31 Fab Table Runner Ideas for Wedding Receptions: #7 Will Steal Your Heart!

We rounded up a collection of 31 jaw-dropping table runner ideas for your wedding reception. And we guarantee #7 will make you smile. But will also cover the table runner’s length for formal, informal, round, square and long tables. Let’s get to it! We’ve got a lot of ground to cover!

Stunning luxury wedding with velvet navy table runner, gold flatware, blush and burgundy florals by Sage Nines.

Here are 31 incredible table runner ideas anybody can diy and use at their wedding reception. From sequins, to lace, flower garlands, black and white photos and a few tips that can help you truly impress your guests.

Standard table linens can be so blah! Same color, same texture. We need something to liven them up. To stand out, table runners should never be identical to the tablecloth. Wedding runners complement and decorate your table by mixing color and texture to make its aesthetic more cohesive and elegant. They can be used to achieve a traditional, glam, modern, colorful and even completely informal look. They are so on point, it would be cray if you didn’t use one at your wedding reception!

There are three elements to consider when choosing a wedding table runner: color, texture and design. Its length depends on the formality of the event. Read on to find out more.

Table Runner Ideas and Advice for Traditional Wedding Receptions

To achieve this look, make sure the tablecloth has at least a 6-inch drop off the table’s edge on all sides. This is way more aesthetically pleasing than a linen that stops right at the edge of the table. Measure the length and width of your tables, place and adjust the tablecloth.

Table runner time! It needs to drop about 6″ to 15” off the edge and be one third of the table in width. Therefore, add at least 12“ to the full length of the table to get the proper measurements.

Boho table runner ideas for rustic wooden tables.

Related: Mexican-Themed Wedding Decor Ideas that will Floor You (for Realz!)

For a super traditional wedding reception both the length of the runner and the tablecloth must match. But when you see the table runner ideas that fall way beyond the linen’s edge, you’ll forget about traditional FR (for real)! 😁

Once we have the properly sized table runner, we center it over the tablecloth, and we place the centerpiece right in the middle. Additional decorations or centerpieces should be placed over the runner equidistant to the first one.

Fabrics that are smooth and shimmery such as silk, satin, organza and polyester are your best bets for traditional wedding tablescapes.

Pink chiffon table runners may also be tied with a ribbon for a more unique aesthetic.

Modern Wedding Table Runner Ideas and Tips for Long Rectangular Tables

For a contemporary vibe that looks fabulous on very long tables, add 2 or 3 table runners across the table. Make sure they are perpendicular to the runner that extends along the table.

These wedding runners should be narrower and have a drop of 6” off the table edges. Leave a distance of at least 2 feet between runners for a finished look.

Another modern table runner idea is to do away with the main runner and use only the ones that run across the width of the table. This would leave a space in between them that could be used as place-setting areas.

A third option, is to replace the runner with greenery or floral garlands. Tres chic. Beware of table runner ideas that look too crowded. For example, if you are already using hanging centerpieces, go low with the table runner – or your guests won’t be able to see each other. 😉

A rustic touch to a high end wedding table with a jute wedding runner by Jozie B.

Related: Romantic Enchanted Forest Wedding Ideas: Let’s Create The Dream!

Sequin table runners are a jaw dropping table accessory that resemble a work of art. Hadley’s Court.

Wedding Table Runner Ideas for Rustic Wooden Tables

It would be a real shame to cover those beautiful wooden tables with linens. That’s where these table runner ideas come into play. Choose densely woven fabrics like linen or cotton for a classy and traditional feel. Burlap is inexpensive and goes well with a more rustic look. Sequins and shimmer are perfect for a glam aesthetic. And if you are looking for a more romantic style go with chiffon, lace or moss. It is truly beautiful!

Colorful boho woodland wedding table runner ideas. The look includes antlers, moody colored candles and jewel tones for a Maryland wedding. Photo: Paula Bartosiewicz Photography.

Check out the Gallery of Table Runner Ideas on the next page: #7 Will Steal Your Heart