DIY: Wedding Table Runners

Photo Courtesy: Project Wedding

"Runners" was one of those words I had to research as to what their purpose for a wedding was and then determine if it was something we needed to add to our list of to-dos.

In short, a table runner is a long, narrow piece of fabric that runs the length of the table in the center.  They add a bit of style to the table and add to the definition of the theme by incorporating the wedding colors.  Often, the fabric is organza, tulle, burlap or satin.  More often than not, they are pops of colors against a white or another solid-colored tablecloth.

A new trend in this table decor is to use common household items like wood, lace, doilies or even pages from books glued together for the runner.

Mike and I decided to use the tables and tablecloths provided by the venue, which means all white tables.  The idea of a pop of color here and there appeal to us, but we were not fans of the "solid color trends".   So, we decided to pick our own fabric and make the table runners ourselves.

While we were thinking we were on the road to originality, I discovered a blog that said "prints charming" is the "latest craze to take the wedding world by storm".  And this wasn't the only one to proclaim 2013 as the year in print. These "year in a nutshell" blogs and posts from wedding experts, event planners and even decor specialists highlighted a lot of things in our wedding - including, doughnuts, the color mint and a non-white gown.  I realized that if I read enough of them, every wedding personifies what's hot in 2013.  They're not an accurate gauge of what you should do but rather a reminder that a wedding is a wedding.  (Note: I have for the most part weened myself off the wedding blogs, etc. Too much info and not enough influence in our decisions.)

So, armed with that tidbit of  information, we went fabric shopping.  While we tried to stick with one color-ish theme, we picked up fabric that pleased us or made us smile. This was the easy part.

Since we have 12 five-foot round tables for our reception, I cut each 7-foot length of fabric into thirds length-wise (makes about a foot wide runner with some extra for the hem).

Using an iron, I folded over the edges to form a double hem.  Over the course of a couple of weekends (in between Canucks games), I stitched each side of the seven-foot long runners.  Nothing fancy.

While I am awfully proud of them, I know they are far from perfect. I'm hoping what they lack in appearance they make up with in charm.  It was an easy project that shows a lot of our personality. So, while they may add pops of color to the tables -- I'm hoping they are a reflection of the bride and groom and not just another runner.

Resources:

• Prints Charming: 2013 Wedding Trends