Wedding Wednesdays: How To Set A Formal Table

For most brides, their wedding will be the first formal event they have ever hosted.  (Though most caterers or hotels will take care of setting tables for a reception) We believe that knowing the "rules" to setting a proper table are always good to know.  

A formal table set with lots of working pieces can appear daunting, but it is easy to navigate if you remember one important rule: start from the outside and work your way in toward the dinner plate. As the courses are completed, your server will remove the appropriate silverware and place settings each that course.  How To Set A Formal Table: 

FLATWARE

1. Flatware is placed in the order of use.  The first to be used should be set to the farthest left and right sides of the plate.

2. Forks are placed to the left of the dinner plate, knives and spoons go to the right.

3. Knives should be placed with their cutting-edge toward the dinner plate. If needed, butter knives should be laid on top of the butter plate. 

4. Set flatware approximately 1/2 inch away from the plate and line them up evenly. *We like to line up the flatware so that they are even along the bottom (match up the bottom of each item so there is alignment).

6. The dessert fork and/or spoon should be centered above and parallel to the dinner plate.

*Do not use more flatware than the meal calls for. Should your salad require a knife, then set a 2nd knife in between the 1st knife and spoon.

PLATES

1. The bread plate, if being used, should be placed slightly above the salad fork and to the left.
*We don’t typically set B&B plates for events—just our preference.

2. Dinner plates should be placed about 2 inches from the table's edge, squarely in front of the chair. 

3. If using a charger, this should be placed under the dinner plate or instead of a dinner plate.
*When clearing courses, decide when the charger gets cleared (can be cleared after main course if your dinner plate fits on the charger; this way you and your guests can enjoy the charger for longer.

STEMWARE

1. Wine glasses should be placed above the dinner knife, to the right of the water glass. The number or glasses will depend on the beverages that you are serving. 
*You can set a water glass and 1 multipurpose wine glass if you are offering a choice of wine (if you are not pairing your courses with wine selections, this works well and saves on space).

2. Coffee cups and saucers may be placed on the table to the right of the knife and spoon.
*Typically for weddings, coffee cups and saucers are not placed on the table until dessert is served.

NAPKINS AND NAME CARDS

1. Napkins are placed either on the plate or to the left of the forks. 

2. Name cards should be placed above the dessert utensil and to the left of the drinking glasses.

Now go and make Emily Post (and your mother) proud!