Formal Place Settings

If you are having a formal wedding, the formality should permeate throughout the day. From your invitation, to program to ceremony and finally to your dinner and reception – the level of formality should be maintained.

This post is going to be about your place setting.

This place setting is used for a menu that would look like the following:
Appetizer - Shellfish
First Course - Soup or fruit
Fish Course
Entree
Salad

In a formal place setting the utensils are placed in the order of use from the outside in (this is also true in informal and basic place settings) but there are two exceptions in formal dining - the forks are on your left and the knives and spoons are placed to your right.

There are 5 elements to a place setting:

Salt and pepper shakers – should be incorporated as part of the table décor. They are usually unattractive.

Charger plate (a) – this is an oversized and ornamental plate set in place for each guest. It give an attractive and “whole” look to the table before the food is served. It will remain in the table throughout dinner (until the entree) and the food plate for each course will be placed on top of it.

Napkin – placed on top of the charger. If there is no charger, the napkin is placed in the empty place where the food course plate will go. You can have different fabrics, colors and folds. This is also a great place to insert your menu card.

China – it can be used as an added element of décor to your tablescape. You should choose a pattern that enhances the charger and accents your linens. Dining china is made up of three elements:

• Bread and butter plate (b)(k) – it is placed above the forks on the left side with the butter knife place diagonally on top of the place. The handle should be facing right and the blade faced down.

• Salad plate – smaller than your dinner place and when served is placed on top of the charger

• Dinner plate – the entrée is served on it and it is takes the place of the charger

Flatware – can be used as another decorative element. No rules apply to selecting flatware other than making sure you have appropriate flatware for your menu.
• Dinner fork (c) – largest fork and is placed to the left edge of the charge

• Salad fork (e) – placed to the left of the dinner fork.

• Fish fork (d) – placed farthest to the left of the dinner fork (it is the first fork used). Only set if fish is to be served.

• Dinner knife (f) – placed to the right edge of the charger plate

• Fish knife (g) – placed to the right of the dinner knife. Again, it should only be set if you are serving fish.

• Salad knife – placed to the right of the fish knife.

• Soup spoon (i) – placed to the right of the knives

• Oyster/Cocktail fork (j) – set to the right of the spoon; only place if shellfish is being served. It is the only fork that is placed to the right.

Dessert spoons and forks are brought out with the dessert.

Glassware (l)
Glassware is placed to the upper right of the dinner place and there can be up to 5 glasses depending on your beverage choices. You can select from a wide variety but make sure it accents your place setting.

• Water Goblet – placed directly above the knives

• Champagne Flute – placed to the right of the water goblet

• Wine Glasses – slightly below and to the right of the water goblet

• Sherry Glass – placed to the right of the red and white wine glasses



**Picture from Emily Post**

Seating Considerations

Things to consider when making a seating chart:

•Consider the type of food you are serving. For a dessert or hors d'oeuvre reception, you do not need formal seating. For buffets or plated meals, formal seating is a must.

•Don't seat relatives that clash together.

•Try to seat people together by age or their relationship to you. Friends together, cousins together, aunt and uncles together. This way they all have a wonderful time.

•For a head table, there are so many options and often there is not a head table. You can have the traditional head table, a sweetheart table (just the two of you), a long table with family and bridal party, etc. etc. There are no rules, just do what you want! As I always say, it is your wedding, let it reflect you both as a couple!

•Don’t seat older guests near the kitchen or the DJ/band. For obvious reasons…

•Have a children’s table with activities, coloring books, favors, etc.

•Check out this website for even more advice

Picture courtsey of Laura Dombrowski Photography

Escort Cards vs. Place Cards

So what is the difference between the two? The names have been used interchangeably but there is a difference.

Escort Card – used to let guests know their assigned table

Place Cards – used to let guest know of their assigned seat at a table

There are many ways to word an escort card. It should give their name and the table number (or name) that they are assigned to. Here are some examples:
•Jane Smith – the full name of a single guest
•Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Heinz – for a married couple
•Josh Anderson and Guest – if a guest has brought a guest but you do not know the name (although you should try to get this name if possible)

For a place card, there are a several choices as well.
•Walter Fritz – the first and last name of the guest
•Mr. Jones – the person’s title and last name
•Mike – the first name only

You should have already determined the formality of your event (with your invitations and save the dates) and your place cards or escort cards should follow suit. You should be consistent in all aspects of the wedding.

***Picture from Martha Stewart

I is for...

Infinity Park is located minutes from downtown Denver and the Cherry Creek Shopping District. The main ballroom can accommodate up to 800 guests (Hello!!) and you can do a cocktail hour in the Grand Foyer. There are a variety of spaces inside and out, to let you create your vision. They have a list of preferred caterers for your dinner. The price ranges from $25 and up plus a site fee. They can do up to 3 affairs at once. Please call 720 226-9723 for more information!

H is for...

Heritage Eagle Bend is located 4 miles east of Parker on C-470. You can have your wedding ceremony here, there are several locations available. They have reception space available for 20-300 guests. They have 5 banquet rooms and each one includes an outdoor patio. The largest room available is complete with a custom stage and large dance floor. They have an extensive menu and beverage options to satisfy every couple. The price ranges from $35 to $65 per person. For more information, please call 303 693-7788 x123 or visit their website at http://www.heritageeaglebend.com.

G is for...

The Grant-Humphreys mansion is located in Denver’s Quality Hill Historic District and is 10 minutes from downtown Denver. It was built in 1902 and has been a gathering place for Denver society. The mansion is available for parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings and receptions. It can accommodate 20-175 people for these events and only host one event at a time. The mansion features a grand staircase, elaborately detailed fireplaces, sophisticatedly appointed rooms, and a traditional ballroom for dancing. The south terrace, with the view of the Front Range, is perfect location for your ceremony or outside dining. You are able to bring in a caterer from their preferred list to this location, so you can make the choice. The price ranges from $25-60 plus a site fee. The cuisine is varied and is customized to fit your need and budget. For more information, please call 303 894-2505.

Pictures and information from Wedding Sites and Services.

F is for...

Folsom Field Stadium Club is located in Boulder and is know for the “best view”. It features floor to ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Flatiron’s and Boulder’s picturesque surroundings. There are two separate spaces and can be used separately or together. The club can accommodate up to 370 for a seated affair or 1,000 for a cocktail reception – it can also host two affairs at once. The menu can be customized by the executive chef on site. They use the freshest ingredients available. The Price range is $35 and up. They offer the capability for a ceremony and a kosher menu. For more information, please call 303 492-3663.