^{Image Courtesy of Marielle Hayes Photography}

No matter what your wedding reception looks like—whether you’re celebrating in a cultural hall, backyard, or formal event center—you’re going to need table coverings. The choices range from budget-friendly plastic tablecloths to professionally pressed luxury linens. Most Latter-day Saint brides find themselves somewhere in the middle.

Here’s how to pick the right linens for your LDS wedding reception—and how to stay on budget while still making it beautiful.

Start with the Ward Tablecloths

If you’re holding your reception in your ward or branch’s cultural hall, you’re in luck! Many Relief Society presidencies or activities committees have a stash of simple white or cream-colored tablecloths they’ll lend you—free of charge.

Just remember: you’ll be responsible for setup, takedown, laundering, and returning the linens in good condition. These tablecloths are usually plain and well-used, but perfectly serviceable for weddings. You may see a few minor stains or frayed edges, but with thoughtful decorating, your guests will never notice.

Ask Your Caterer or Reception Venue

Before you make any purchases, check with your caterer or reception facility. Many venues include linens as part of their package, but it’s worth confirming the color and quality.

Most facilities default to white tablecloths—so if you’re dreaming of blush pink or sage green, you may need to rent or supply your own.

Compare prices with outside rental companies to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Wedding Linen Rental Companies

If you’re looking for more variety, a specialty linen rental company is your best bet. They typically offer:

• Dozens of colors and textures

• Different shapes and sizes to match your tables

• Matching napkins, runners, and overlays

They can also provide fabric swatches ahead of time so you can coordinate with your color scheme and floral designs.

Before signing a contract, ask:

• What happens if a linen is lost or stained?

• Do you pick up and return the linens yourself, or is delivery included?

• What’s the policy on last-minute changes?

Planning ahead will help you avoid stress (and fees!) as the big day gets closer.

How Many Tablecloths Will You Need?

Once you’ve finalized your guest list and confirmed your table sizes, you can calculate how many linens you’ll need. Don’t forget:

• Guest dining tables

• Buffet or refreshment tables

• Gift table

• Sign-in or photo display table

• Wedding party table

• Cake table

When in doubt, round up. Spills happen, and you’ll be glad to have an extra on hand.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Table linens might not feel like a top priority early in your planning, but you’ll be surprised how quickly the little details can add up. Booking early helps you save money and avoid disappointment—especially if you want specific colors or textures.

And honestly, a well-dressed table transforms a space. Even a cultural hall can feel warm, elegant, and romantic with the right linens and centerpieces.

Want a Little Extra Help?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by fabric swatches, sizes, and stains—you're not alone. That’s why I created this sweet little guide just for you:

Wedding Linens

Inside, you’ll get:

• Clear guidance on choosing and layering linens

• Tips for LDS venues and cultural halls

• Budget-saving shortcuts (including DIY tricks that still look fabulous)

• A checklist to make sure nothing is forgotten

Whether you’re renting, borrowing, or buying, this book will help you turn your reception tables into something beautiful, practical, and uniquely you.