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Having a uniform place setting for each guest adds to the reception’s formality and decorum. The use of familiar standards also puts your guests at ease. Follow the instructions and guidelines below to set a proper place setting.
On the table, in front of each person will be an array of silverware, glasses, and plates. Plates are stacked in the center of the place setting. The bottom layer of plate is called the charger. The charger is the largest plate at approximately 13 inches and is used strictly for decoration, though it does serve a second function to protect the tablecloth from messier eaters. On top of the charger is the second largest plate (the dinner plate at 10-11 inches) where the main dish is served. The salad plate (8”) goes on top of the dinner plate and is a shallow rounded plate. If you’re serving bread, you’ll have a bread plate (6-7”) to the left of the plate stack with a butter knife placed on it.
Napkins are usually placed on the plate done in a fancy folded design with or without napkin rings, in a roll with the silverware, or to the left of the plates and forks. Cloth napkins are used for formal events and dinner while cocktail paper napkins are often used during cocktail hour after the ceremony.
Silverware is placed on both sides of the plate stack. On the left side, place the forks. Starting from the outside in, you’ll have a salad fork on the outside, then the main course fork. On the right side of the plate from outside in, you’ll have your soup spoon, then the salad knife, then the main course knife. Some place settings will also include a fish fork and knife. Place the dessert fork and spoon on the table, above the plate stack, with fork tines pointed right and spoon scoop toward the left. The fork is closest to the plate stack. The name or place card will go above the dessert fork and spoon.
Wine glasses will have longer, thinner stems than water goblets and will reside farther away from the guests, above the knives and to the right top of the plate. The glasses should be arranged from left to right: water glass, wine glasses (red, then white), and champagne.
You can also place some centerpieces at each dinner table. We recommend our wine glass lampshades as a great conversation starter. Simply drop an LED candle into an empty wine glass, wrap the lampshade on the outside, and you have the perfect décor, especially for outdoor or nighttime events to add ambience and contribute to the festive mood.
Above all, remember this: it’s your wedding, and these are simply guidelines. If you have something different in mind, follow your heart when making your place setting decisions.
