Does your wedding include a formal or semi-formal meal on the schedule? Are you concerned how to go about setting your tables? Fear not. With a little guidance, you’ll see that it’s easier than you think. We came across Snippet and Ink’s how-to and we have to say, it’s the most useful and beautiful guide we’ve seen yet. So with a little help, we bring you our simple guide to proper table setting.
Formal Table Setting
(image credit: Snippetandink)
Here’s what you need
- 2 spoons (dinner and dessert)
- 2 knives (fish and dinner)
- 3 forks (salad, fish, and dinner)
- 4 plates (bread, salad, dinner, and service plate)
- 4-5 glasses (water, white wine, red wine, champagne, and sherry)
Plates Tip: Plates are stacked on one another biggest to smallest, with the exception of the bread plate which goes in the upper left corner above the forks. Wondering what a service plate is? Think of it as a fancy placemat.
Glassware Tip: There are usually between 4-5 glasses, one for each beverage. These are set in the upper right corner above the knives and spoons.
Semi-formal Table Setting
(image credit: Snippetandink)
Here’s what you’ll need
- 1 knife
- 1 spoon
- 2 forks (salad and dinner)
- 2 plates (salad and dinner)
- 2 glasses (water and wine)
Utensils Tip: Forks go on the left, knives and spoons on the right. The blades of each knife should face the plates, and when dining, always start with the outside utensil and work your way inward toward the plates.
Napkins Tip: We can’t forget about napkins. In both a formal and semi-formal table setting, it is proper to place the napkin on top of the salad plate. Your safest bet is to put your napkin on your lap once seated.
See, that wasn’t so bad was it? All it takes is a little guidance and easy to remember tips. Now you’re all set for a beautiful (and properly) set dining experience.