You are mapping out your reception venue and the classic issue comes up…how many people can you squeeze in there at one time? We thought we’d help out with a short list of items to consider when it comes to seating!
1. Dinner or Dancing or Both?
Here’s the thing: Unless you are having a sit down dinner with preset tables and a wait staff, you may very well not need to seat every one of your guests at the same time. Every party is different, of course, but if you’re having more of a heavy hors d’oeuvres kind of menu, you may want to create a space that encourages guests to mingle rather than sit. You may also consider having high bistro tables scattered throughout the venue to keep people up on their feet while still providing a place for their drinks, plates, or purses. Bistros are especially helpful when you have dancing. They can help “create” the dancing area if you place them on the corners or around the edges of the dance floor and they will keep guests up on their feet, hence encouraging that inevitable Electric Slide…
2. Rounds or Rectangles?
There are benefits to both types of tables. Rounds allow guests to mingle with 6 or 8 other guests at one time. They can be staggered to create a visually full looking space and they can provide a formality that you may just have your heart set on. Rectangles, however, when used in long rows end to end, can give your reception a whimsical, sometimes more informal feel.
3. Spacial Restrictions
Rules of thumb:
a. A standard 60” round table needs at least 5′ of space all the way around it to allow guests to comfortably pull out their chairs without bumping into the next table.
b. 60” tables will seat between 8 and 10 guests, but 10 is tight, so if you’re having a full sit down meal, you may want to allow your guests more elbow space and seat 8 per table.
c. Standard 6′ rectangular tables will seat 6 guests…3 on each side. 8′ tables will seat 8 guests.
d. If you are using rectangular tables in a long row, end to end, you may consider using short linens. Lap length linens can still look formal, especially with the use of elegant centerpieces, and guests won’t need to fuss with the fabric around their legs. Once the chairs are placed around the tables, you may not even notice that the linen doesn’t drop to the floor.
e. Whenever you are considering your allotted space, remember to include plenty of room for your cake tables, gift table, dance floor, buffet tables, or food stations. Create a blueprint and make sure your area won’t feel too cramped. You’d rather have a little too much space than not enough. Guests will fill the area quickly and chances are, the room will not feel bare.
We’re very visual. And we think you probably are too. Here are some pics to inspire your own fantastic seating arrangements.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This space feels almost Medieval and we love that.
Two rectangular tables set side by side and then end to end. Great way to create a huge tabletop with plenty of room for multiple courses.
Colorful banquet tables feel perfectly inviting for guests.
