Tablecloth Colors for Photos: What Looks Best on Camera

A cloth color that looks perfect in a showroom can look different in a photograph. Cameras exaggerate whites, flatten similar tones and turn glossy fabrics into glare. Since linens cover the largest area in many reception shots, it pays to choose with the camera in mind. Here is how common colors behave, and how to plan for a Chicago venue's lighting.

How colors read on camera

Ivory and champagne

The safest. They hold detail, flatter skin tones and stay warm under candlelight. See ivory vs white linens.

White

Crisp in the right light, but easy to overexpose. Tent daylight and flash can turn white cloths into bright blobs that lose texture. A matte white lamour works better than a glossy one.

Soft gray and sage

Forgiving and modern. They add color without fighting skin tones or flowers.

Black

Dramatic, and rich with candles. In low light it can swallow detail, so add texture or contrast with napkins and chargers.

Bright colors

Red, hot pink and electric blue can cast color onto faces and white dresses. Use them in small amounts, such as napkins or runners.

Shiny versus matte

Satin and sequin reflect light. With a flash, they can create hot spots; in candlelight they glow. Matte fabrics such as lamour, cotton-feel polyester and linen scatter light evenly. If your photographer shoots with flash during dinner, matte is safer. See linen fabrics compared.

Match the room, not just the cloth

A photograph includes walls, floors, chairs, flowers and guests' clothes. A cloth that looks good alone can look wrong beside an orange wall or a green carpet. Check the venue's colors and consider the whole scene. Use your venue's photos as a reference, and if possible view the room at the time of day of your event.

Chairs, flowers and the bride

• Chairs. Contrasting linens make chairs show in the frame. See matching linens to chairs.
• Flowers. Pick a cloth that lets the flowers stand out, not the same color as them.
• Dress and suits. A bright white gown beside a bright white tablecloth can look flat. Ivory or a soft tone helps.
• Guests. Dark cloths make faces stand out, while very light cloths can reflect light upward and wash people out.

Photographer checklist

Many photographers shoot the reception room before guests enter, so linens, place settings and centerpieces need to be done by then. Tell your rental company the time linens must be on the tables.

Chicago light

Light changes with the season. In Chicago summer, long daylight comes through tent walls and windows, and white cloths can glare. In late fall and winter, rooms are lit by candles and warm bulbs by dinner, which flatters ivory, champagne and deeper colors. If your venue has large windows with city or lake views, the light can be strong and cool in the afternoon and golden near dusk, so the cloth that photographs well in one hour might look different in another.

Pick linens the camera will like

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help match linens and chairs to your photos, or request a quote.