it takes to create a beautiful event.
So, scroll down not just to get pretty inspiration your own big day linens, but to read Emarie's top tips on how to make the most of your linen rentals too…
The Expert Guide to Wedding Linens
So you’re ready to start planning your wedding – time to get the dress, the venue, the cake…and the linens?
Doesn’t the venue take care of those?
Linens are sometimes pushed off as an afterthought but let me fill you in on a little secret, linens can make or break an event. They are the showstoppers that can transform the look of your wedding for less than you would think.
Photo by Michael Radford Photography via La Tavola
Linens elevate the look of an event by adding color, texture and an overall richness to the décor that makes a party look complete.
Let’s start with the basics…
Size Up
Photo by Kelsea Holder Photography via La Tavola
Linens come in all sizes. Most linens come in a 134” rounds and 8ft drapes for your standard sized tables but also come in 108” and 120” rounds for cocktail and smaller tables.
A Nod to Napkins
Photo by Kristen Beinke Photography via La Tavola
Napkins shouldn’t be an afterthought when it comes to creating style. Even a napkin can make a statement by adding a pop of color or a bold print.
With variations that come in all different colors and designs, they can provide a key complementary accent to a table.
Get Your Runners On
Photo by Koman Photography via La Tavola
Table runners are a great option when you want to show off yet elevate the natural beauty of a table.
Just as with linens, there are numerous styles that can be neat and tailored or used as a textural element by adding volume to the middle of the table.
Get a Close Up
Photo by Heather Payne Photography via La Tavola
Then you have to think about the aesthetic of your wedding and you are searching around online but nothing is jumping out at you. Don’t fret!
When searching online it can be hard to get the full picture of the linen, especially when it comes to a print or texture.
Try going to a showroom where you can actually feel and see the linens first hand. Viewing the linens in person can give you a whole new perspective.
And when in the showroom, utilize the experts. They are there to help and can further your vision or can give you ideas that you’ve never even dreamed possible.
Think Prints & Embellishments
Photo by Megan Clouse via La Tavola
Linens come in endless prints, textures and colors – probably more than you would expect. Whether you’re looking for something to match your color scheme or a color to add some extra oomph to your wedding, there is a wide range to choose from.
You won’t need pricey tabletop items when a printed linen takes center stage. Prints have the power to define or enhance any event whether they are bold or understated.
Textural elements can add an unexpected dimension to your event and make a table pop.
Linens can be mixed and matched or accented with sequins or lace for a cake or gift table. A linen with some pizzazz can create a glitzy touch to any party.
If you fall in love with a linen that is out of your price range, try alternating tables adding a less expensive linen into the mix.
Photo by Jenny Smith & Co via La Tavola
Linens are an integral part of every wedding and by checking out the possibilities, you may find that one linen can change your entire wedding outlook.
Photo by Megan Clouse via La Tavola
Some really gorgeous ideas there (both the sheer and striped looks are my favourite!) but it's great to see how fresh and modern linens can be, and good to know you don't have to work it all out online as well.
Thanks so much to Emarie VanGalio, of La Tavola for sharing her wisdom – visit their website to see more of their beautiful fine linen collection.
Get more expert advice on planning your big day.
