Hi, lovelies! Today we’re talking about — you guessed it — cheesecloth table runners for weddings. This gauze-y material known as cheesecloth is being hand-dyed and used as a boho inspired table decoration to run along the center of your table, whether it’s a traditional round table or, even more popular, a long rectangular or farmhouse-style reception table. This trend has become even more popular in the last year or two, with places to buy cheesecloth table runner material growing by the dozens. This means you can get hand-dyed cheesecloth made in any color you can imagine, shipped right to your door. (Nope, no need to buy cheesecloth fabric and dye it yourself!)
The most popular is probably ivory cheesecloth since it goes with everything; however, we’re also seeing bold pops of color in cheesecloth from burgundy to purple cheesecloth table runner styles. We’re even seeing bright pops of pink, fabulous navy blue, coral, sage green, gorgeous emerald, and so much more.
Bride-to-be Rachel wrote to us about a very specific cheesecloth table runner question and we swooped in to help. She writes,
“Hi Emmaline! I need help deciding if I need to buy cheesecloth table runners to use under greenery garland. Our venue has long farmhouse style tables and I plan on using eucalyptus across them but I think it needs a little something extra. I like the look of cheesecloth runners, but will that be too much going on in the center of the table? We’re also adding a few candles in glass hurricanes (very simple). Please help! Thanks!
Table Runners for Wedding Design: A Few Tips
Hi Rachel! Great questions on table runners! If you’re using greenery garland on your tables, you don’t *have to* use cheesecloth table runners underneath, but you definitely can — and personally, I love the look and the additional texture and color it provides. It really depends on the look you’re going for — and whether you have any pops of color in your decor or texture. Here are some tips to help when deciding what kind of cheesecloth runners (also known as gauze table runners) to add to your reception tables, if you go that route. :)
What Color Cheesecloth
A nice table runner can soften the look and adds a nice visual aesthetic underneath greenery, even if you opt for a subtle or neutral shade, like stone, sand, or ivory. Even a simple cheesecloth table runner (like these by ShopUkrainianArt) paired with greenery garland on top really makes the greens stand out; I think your eucalyptus will look gorgeous atop one of these fabric runners.
Here’s an example of greenery atop a cheesecloth table runner on farmhouse-style tables… it reminds me of what you’re talking about to a T!
And here’s an example of a bold yellow table runner — no garland! — as an example of how beautiful it can be as-is. By PoppiesAndPins.
Furthermore, here’s a cheesecloth table runner on TOP OF a table cloth, just as an example! No greenery here, but accented with candles instead. Beautiful!
If you’re opting for neutral cheesecloth table runners, these are a good choice (by ShopUkrainianArt):
The best thing about this trend? When you buy cheesecloth table runners, you’ll notice they’re AMAZINGLY affordable! (Yay for handmade!)
Don’t Overpower the Focal Point
If you wish to add table runners for wedding centerpieces, the rule of thumb is this: don’t overpower the main focal point. For instance, if you’re using brightly colored flowers in your centerpiece design, make them pop with bold or rich color; let the table runner be a natural color or texture (like linen or burlap).
If you’re opting for more subtle florals — and you want a pop of color as an accent — go bold on the table runners. This emerald green? A DREAM! If you’re pairing with greenery, though, it will all blend together; if you like this table runner, skip the greenery and opt for wood candle holders instead (see the inspiration below, runner by PoppiesAndPins, similar wood long candle holder by GreyRiverMarket shown below):
Also, be sure to consider other things being added to your tables. Are you utilizing a lot of decorations, i.e. place cards, table numbers, menus, favors that double as place cards, etc. If so, don’t add too much more to it; it will begin to look cluttered and it’s tough to eat at a table with so much going on — and not much room to do so.
So, try both looks: buy cheesecloth table runners with greenery on top AND without, maybe even do a test run of a table set up as a visual. Then decide! I’ve seen it done both ways, it really depends on the style that works for you and your surrounding decor.
If this was my wedding, I would vote — greenery PLUS cheesecloth table runners! Bring on the texture and color, I say!
Rule of 3s
And if you’re adding candles, remember the rule of three’s: three candles, three floral blooms, etc. grouped together look best. It feels natural to put things in pairs, but it prevents a balanced look in your overall arrangement. You mentioned hurricane candle holders, so I thought I’d mention it while it was on my mind.
Thanks so much for writing and I hope this helps!
Where to Buy Cheesecloth Table Runners
You can buy cheesecloth table runners from any of these sources:
– DecoVita
You may get a bunch of colors at each, so feel free to shop around a little and find the best price / style / length you need. :)
Happy Planning! And send me pics, it sounds gorgeous! ;)
xo
Emma
P.S. Here’s how to make your own greenery table runner with ALL THE SUPPLIES you need — yes, even the fresh greenery in bulk!
