TABLE GUIDE
Before you start seating guests, you’ll need to have a game plan for your tables. The size and shape will dictate how many guests can be seated at each table. When it comes to table, you have three basic options: round, rectangle, and square.
Rectangle Tables
Typically, you can fit more rectangular tables into a space and it’s easier to talk across the tables. Rectangle tables are on-trend. The start of 2018 has shown that banquet tables are in this year, and likely become even more popular. Plus, they make for stunning photos!
Pros:
- More style options: Rectangular tables offer more variety in style. Set the tone for your reception with our organic wood farmhouse tables or add linens to 8′ banquet tables for an elegant classic style.
- Space-conscious: A rectangular layout is easier to work with, and allows more guests to be seated at your event. Keep in mind banquet tables allow more space for your total number of guests, but less room for each person.
- Cost: With fewer tables to drape, cut costs on linens and centerpieces. Line the table with floral boughs and greenery, accented by big blooms and votives.
Cons:
- Strict seating. If you are assigning each place setting, keep in mind a couple things. If a guest cancels last-minute or your college roommate decides to bring her new beau, an entire table of carefully calculated seating will be thrown off. Also, we recommend leaving the head and foot of the table open for a more open layout.
- Reception flow: rectangular tables don’t allow as much movement if space is limited, since guests have to squeeze in between two people. This makes rectangular tables ideal for smaller, intimate receptions and seated dinners where guests are not expected to frequently move about the venue.
Round Tables
Round tables have long been a staple of wedding décor, you can’t go wrong with a classic seating layout. Round tables are an elegant option and give your guests more personal space.
Pros
- Conversation. With smaller round tables, guests can more easily converse across tabletops with their entire group. This works best if most of your guests are well-acquainted and will likely be enthusiastic to chat.
- Flexible seating. Adding or removing guests is much easier with round tables. Be prepared to handle any unexpected changes in guest list seamlessly. You can also mix table sizes to accommodate different groups of guests.
- Easier flow. Round tables often make reception flow a little easier—guests don’t have to work around each other’s chairs quite as much as with rectangular tables.
Cons:
- Cost. On the other hand, round tables can be expensive to accessorize. Multiple centerpieces, linens, chair drapings, etc. can add up if you’re not careful.
- Space. Round tables take up more space than rectangular tables, so plan carefully to make sure you’ll have ample space at your venue.
After you decide on what tables you prefer, then you can start populating them with your guests.
Keep the floor plan of your venue in mind while creating your seating chart. Give your VIPs the best seats in the house, so they have a clear view of all the action and can jump into the celebration. Older guest may want to be a little further from the band (and not near a speaker) so it isn’t too loud. Seat younger guests who will be on the dance floor all night near the band so they have quick access.
Mixing both types of tables is always a great design option. It is easy if you’re considering a sweetheart table, for just the bride and groom, or a head table, for the bridal party or immediate family. Place the rectangular sweetheart table at the front of the venue, or center a long head table in the middle of other guests’ round tables.
No matter which style you choose, don’t fret about it too much; we’ve seen countless successful events with either option. Being informed about your options certainly helps make a wise choice on this key decision, but we promise that either option can turn out beautifully.
For more help in designing your event, Contact us. We’d love to talk more about arranging round or rectangular tables at for your next event no matter big or small!
