Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024Stunning Serpentine Table Wedding Ideas for Your Reception
They're one of the hottest wedding trends for 2025.
One of the hottest wedding trends for 2025 is a serpentine table wedding. Unlike round or rectangular tables, serpentine tables are essentially curved tables that are often paired together to create an elongated, winding look—much like a repeated "S" shape. We love them for the way they effortlessly and elegantly weave throughout a reception setting, whether under the trees in a grassy meadow for a magical effect or in the gilded hall of a museum or gallery for a chic look. And it's so much fun to style a tablescape with them, too! We've rounded up several serpentine wedding tables for some inspiration and laid out everything you need to know about them—don't forget to check out a few other unique wedding reception ideas while you're at it.
In this article:
- What Is a Serpentine Table?
- Where to Find Serpentine Table Rentals
- Serpentine Table Sizes
- Serpentine Table Ideas
What Is a Serpentine Table?
"A serpentine table is a curved 'S'-shaped table that adds a creative and dynamic element to event layouts," says Kelly Jeanmaire of The Main Event by Kelly. "It's perfect for breaking away from traditional table setups and can make a space feel more modern or whimsical."
She says she's often used them as a sweetheart table for couples—"It creates a beautiful focal point with room for unique decor"—but that they're also perfect for stylish displays like dessert tables, escort cards or a unique head table. Of course, you can also use them as your main reception tables by arranging them to create the appearance of an endlessly winding table.
Using serpentine tables for a wedding is an easy way to bring a fresh, creative vibe to your reception space, Jeanmaire says. "They encourage mingling and movement, making them a great choice for cocktail-style receptions or nontraditional seating."
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Where to Find Serpentine Table Rentals
To find a serpentine table rental near you, head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace. After entering a location, filter by selecting "rentals and equipment" and "tables." From there, browse various vendors until you find one that meets your needs.
Keep in mind that serpentine tables "take a bit more planning to ensure they fit cohesively within the overall design and layout of your space," Jeanmaire says. But when you put effort into the execution, they can really elevate the space.
Serpentine Table Sizes
Size can vary depending on the rental company, but serpentine table measurements typically run about 30 inches wide and six feet long along the outer curve, according to Jeanmaire. That size generally requires a 120-inch round tablecloth with a full drop on both sides. "However, you would have some pooling on the short arced side of the serpentine that you would need to tuck underneath," Jeanmaire says.
She explains that some rental companies can make fully custom linens for serpentine tables, where the linen goes fully flat on both sides of the table and is adjusted to the wide arc and the short arc on both sides—but those are rare to find and mostly custom made. In her opinion, "they do look significantly better than trying to make a 120-inch round linen work on a serpentine table!"
How Many People Can Sit at a Serpentine Table?
Seating depends on how you configure serpentine tables, but two to three guests can generally sit comfortably along each curve. So you likely won't need more than 25 serpentine tables per 50 guests.
That said, serpentine tables are "definitely not ideal for high guest counts," Jeanmaire says. They're not the best choice if you're looking to maximize seating since they don't seat as many people as traditional tables, which typically hold anywhere from four to eight people depending on the size. So you might want to save serpentine tables for a more intimate wedding unless you've got the room to include a lot of them!
How Many Serpentine Tables Make a Circle?
It takes four serpentine tables to form a full circle. "The center of the circle will remain open, which can be a design feature in itself, offering space for big florals or even additional decor in the center," Jeanmaire says.
Serpentine Table Ideas
So, how should you decorate your serpentine table setup? As with any tablescape, the style all comes down to the wedding linens, plateware and accents like candles and flowers. There are a ton of wedding centerpiece ideas and wedding table number ideas to get you started, but you can also take inspiration from the seven styles below.
1. Springtime Elegance
With seafoam-hued linens, matching green plates, miniature lamps and bouquets of pastel-colored flowers, this serpentine tablescape is ready for spring. It pops against white chairs with gilded accents for an overall chic look.
2. Classic Romance
Classic white tablecloths feel fresh and airy in this outdoor setup. Paired with wood chairs and green centerpieces, all under romantic bistro lighting, the effect is simple and beautiful.
3. Mirrored Style
With cliffside views, elegant chandeliers, and bodacious floral installations, this mirrored serpentine table setup is a stunner. We love how the tables are arranged into two short rows facing one another for a more intimate gathering, with a row of blooms in between.
4. A Neutral Palette
Serpentine tables in museums don't need a whole lot. The white and blush palette on this tablescape, accented with acrylic details, proves as much. The neutral look allows the surrounding art (which doubles as decor) to shine.
5. Splash of Color
You don't actually need serpentine tables to create that signature "S" shape. Take a cue from this outdoor reception, which features circular tables arranged in a serpentine style. Alternating white and blue patterned tablecloths lend a traditional feel, while acrylic chairs and bright centerpieces of florals and citrus fruits infuse a more contemporary flair.
6. Laid Bare
You can always lean into the natural effect and go without tablecloths. This serpentine tablescape is all the more eye-catching for it, especially when paired with a long Edison bulb centerpiece to cast the table in a warm glow.
7. Desert Vibes
This desert-inspired tablescape has an earthy, bohemian feel thanks to taupe linens, ceramic sculptural vases, macrame chandeliers and a dusty palette. It perfectly mimics the surrounding landscape.
