Wedding Planning

9 Trending Table Runners for Weddings

Jordan Strohl and Rachel Aschenbrand-Robinson

Your guests will spend a good portion of your wedding seated, so give them something lovely to look at (besides you, of course). Table runners are the quickest and easiest way to dress up long tables and sweetheart tables — they fill the space and provide the perfect backdrop for flowers and candles. They can even take the place of tablecloths, depending on your aesthetic. Whether you’re going for a backyard rustic feel or an upscale glamorous vibe, we’ve collected the perfect table runner for every bride’s style.

Striped Table Runners

Black and white paired with pink and gold is a winning combination for a modern wedding. Exhibit A: The tablescape above, with its big, bold centerpiece. Want to go the more muted route (bottom right)? Keep the gold understated and add a touch of pale pink floral arrangements. Either way, the result is an elegant combination of classic and feminine.

For formal affairs, we are loving the all black-and-white tablescape (above). It’s minimal, sophisticated and the napkins folded to look like little bow ties are just, well, adorable. Black and white doesn’t have to be ultra formal, though. Below, a black and white table runner accented with berries, succulents and woodlike plate chargers create a charming rustic feel.

rose gold and black and white table runner

Shop This Look: We Can Package Black and White Striped Table Runner, $13.50; amazon.com; Kate Spade New York Augusta Drive 72-Inch Table Runner, $40-$45; bedbathandbeyond.com; Design Imports Dobby Stripe Table Runner, $14-$18; walmart.com

Lace Table Runners

Seen mostly on wooden tables, lace table runners exude romance and can be paired with almost any table decor. They’re sweet and feminine without having to add too many additional frills to the table (aka money saving). White lace is a wedding go-to, for obvious reasons. Paired with your wedding colors and some candles, this look gives your wedding an instantly timeless look — it’s a top choice for brides into rustic and vintage vibes.

From day to night or inside to outside, lace table runners are an easy, versatile choice for your wedding. They come in all widths and patterns to accommodate the feel of your big day without being overwhelming.

Shop This Look: Saro Lifestyle Elegant Embroidered Runner, $32; target.com; White Lace Table Runner (Pack of 12); $22; walmart.com; Sweet Dream White Lace Classic Table Runner, $10; amazon.com

Bright Table Runners

Not for the faint of heart, these bright table runners really add some oomph to your table decor. They’re bold and playful, not to mention seriously photogenic.

Bright table runners are an excellent choice for boho-themed weddings. Wooden plate chargers and green succulents really bring out the bright hues in the best possible way.

In two different shades of orange, the tablescape (above right) represents a stunning Indian-inspired wedding, paired with fresh fruit, bold pink hues, and vibrant rugs and pillows. Below, the Creamsicle-orange table runner is matched with like sorbet-colored flowers and linens, creating a dreamy fairy-tale feel.

Shop This Look: We Can Package Bohemian Chic Table Runner, $20; etsy.com; Red Barrel Studio Campbell Burlap Table Runner, $26; wayfair.com; Anthropologie Paint + Petals Table Runner, $48; nordstrom.com

Sequin Table Runners

If New Year’s Eve is your favorite holiday and champagne is your beverage of choice, this is the look for you. These sequined beauties are high shine and high glamour. Channel your inner Meghan Markle by pairing your sequin table runners with an emerald green shade (above) to create a regal look or accent with soft pinks and bows for a more delicate look. Either way, sequin table runners make for a jaw-dropping table accessory.

Let the sequins speak for themselves. No need to go overboard on the flowers or dishware—your guests will be immediately drawn to their seats by this sparkly tablescape.

Shop This Look: Amazlinen Sequin Table Runners Rose Gold, $11; amazon.com; Levtex Silver Overlay Runner, $30; nordstrom.com; Orchid Linens Chevron Tablerunner, $28; etsy.com

Romantic Table Runners

Weddings are one of the most romantic times that a couple can share, so why not let your table decor show that? From flowing tulle to long ribbons, the table runners above are great for intimate sweetheart tables. Below, these romantic table runners are all about the vintage look. A couple can choose to show their romantic side in all sorts of stunning ways, whether with opulent chandeliers or a Shakespeare in Love theme.

Shop This Look: Ling’s Moment Chiffon Table Runner, $18; amazon.com; Lino and Co Silk Runner, $58; etsy.com; SoarDream Grey Chiffon Table Runners, $16; amazon.com;

Floral Table Runners

Probably one of our favorite table runner trends, these floral beauties are breathtaking. Lush eucalyptus, overflowing petals — it’s hard not to fall head over heels for these stunning installations. No worries if you don’t have an unlimited floral budget: There are more than a few gorgeous faux options available to get the job done.

If you want to keep your floral table runner more condensed, try something like the one below. It adds all the color and dimension of the flowers without overwhelming the darling details of the plates and glassware.

Shop This Look: Nearly Natural Mixed Peony and Berry Silk Garland, $67; target.com; Outdoorz in Trendz Silk Flower Garland, Luxury Floral Table Runner; $135; etsy.com; Ashland Classic Greenery Fern Garland, $22; michaels.com

Chevron Table Runners

Chevron is a trend that is here to stay — and we aren’t mad about it. Use it to add a splash of color like the teal table runner above or go for the gold! Whether these table runners are used on a long community table or a short sweetheart table, the chevron stripes add interest and elegance to every event.

Go nautical preppy, like in the photo below, with a navy chevron table runner. Pairing it with baby’s breath and blue hydrangeas is a recipe for seaside style success.

Shop This Look: Uphome 1pc Classical Chevron Zig Zag Pattern Table Runner, $14; amazon.com; Cayson Decor Navy Chevron Table Runner, $6-$26; etsy.com; Koyal Wholesale Chevron Table Runner, $13; walmart.com

Rustic Table Runners

Burlap and wood are also key components of an outdoorsy vibe:Try tying the burlap with a twine bow (above left) to soften this look. And of course, nothing says “woodsy” like moss. This turflike table runner below is a great example of how to incorporate Mother Nature’s elements into your tablescape.

Shop This Look: The Sew Savvy Burlap Table Runner, $4-$14; etsy.com; Ashland Moss Table Runner, $17; michaels.com; Willow 54-Inch Table Runner in Natural, $15; bedbathandbeyond.com

DIY Table Runners

From relatively easy to expert-level crafty, these DIY table runners are a Pinterest addict’s dream. Creating the photograph table runner will take time but will be well worth all your hard work. Use copied photos from your own family album or create a collection of iconic brides that inspire you. Also a timely undertaking, the string board table runner is truly unique and something your guests will be sure to be talking about long after your wedding day.

For those who want to add a touch of homemade decor without spending too much time with a glue gun, consider bright paper flowers or monogramming white linens with your soon-to-be last initial!

Shop This Look: Butterflies 661 Handmade Mulberry Paper Flowers, $10; etsy.com; Hand Made Modern Craft Twine 4ct Metallic, $4; target.com

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