Tablecloth Buying & Styling Guide for your Wedding

Jul 31, 2025

When it comes to decorating your wedding or a special event, every choice counts. From carefully selecting the colours, accents and textures, to ensuring every decorative piece complements the theme and creates the atmosphere you want.

Choosing the right tablecloths and linens for your wedding or special event might seem like a small detail among many, but it can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the event. Event planners in Australia are creatively using tablecloths to evoke a broad range of vibes, from elegant, oversized tablecloths that give an effortless modern elegance, to layered looks that create texture and catch every guest’s eye.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a grand wedding reception, it’s crucial to consider size and shape, pairing colours, layering textures, and adding finishing touches. Read on for practical tips to help you pick out the ideal table linens, as well as advice for making the best style choices for your event.

Types of Wedding Tablecloths

There is plenty of variety in tablecloths when it comes to shape, colour, materials and more. Wedding tablecloths can be made from a broad range of materials and shapes, each with its own unique set of characteristics.

Material types

Material choice impacts the look and feel of your tablecloths, and it’ll also likely have a big impact on overall costs. Here are some materials to consider:

Spun polyester

Premium-quality spun polyester tablecloths have the look and feel of cotton fabric, with the added bonus of durability and longevity. Polyester fabric is strong, soft and stain-resistant. It’s also very easy to wash and stays wrinkle-free even with tumble-drying. Spun polyester tablecloths are an elegant and popular choice for these characteristics.

Satin

Satin tablecloths are silky-smooth with an elegant sheen. They’re generally quite thin, making them elegantly drape and bunch over the sides of the table. Satin is an excellent choice for evoking a timeless elegance.

Velvet

Velvet tablecloths are plush and soft. They can be made from polyester, cotton or silk, and incorporate a rich texture that reflects light in interesting ways. Velvet tablecloths are a brilliant way to create a luxurious vibe.

Sequin

Sequin tablecloths offer an unmatched extravagance. Made using a cloth backing with plastic sequins stitched on in a scale pattern, these tablecloths give off a dazzling reflective sheen. Perfect for sparse use as a stunning centrepiece, or on every table to bring incredible opulence to any event.

Linen

Linen tablecloths are luxuriously soft to the touch. They drape elegantly over tables, with a slightly ruffled look adding to their texture and glamour. Linen is a strong fabric, but requires gentle care, especially when removing stains.

Tablecloth shapes

Tablecloths are also made in a variety of styles and shapes, each with a different look, feel and practical use:

Fitted tablecloths: Shaped with stitching and pleats that fit the dimensions of a specific table size. Fitted tablecloths look elegant and polished, and can be made from different materials. Be sure to measure your tables carefully to get the right size.
Flat tablecloths: Flat tablecloths can be used in a variety of ways. When oversized compared to the tables, flat tablecloths will drape elegantly, while those made from finer fabrics may gather on the floor in perfectly imperfect bunches. Smaller tablecloths that drape a short way over the edge give off a contemporary look and can be paired with tableskirts or runners for unique layered looks.
Table covers: Fitting or stretching around a variety of table shapes, table covers are perfect for adding a touch of class to taller bar tables, dessert tables, side tables and more, without the need for precisely measuring them all.
Round tablecloths: Specially designed for round tables, round tablecloths elegantly drape over round tables, without the need for clever folding. Round tablecloths are useful for creating a uniform, neat look on round tables of different sizes.

Choosing a tablecloth

When picking out the perfect tablecloths for your event or wedding reception, you’ll want to consider how they fit into the decor of your event.

Picking tablecloths thematically

One way you can figure out the right tablecloths is by starting from the overall themes in your decorative setup or venue:

Classic: Satin tablecloths or flat tablecloths in neutral tones (like ivory, white, beige or navy) work beautifully. These offer a timeless, elegant look that pairs well with traditional place settings and floral centrepieces. Black and white tablecloths are perfect for classic weddings.
Modern: Fitted tablecloths or velvet tablecloths in bold or monochrome colours like black, emerald, or deep grey create a sleek, clean silhouette. You can also use sequin tablecloths for modern opulence.
Rustic: Flat tablecloths in natural fabrics like linen or cotton, or table covers in burlap or lace overlays. These add texture and charm, especially when paired with wooden tables, along with foliage or flowers.

Picking tablecloths based on budget, care and practicality

In addition to the theme, there are plenty of practical factors to consider when picking out appropriate tablecloths for your event:

Budget: If you're working with a limited budget, polyester tablecloths and disposable plastic table covers are affordable go-tos. Spun polyester is a cost-effective fabric that mimics cotton but holds up better over time. For higher-end events, velvet or satin offers elegance but generally at a higher price point per table.
Tablecloth care and maintenance: For easy cleaning and reusability, spun polyester and standard polyester are excellent low-maintenance options—they resist wrinkles and are machine washable. Satin is also relatively easy to care for if made from polyester blends. Velvet and sequined tablecloths typically require dry cleaning or delicate spot cleaning after use, and cannot be washed conventionally.
Practicality: When practicality is important, such as for outdoor or high-traffic events, fitted polyester tablecloths stay securely in place and don’t shift around too much. Flat tablecloths offer flexibility and layering options. For luxurious events, velvet or satin adds sophistication but can be heavier or more delicate.

Styling Ideas to Enhance Your Tablecloth

Tablecloths are a big aspect of the overall wedding and event decor, but they can also act as a foundation for even more personalisation and ornamentation. Here are some tips for getting your tablecloths to shine alongside other decorations.

Coordinating with decorative centrepieces

Tablecloths can be a stylistic anchor for more eye-catching decorations around the venue. Here are some tips to consider:

Use neutral or solid-colour tablecloths to let vibrant floral or statement centrepieces stand out.

Opt for textured fabrics like velvet or embroidered linen to complement rustic or vintage-style centrepieces.

Match the shape and drape of the tablecloth to the scale of the centrepiece. For example, long table runners beneath garland centrepieces on banquet tables are nicely complementary.

Colour mix-and-matching with tablecloths

Tablecloths can be used in different colour combinations to add to the overall style and theme of the event. Here are some ideas for using colours to your advantage:

Layer a bold-coloured tablecloth with a soft pastel runner or napkins for contrast and dimension.
Use complementary colours, like navy and gold or burgundy and blush, to create cohesion across tables.
For monochromatic themes, vary shades and textures within the same colour grouping, such as light grey velvet with darker grey satin accents.

Complementary tablescape ideas

As the foundation for table decorations, tablecloths will play a huge role in setting up and anchoring your tablescapes. Consider these table decoration tips as examples for cohesive tablescapes:

Pair sequin or satin tablecloths with minimalist dinnerware and clear glassware to balance visual impact.
Use spun polyester cloths as a sturdy, wrinkle-resistant base for layered charger plates, menu cards, and floral accents.
Add height using candles, vases and stands that contrast with the softness of the fabric.
Match with chair covers and ornamentation to ensure the overall look and feel of your table area is cohesive and gorgeous. Try pairing simple tablecloths with similarly-toned chair covers.

Choosing the right tablecloths involves balancing theme, practicality, budget, and personal style to make sure your decorative vision comes to life. Whether you're drawn to the luxe look of velvet, the elegance of satin, or the versatility of spun polyester, your table linens help set the tone for your entire event.

From colour coordination to layered textures and styling tips, the perfect tablecloth can elevate your reception tables from simple to stunning, and create a memorable, welcoming atmosphere no matter the occasion.

Ready to find the ideal match for your wedding or special event? Explore our full range of wedding and event tablecloths and start designing your dream tablescape.

Be sure to follow Luna Wedding & Event Supplies on Instagram for more gorgeous decor ideas and event inspiration, or to see our amazing decorations and products in action.

‘Til next month xx