One of the previous wedding trends I discussed was the rise of the microwedding and intimate gatherings instead of grand receptions. But no matter what size wedding you have, experts agree that couples want their tables beautifully styled like a dinner party, with every detail thoughtfully curated. It really captures the shift toward weddings feeling more personal, lived-in, and emotionally rich rather than overly formal.

According to Vogue, a growing trend in wedding table settings is the use of placemats. “Similar to interior design, placemats are the new draperies. Adding that extra lush layer ties elements of the room together and offers a pop of personality.”

As one who creates custom placemats for client events, I am certainly on board with this trend, but let’s take a look at what makes it so appealing, and how you can incorporate it into your event at any price point.

Part of the appeal is that layered tables with placemats soften the formality—guests feel like they’re sitting down at a thoughtfully prepared dinner party, not a staged display. It creates that intimate mood that invites lingering conversation amongst guests, creating lasting memories.

Placemats also introduce color, texture, pattern and personality in a way chargers alone can’t. Whether it’s woven rattan, embroidered linen, or something unexpected, each layer adds depth and intention. Mixing patterns, tones, and materials creates a look that feels collected and curated.

Another upside to placemats is that it is truly something that can fit in at any budget.

For those taking a high end approach, consider custom linen placemats with monograms. There are plenty of etsy shops that offer this option. Just make sure to give the seller plenty of time to fil your order!

If your budget is more mid-range, there are companies that offer linen and cotton placemats in every color imaginable to complement your palette, and some even have a few patterns available. One thing that I started offering to clients to create a custom look for their event was custom, layered, single-use placemats (such as the ones pictures). It’s a great way to introduce a signature print, as well as texture and color, which really pulls the entire design aesthetic together throughout the event space.

For those on a more limited budget, there are some pre-printed, single-use placemats out there. Or, I also offer a template set that allows people to DIY their own custom, layered placemats (Every purchase comes with a tutuorial).

Placemats have the opportunity to add that unexpected element that really gives the table personality. It’s an opportunity to add unique shapes, textures, colors, and patterns to the table, elevating the table when paired with the simplicity of white dishes. If you would like more information on how to get custom layered placemats, you can book a design consultation, or you can visit my shop page to explore template set options.