The Linens: Wedding Plans

When we received the quote for our reception cost, it included linens. I wanted lavender organza table runners, and I thought I wanted the tablecloths to be gray.

Once we scrapped the plan to get everything through a caterer, I knew I had to come up with linens somewhere.

We were offered some by a person we know who hosts events, but it was becoming difficult to communicate about the sizes of the linens and tables, and I was going to have to compromise on color. It would have been nice to borrow them, but we would have the cost of laundering and would need to do it immediately so the person could have them for their next event. I wasn't so sure we would save money by borrowing them, so Chuck said to just buy them and get it done.

As I searched for the best deals, I found that it was going to cost as much to rent them as it would cost to buy them.

I searched around for different things. I first thought I'd try to find some lace tablecloths, because we have a vintage feel going, and I'm using lace in another way. But everything I found was either too expensive, had stains, or wouldn't fit the tables we have. I thought of using them as an overlay, but then I would still have to come up with the underlay. Ugh.

I looked on eBay, and at some of the local stores and even thrift stores.

Craigslist was another place I tried, thinking maybe someone had the colors and sizes we would need.

I found what we needed on eBay, and I tried to be sure I was getting them from the USA so they would arrive in time. I got tablecloths and organza runners brand new, in the package, from a company in Kentucky. (I'm really pleased with the way eBay lists the country of origin with the item. It made my search so much easier.)

I am sure they aren't all made here, but I wanted them to be shipped to us from the US. Some of the items I've purchased have come from other countries, and they are arriving in time, but as it gets closer I am more reluctant to order from other countries. Also, by owning the linens we can launder them a bit at a time on our own schedule.

I was hoping to do this wedding without amassing piles of stuff, but we now have 15 tablecloths and 30 organza runners.

Instead of gray tablecloths, I ordered ivory and went with organza runners in gray and lavender. They all arrived and are ready to go. I opened one of each just to be sure they were what I wanted, and they are beautiful. I can't wait to see how they look when the reception is set up and ready for guests to arrive.