25 Eye-Catching Table Runner Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

light pink table runner at long table with lit candles and neutral place settings — Photo by Laurken Kendall

When planning your reception, there are plenty of choices to consider. And once you’ve made important decisions such as whether you’ll have a tent or not, the shape of your tables, and the best chairs to utilize for your space, it’s time to focus on décor!

When it comes to reception decorations, it’s all in the details. And putting together an awe-inspiring tablescape can make your big day that much more memorable. After all, it’s where you’ll share an incredible meal with all of your family and friends, celebrating you and your partner saying "I do." To dress up your reception tables, there are so many choices to consider, from place settings to centerpieces, each infusing personality into the overall design. Another great way to make your reception tables your own is by incorporating a stunning table runner.

Whether you’re searching for a subtle look or a bold design, there are material options out there for any aesthetic. Read on for 25 table runner ideas to find the perfect fit for your reception.

01 of 25

Pair Linen and Greenery

Long guest tables with table runner adorned with greenery — Photo by Heather Waraksa

An organic tablescape can go a long way, especially with the right materials. Choose to incorporate a neutral linen table runner into your design and top it with plenty of greenery. The subtle contrast between the two elements will be absolutely stunning.

02 of 25

Opt for Burlap

Burlap table runner with roman numeral table number and candles along with plate with salad — PHOTO BY KAREN HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

A lovely way to stick to an organic aesthetic? Line your tables with neutral burlap to add just a hint of texture. It'll provide an ideal backdrop for a few sprigs of greenery.

03 of 25

Feature Plenty of Roses

Table runner comprised of lush white roses and lit candles on long guest table — Photo by Lucy Cuneo

If you love the look of abundant centerpieces overflowing with fresh blooms, this may be the ideal fit for you. Opt to feature a long table runner made of white roses with a hint of greenery for the most romantic display.

04 of 25

Play With a Colorful Pattern

Patterned table runner on rectangle guest tables with small centerpieces at backyard wedding — PHOTO BY CLEAN PLATE PICTURES

Planning a backyard get-together? Why not go with a more casual option? Choose a bold and colorful patterned table runner for a playful look.

05 of 25

Go Natural

Tan table runner on long guest tables surrounded by greenery arch — Photo by Charla Storey Photography

Going for a rustic-meets-glam aesthetic? Mix and match colors on your table. A natural, tan-colored linen will provide the perfect backdrop for gold and black details such as flatware and plates.

06 of 25

Look to Eucalyptus

Long tables with eucalyptus table runner and small vases with sprigs of greenery — Photo by Meraki Wedding Photo & Film

If you're all about greenery, bring it to your table, too. Opt for a long runner of eucalyptus paired with dainty white buds for an overflowing organic look.

07 of 25

Light It Up

Long guest table adorned with table runner with lights at outdoor reception — PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY

String lights overhead are absolutely magical for a reception, but you can bring that look straight to the table, too. Pair gauzy neutral linen with greenery as the base, and then add string lights. Using a battery-operated option will keep things cord-free, seamless, and glowing all evening long.

08 of 25

Embrace Autumn

Autumn harvest table runner with lettuce, cabbage, apples, artichokes, and pomegranates — PHOTO BY CASSIDY CARSON PHOTOGRAPHY

If you're planning a fall wedding, the options for charming details are endless. Bring the theme to your reception table with unique table runners made out of greenery. Add lettuce, cabbage, apples, artichokes, and pomegranates to the table to celebrate the season.

09 of 25

Include Paper Elements

paper table runner with low colorful centerpieces and candelabras with lit candles — PHOTO BY JAMES & SCHULZE

"Papel picado" is a Spanish term for decorated papercrafts featuring elaborate designs that are used for celebrations. And one real wedding couple opted to bring them into their tablescape design. This unique option provides a playful texture and the perfect backdrop for vibrant blooms.

10 of 25

Choose Baby's Breath

baby's breath table runner on black and gold wedding table with white florals, baby's breath, and pampa — PHOTO BY IVASH STUDIO

Baby's breath is one of the most underrated options for florals, but it can truly make a statement. We love the look of a black table runner paired with a floral runner of baby's breath, pampas grass, and a few blooms for plenty of jaw-dropping contrast.

11 of 25

Be Bold With Blooms

Table runner made of vibrant fresh flowers on white table at outdoor venue — PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY

Love bold, vibrant colors? Don't be afraid to embrace it! Ditch the fabric table runner and commission a masterpiece to extend the length of your table in your favorite color palette.

12 of 25

Select Something Silky

Long guest table with pink silk table runner bronze candles and neutral place settings — Photo by Laurken Kendall

For a desert-inspired wedding, you may be planning to incorporate natural hues such as copper, tan, and gold. To complete the look, consider a gorgeous silky linen in a subtle hue.

13 of 25

Make It Lively With Moss

Moss table runner with light colored blooms and blue candle holders — PHOTO BY JAMES & SCHULZE

Bring life to your table in the most unique way. Line it with bright green, lush moss for an interesting table runner option. It'll only look that much better when you deck it out with beautiful flower arrangements and a few other organic elements, such as fresh fruit.

14 of 25

Opt for Tropical-Meets-Modern

tropical modern reception table runner with gold palm leaves — PHOTO BY JANA WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Tropical weddings aren't always all about lush, green palm leaves. If you're looking for a more modern option, consider a black-and-white color scheme. Bring a tropical patterned table runner into the mix to complete the look.

15 of 25

Feature Flowy Linens and Fruit

gauzy table runner with florals and fruit on wood table with gold chairs — PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

A relaxed summer wedding is the perfect opportunity to choose a playful look. We love the idea of flowy, gauzy linen in a subtle pastel hue. Dress it up with whimsical arrangements, colorful tapered candles, and fresh fruit for a sweet display.

16 of 25

Turn to Textured Linen

Textured linen table runner with low neutral centerpieces — PHOTO BY LAURA MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Textured linen can elevate the look of your reception table in the simplest way. Look for gauzy white or cream-colored linen to work with any color of the table and highlight your beautiful arrangements.

17 of 25

Select a Subtle Hue

pink linen table runner with orchids, feathers, and lit candles — PHOTO BY LELIA SCARFIOTTI

A pop of color can go a long way, but there's no need to go overboard if you don't want to. Select a subtle hue, like this pale pink, that perfectly matches each place setting to bring it all together.

18 of 25

Scatter Leaves and Fruit

leaves and fruit table runner wit candles and neutral place settings — PHOTO BY MIKE LARSON

Don't love the look of table runners that run the whole length of the table? Ditch the idea. Opt for a more organic look, such as scattering leaves and fruit from end to end.

19 of 25

Choose Bold Velvet

Hot pink velvet table runner with low centerpieces and blue candles — PHOTO BY LES AMIS PHOTO

It's your party, and you can go all out if you want to! Choose a luxe velvet table runner in a vibrant, bold hue to really make a splash with your reception décor.

20 of 25

Match Your Plates

patterned blue table runner with matching plates and high centerpieces with lit candles — PHOTO BY MORNINGWILD PHOTOGRAPHY

If you're hoping to incorporate and highlight a specific pattern, consider doing so with your table runner. By matching blue and white patterned plates with a blue and white textile, this set-up was brought together in the most beautiful way.

21 of 25

Look to Lace

lace table runner with small pot of daisies and candle votive — PHOTO BY TRENT BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Add just a touch of romance to your table with a lace table runner. There are plenty of lace patterns to choose from, and any choice you make is sure to make your table that much more charming.

22 of 25

Make a Tropical Statement

tropical leaves table runner on long dark wood tables and white place settings — Photo by Ryan Ray

Take it to the tropics with an eye-catching runner. This design features lush, overflowing leaves with a few blooms all the way down the table for an impressive design.

23 of 25

Select a Solid Hue

solid blue table runner with matching candles and glasses and low centerpieces — PHOTO BY PAT FUREY PHOTOGRAPHY

The wonderful thing about table runners is that even a simple, solid color can make all the difference for your design. This tablescape paired a solid blue table runner with tapered candles and colored glasses to bring it all together in the most beautiful way.

24 of 25

Try Textiles

patterned blue table runner with matching napkins and low centerpieces — PHOTO BY REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY

Enhance your table by matching your napkins and table runner, and choose a bold textile while you're at it. This indigo-dyed linen made the perfect statement on a natural autumn table.

25 of 25

Make It Macramé

macrame table runner with tropical touches at destination wedding — Photo by Laurken Kendall

If you're planning a beach-inspired wedding, look to natural elements for inspiration. This tablescape set up for a destination wedding in Cabo made use of macramé table runners for great texture and added interest.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Reception Tables