35 Striking Wedding Table Runner Ideas That Look Amazing

Looking for table runners to give a little oomph to your wedding decor? Or perhaps runners that will perfectly tie into your already decided wedding day style?

I know it can be overwhelming trying to work out all the finer details of your wedding decorations, which is why I’ve rounded up some tantalisingly striking wedding table runner ideas!

Photo: Oobaloos Photography via Dewsall Court Wedding

 

Show-Stopping Wedding Table Runners

Are you ready to dive into all the table runners? Before we do, a quick disclaimer. You do not need to have a table runner on your wedding table. Many couples go bare, to keep things simple, save money and be more sustainable.

That being said, you can achieve a gorgeous table runner in your wedding budget whilst being environmentally conscious. I tell you how in this article!

1. Velvet

Luxe and tactile, velvet is a perfect runner for winter and autumn wedding days.

Photo: Olivia Yuen Photo via New Orleans Micro Wedding

 

2. Personalised

Commission a bespoke runner with your names and wedding date. Or make your own by writing with fabric pens on your chosen runner.

Photo: Danielle Leslie Photography via Netherdale House Wedding

 

3. Festive

If you are having a Christmas wedding, use spruce, candles and pinecones for a natural festive style.

Photo: Mini and Me Photography via Christmas Wedding Ideas

 

4. Macrame

Boho couples will love the idea of using cool macrame as runners. Gift to guests to take home and use or re-sell to recoup costs after the day.

Photo: Sara Ribera via Boho Tipi Wedding Ideas

 

5. Stripe

Don’t be afraid to play with patterns such as stipes. Make the runner the star of the show and keep everything else paired back.

Photo: Katherine Ashdown via Colourful Cactus Wedding

 

6. Rainbow Blooms

For the ultimate table runner, and a more spendy option, consider a rainbow flower garland. To save costs, you could just opt for a flower heavy runner on your top table.

Photo: Michelle Huggleston Photography via Rainbow Wedding Ideas

 

7. Balloons

Lift up your table runner with balloons placed down the centre of the tables.

Photo: Wild Tide Weddings via Trevanna Barns Wedding

 

8. Autumnal

Harvest seasonal flowers and vegetables for an autumnal table of dreams.

Photo: Charly Mae Photography via Sustainable Woodland Wedding Ideas

 

9. Doilies

Paper doilies are inexpensive and are a great way to add texture to a wedding table. Layer different shapes and sizes for a full look.

Photo: Emma and Rich via Cowshed Woodhall Farm Wedding

 

10. Hessian

Hessian is a popular choice for rustic wedding tables. Natural and neutral, you really can’t go wrong with this runner.

Photo: Gemma Giorgio via Helmingham Hall Wedding

 

11. Lace

Pick up a roll of inexpensive lace from your haberdashery. The sheer fabric will highlight your tables and allow your table to peek through.

Photo: Jennifer Jane Photography via Relaxed Outdoor Farm Marquee Wedding

 

12. Sequin

Sequin runners add a reflection of light and of course sparkle in the evening. They can work really well at winter weddings as the light goes down.

Photo: The Gibsons via Whimsical Pastel Travel Wedding

 

13. Tied With Greenery

Make a statement with your runners at the end of the table. Tie the fabric with bundles of greenery for added scent.

Photo: Wyldbee Photography via Elford Hall Garden Wedding

 

14. Book Pages

Use pages from books for a literature theme table. Find old unwanted books and use the pages, cheap and chic.

Photo: Emma Hillier Photography via Book Inspired Wedding

 

15. Greenery

Greenery has been one of the more popular runner choices. It can be inexpensive if you raid your garden for foliage and really makes great impact.

Photo: Chloe Ely Photography via Grey Violet Wedding Ideas

 

16. Moss

Moss has a lovely texture and is a visual delight. Just be sure to source from a sustainable source to protect the planet.

Photo: Gareth Newstead via  Red Gold Glam Wedding

 

17. Chevron

Chevrons can create an illusion of size or point the eye in a particular direction.

Photo: Beatrici Photography via Urban Foodie Wedding

 

18. Knitted

For a little more texture why not knit your own runner or find someone who can?

Photo: Sonya Lalla Photography via Tuscany Wedding Ideas

 

19. Foliage Sprig

A more sparing foliage runner can look totally stunning too.

Photo: EKR Pictures via Bohemian Luxe Wedding

 

20. Sharing Platter

Use a plank of wood to hoist your table centre up, so guests can access their wedding food.

Photo: Kit Myers Photography via Tipi Garden Wedding

 

21. Plain White

Go classic with a plain white fabric runner to allow your other decor to shine.

Photo: Stevie Jay Photography via 92 Burton Road Wedding

 

22. Blanket

Add a cosy scarf or blanket for something a little unique. Ideal for autumn wedding days.

Photo: Dhw Photography via Rustic Christmas Wedding Ideas

 

23. Ferns & Palms

Ferns and palms add a touch of woodland and jungle style to a modern wedding table.

Photo:  Rubie Love Photography via Foliage Wedding Ideas

 

24. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is an underrated material. It can be inexpensive yet burst with style and colour.

Photo: Tiree Dawson Photography via Fairy Woodland Wedding Ideas

 

25. Pampas Grass

Pampas grass has been a huge trend in weddings and it’s a great option for a table runner.

Photo: Daniel Lopez Perez via Guatemala Wedding

 

26. Vertical

Turn your decor on its head by placing table runners vertically. The results can look really stunning.

Photo: Charlotte Lucy Photography via Whimsical Wedding Ideas

 

27. Wool Pom Pom

If you are crafty, pick up a pom pom maker and set about making wool poms for your table decor.

Photo: John Wellings  via Woodhouse Barn Wedding

 

28. Draping Fabric

Think about taking romantic flowing fabrics to the floor for an ever so romantic style.

Photo: Natalie Coultas Photography via Love Shack Wedding

 

29. Rugs

Think about a table runner beneath your feet. Mismatched rugs will make for a really gorgeous focal point.

Photo: A&M Photography via Backyard Woodland Wedding

 

30. Written Words

A roll of craft paper and some heartfelt words will make huge impact with your guests.

Photo: Sarita White Photography via Field Wedding UK

 

31. Leopard Print

Leopard print is a great runner material for fashion-forward couples.

Photo: Terri Pashley Photography via Jungle Wedding Ideas

 

32. Pinned Flowers

Embellish a plain table runner with pinned fresh flowers for a textural look.

Photo: Freya Raby via Ooakwood At Ryther Wedding

 

33. Candles

When it comes to candles more is more. Line them up for a twinkling runner come evening. Do check with your venue first if they are happy for real lit candles to be used.

Photo: Helen Rose Photography via Dusky Pink Taupe Wedding

 

34. Ribbons

Criss-cross or lay out ribbons onto a plain table cloth for a unique style.

Photo: The Collection via Kite Wedding Ideas

 

35. Grass

This is one unique table runner. Real turf, imagine the texture and scent!

Photo: Rowan Lamb via Relaxed Outdoor Humanist Wedding

 

How To Choose A Wedding Table Runner

When it comes to choosing a table runner, be sure to think practically first. Measure up your tables and find out the lengths and widths. You want enough room for eating and drinking. As well as a runner that’s long enough to run the whole table and down to the floor if you so wish.

Secondly, be aware that the more complex and hefty the runner, the more expensive it could become. The cheapest option? No runner. But second to that, hiring a runner can be more cost-effective. As are options such as foraged greenery, rolls of paper and second-hand fabrics.

At the higher end of the spectrum, expansive and opulent flower garlands are more likely to be the most expensive option. The more flowers the higher the expense as a general rule of thumb.

 

 

Think about the impact on the planet. If you choose fabric look for natural fabrics that are kind on the planet and don’t include plastic. Think about if you can source your runner sustainably if it can be reused or sold on to give it a new life post-wedding.

Do you have time to make your runner or is your time limited? Be sure to allocate your time accordingly to avoid any stress in the run-up to your day. For perishable runners, such as flowers, they will need to be created just a couple of days before your wedding.

A non-perishable runner may be better suited as it can be made in advance and stored.

 

 

Further Reading