Be Inspired to Use Beautiful China at Your Wedding Reception

Wow your guests with lovely patterns on plateware.

While it is easiest to just pick a simple, solid design for your plateware, one of the latest wedding trends that we love is choosing beautiful patterned china to add drama to each place setting.

By Kelcy Christy

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Photo: Heather Rowland Photography & Thisbe Grace Photography

There's a lot to consider when selecting the details that will make up your reception tablescape. Will you have high or low centerpieces – or both? Will you go with crisp glassware or antique cut-crystal styles? Will you keep tables free of linens, dress them up with stylish patterned designs, or stay classic with a solid tablecloth? Will you dare to go bold with your china and charger plates?

While it is easiest to just pick a simple, solid design for your plateware, one of the latest wedding trends that we love is choosing beautiful patterned china to add drama to each place setting. Especially if you're choosing a more minimalistic design for the china you've added to your registry, have some fun with your wedding designs! Just as we love the effect of colored glassware on a reception table, multicolored plateware can elevate your tablescape and provide the wow factor you may be searching for. Coordinate the china with your color palette, so the intense hues complement your floral centerpieces, linens, paper goods, and even utensils. We've seen some couples even use their family's collection of china to add a personalized, polished element to the head table.

Many rental companies offer bolder designs aside from the most-popular looks, so be sure to ask your wedding team before making a decision. To inspire your choice, take a look at 13 china patterns below from real weddings and styled shoots! 


Photo by Thisbe Grace Photography; Linens by Nüage Designs; Paper Goods by Ceci New York


Photo by Wendy Laurel; Planning & Design by Unveiled Hawaii


Photo by Ryan Ray Photography


Photo by Kristina Lee Photography; Linens by Luxe Linen


Photo by Thisbe Grace Photography


Photo by Lucky Love Photography


Photo by Thisbe Grace Photography


Photo by Lucky Love Photography


Photo by Heather Rowland & Thisbe Grace; Linens by Nüage Designs


Photo by Elizabeth Messina


Photo by Thisbe Grace Photography


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Photo by Justine Ungaro; Linens by Nüage Designs


Photo by Thisbe Grace Photography; Linens by Nüage Designs; Paper Goods by Ceci New York

For more wedding inspiration, view our photo galleries, browse real weddings, discover gorgeous ceiling installations, and find out how to maximize your small wedding.

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