The Art of the Tablescape
Written by Lucy White, expert Italian wedding planner and stylist at Wiskow & White
When styling a wedding, I always start by visualising the dinner setting before anything else. Why? Because for me, it’s the heart of the day. Once you’ve been to a few Italian weddings, you quickly realise that dinner is arguably the most important part (and usually the part you’ve invested in the most). Sitting down to eat together is a big part of Italian culture, and it’s also where you and your guests spend the most time. My aim is always to create a dinner setting that reflects the couple’s personalities completely. Atmosphere is everything, so this is where it really pays to lean in and elevate.
Styling: Wiskow + White, Photo: Faye Wilde Photography + Benjamin Wheeler
A wedding tablescape doesn’t usually come together in a neat, straight line. Even if you have a clear vision and follow some basic design rules, the process is rarely simple. You’ll like something, then change your mind, then come back to it again. You’ll swap pieces in and out and probably feel overwhelmed by options at some point. That’s all part of it. Be patient with yourself and make sure you have a team who are patient too, and who understand how much guidance and styling support you might need.
Before you dive in, look at your Pinterest board and decide whether you’re working with what’s already included in your catering package or aiming for a fully custom dinner setup. The first means reviewing what’s available locally with your planner. The second usually means bringing in a stylist and creating something more bespoke.
Work with a Stylist for less than you’d expect.
In this 60-minute one-to-one with our LL founder Lucy White, you’ll style your wedding there and then with her unique process built over the last 10 years at Wiskow & White. Together, you’ll explore layout options for your venue, explore a design concept and palette, creating a full design deck that captures the look, feel and details of your day — from ceremony to tablescape.
You’ll also walk away with a curated list of creative vendors who fit your location, aesthetic, and budget, plus a solid wet-weather plan. Think of it as a design blueprint for your dream day.
1. Consider the context
What’s already in the dinner location? I always take a lead colour from the venue or garden first. This could quite literally be the colour of your villa, or something more subtle like a tone from a fresco, a statue, or even a rose bush in the garden. I then layer in the season and think about which colours will naturally exist at that time of year. Gather all of this together as your starting point.
Next, think about what the space actually needs to create the atmosphere you want. Is it large and empty, meaning it needs warmth, texture and life? Or is it already full of character and needs very little at all? Does it need soft lighting and warm tones to feel inviting and relaxed, or something more minimal and refined?
2. Consider the vibe
How do you want your guests to feel when they sit down to dinner? Relaxed and informal? Or more formal and dramatic? Do you want it to feel like a big family meal, or like they’ve stepped into a completely different world for the night?
Once you know this, you can start using everything in your styling toolbox to build it. Layout, table shapes, lighting, textures and colours will all play a part.
3. Establish the budget
Almost everyone underestimates their decor budget. Allocating enough here is key to avoiding disappointment and unnecessary stress, especially in the final stage of planning when you’ve probably already gone over budget elsewhere.
Start by listing the basics and whether they are included, rented or custom: chairs, tablecloths, napkins, cutlery, glassware, menus, name cards, florals, lamps or candles, and lighting. Ask your planner or vendors for estimates if you’re unsure.
Some furniture and mise en place should come within your catering spend, so always check what’s included before you book. Some caterers offer far more than others, and this can make a big difference to your final budget.
4. Establish the base
Look closely at what’s already available to you. What does your caterer include? Does the venue have lighting already in place? Is there furniture or tableware you can use that fits your vision? This is your foundation, and everything else should build from here.
5. Think about the layout
What table sizes actually fit comfortably in your space? Does the location naturally lend itself to a certain setup or flow? Always prioritise guest comfort over pure aesthetics or that perfect drone shot.
Think about how the layout affects the atmosphere too. Long single tables can look beautiful but may leave some guests feeling disconnected. Shorter tables often feel more communal and intimate, while round tables can feel more formal and help fill a large space.
Vibe Setters:
Lighting sets the mood. Chandeliers read formal and chic, while festoon bulbs feel calm and authentic. Too much lighting can overpower a space, but candles are always a winner — even just a few can make a huge impact.
Image credits: Wiskow & White, Benjamin Wheeler, Frascati Fiori, Zach & grace, Giorgia Carolini, Alfio flowers
Flower composition shapes the vibe. Blocks of blooms with minimal greenery feel modern and impactful, while fewer florals or lots of stems on show feel natural and garden-like.
Image credits: Flower Addicted Angelica, Wiskow & White, Stephan & Nakita, Emily Rose, Mary Poppins, Giorgia Carolini Floral Design, White Vines
Colour sends a message and guides how guests feel. Bright tones feel fun, lighthearted, or ultra-modern if colour-blocked. White reads bridal and chic, while darker tones feel dramatic and occasional.
Image credits: Wiskow & White, Benjamin Wheeler, Studio Chloe David, Alfio flowers, Tenstory Stationery
Textures elevate the experience. Heavy linens like velvet feel dramatic and sensual, silks and satins add luxury, lace is romantic and vintage, while lighter linens feel informal and breezy.
Image credits: Wiskow & White
My Rules of Design
It’s all about the feeling. The impact comes from the setting, the space itself, the views and how your dinner is positioned. Choose the layout of tables carefully and think about how guests will move through the space. Lighting is transformative.
Overhead festoon lights create warm, authentic outdoor Italian vibes, while velvet lampshades bring cosy indoor energy. Use lighting wisely — often, less is more.
Colour makes a statement. Block colours have big impact: a bold tablecloth or drapery adds depth and comfort. Lighter colours, delicate linens, and fluffy flowers feel soft and romantic, perfect for summer. Darker tones and luxe materials like velvet or satin bring drama and gravitas, ideal for formal or black-tie events.
Trends come and go, but authentic, considered choices in design never go out of style.
Ready to perfect your tablescape? Join The Club and unlock the full Art of the Tablescape guide — your go-to resource for creating a table that’s elevated and intentional
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PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | BUSINESS | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
