Planning Tips | Linens Make a Big Difference

While working for a caterer over ten years ago, I was subjected to hundreds of standard white linens. You know the ones - a poly cotton blend with permanent creases and they never seem to reach the floor. Yes, they do their job of covering the table, but let's be serious - that's about it.

I will shamefully admit I used standard white linen at my own wedding. Looking back, of course, I shake my head. Honestly, I did not realize there were so many options and affordable ones out there too. It wasn't until a local wedding planner took me out for coffee nearly two years ago where I was introduced to a little bit of luxury. You can bet I haven't looked back!

Linens are definitely an expense and I advise our clients to add this to your budget, if at all possible. You do not need to blow your budget with custom linens because there are so many affordable choices to make your tables shine.

My number one rule? Make sure the linens hang to the floor on all sides. As far as color and style - go as simple or as elaborate as you want to compliment the rest of your event design. Simply upgrading to a white floor-length linen that has a nicer drape from the too-short, stiff tablecloth is a 100% improvement.

Photos above of ivory pintuck linens from the recent wedding of Jammie & Aaron, copyright Amy Carroll Photography.