Ceremonial textiles and protocol accessories

Ceremonial textiles and protocol accessories

Ceremonial textile covers all the cloths, runners, covers and accessories that give a ceremony its official character: the cloth over the table at a signing, the runner over a memorial stone or a bust, the cover that stays over a sign until the moment of unveiling, the sashes and cushions that belong to an honorary occasion. This is textile with a job to do, not decoration.

We supply it to municipalities, provinces and government departments for receptions, commemorations, unveilings and weddings, and to companies and organisers for openings, anniversaries and official signings. Usually in combination with flags, a lectern and a ceremonial carpet.

Where you use it

• Unveilings of memorial plaques, statues, signs and namings
• Commemorations, memorial services and protocol visits
• Official signings, swearing-in ceremonies and installation meetings
• Weddings, anniversaries and honorary occasions at the town hall

Versions

The unveiling cloth is the best known: a cloth that lies over the object to be unveiled and has to slide away smoothly at exactly the right moment. That only works when the size is right and the fabric hangs smoothly enough. For outdoor use we add a weighted hem, because a cloth that lifts in the first gust of wind ruins the picture.

We also supply table cloths and table runners for signings and receptions, draping fabrics and backdrop textiles for a stage or a photo moment, covers for memorial stones, and protocol accessories such as sashes, cushions, cords and barrier ribbons. Cloths carrying your coat of arms, logo or a text are possible as well, embroidered or printed.

Material and finish

For indoor use we work with draping fabrics that fold well and hold a deep colour. For outdoor use you choose a heavier, colourfast and weather-resistant cloth that does not show through in bright light. White and light shades ask for extra care: they look superb on camera but show every mark.

The finish is what separates a considered result from an improvised one. Hemmed edges, a straight hang, a weighted bottom hem on hanging textile and a neat fixing without visible clamps: those are the details that stand out in photographs.

In practice: protocol, set-up and care

The main pitfall is co-ordination with the protocol. Who pulls the cloth away, and from which side? Does the coat of arms stay visible once the cloth lies over the table? What order applies to the guests of honour, and where do the flags stand in relation to the textile? Go through that in advance with the person responsible for protocol and rehearse the unveiling at least once with the actual cloth and the actual object. A cloth that snags on a protruding corner is the classic accident.

For accessibility the same principle applies as with carpets: do not leave textile lying or hanging on the walking route where people have to pass, and make sure barrier cords and ribbons leave enough clearance for a wheelchair or a walking frame.

For care, follow the label: much ceremonial textile goes to the dry cleaner and not into the machine. Store it pressed and dry, preferably hanging or rolled rather than folded, because crease lines on an unveiling cloth are mercilessly visible in photographs.

What determines the price?

The price of ceremonial textiles and protocol accessories depends on the dimensions and the number of pieces, the fabric and weight chosen, the colour, the finish of hems and fixings, and the personalisation with a coat of arms, logo or text in embroidery or print. Hire or purchase, indoor or outdoor use, the lead time, delivery and installation, and cleaning or storage afterwards all play their part. We put together a proposal tailored to your ceremony.

Preparing your ceremony together

Tell us which occasion it is for, which dimensions you need and when it takes place, and we will propose a suitable version. Do get in touch in good time.