Wedding Table Sizes – OK, maybe not quite everything, but we are dishing a lot of essential and useful details on wedding table sizes today. This may seem like a mundane topic, but the sizes of tables at your reception will impact many things – the number of guests at each table, the number of tables needed, the number of centerpieces required, and the dreaded seating chart, to name just a few. Having a basic knowledge of table sizes and what works best with each of them can mean the difference between smooth sailing and wanting to rip your hair out. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common table sizes and what you need to do. know about them!
Round Tables
6′ Rounds
- As the name may suggest, this table is 6′ in diameter but you may also hear it referred to as a 72″, referring to the 72″ diameter.
- The top of the table sits 30” from the ground.
- Do the math…30″ from the ground to the top of the table on one side + 72″ diameter + 30″ from the top of the table to the ground on the other side. Hence, why a table of this size calls for a 132″ round linen. This sized linen will fall to the floor.
- Typically, 10 guests can be seated at a 6′ round comfortably.
- A table this large could look a little sparse with any fewer than 7 or 8 guests.
5′ Rounds
- You guessed it, this table is 5′ in diameter and is also known as a 60″
- Again, there are 30” from the ground to the top of the table. This means a 120″ round linen will cover this table and fall to the floor.
- A 5′ round seats 8 guests comfortably.
- Fewer than 6 or 7 guests and it starts to look a little sparse.
4′ Rounds
- AKA a 48″
- Yet again, there are 30” from the ground to the top of the table. This table calls for a 108″ round linen, which will fall to the floor.
- Between 4 and 6 guests can be seated comfortably, but due to its small size, 4′ rounds are best suited for things like the cake or sweetheart table!
Low Cocktail Tables
36” Rounds
- This table is 36” in diameter and there are 30” from the ground to the top of the table. Do you see the pattern yet?
- A 96” round linen will fall to the floor.
- It seats 4 guests comfortably but you might be able to squeeze in 5, depending on the chair size. However, 36″ rounds aren’t typically used for dinner seating. You’ll see them most often used at a cocktail reception. They also make great sweetheart and cake tables!
30” Rounds
- This table is 30” in diameter and there are 30” from the ground to the top of the table
- A 90″ round linen will fall to the floor.
- Three or four guests could be seated comfortably at the cocktail hour.
High Cocktail Tables
- This table is still 36” in diameter but this time there are 42” from the ground to the top of the table.
- A 120” round linen will fall to the floor. If you want the linen to pool nicely on the floor or if you plan on tying a sash or ribbon around the base, go with a 132″ round so that the ugly table legs remain hidden.
- High cocktail tables are generally seen at cocktail receptions, sometimes with chairs (usually 4), sometimes without.
- They also make excellent cake tables as they elevate your cake and make it a true focal point at your reception!
Banquet Tables
These rectangular-shaped tables were typically been used for things like the DJ, gift table, buffet lines, or anything that was placed against a wall. In recent years, using a mixture of round and banquet tables for dinner seating has become the trend. This adds visual interest and a modern twist to your reception space!
6′ Banquets
- You’ll also hear this table called a 90×132”. That’s because it is 6’ long, 30” wide, and there are 30” from the ground to the top of the table.
- A 6′ banquet table can comfortably seat 6 guests with 3 on each side, or 8 guests with 3 on each side, plus 1 on each end.
- A 90×132” banquet linen will fall to the floor.
8′ Banquets
- AKA a 90×156”
- This table is 8’ long and 30” wide, with there being 30” from the ground to the top of the table.
- A total of 8 guests (4 on each side) can fit here comfortably. This capacity can be stretched to 10 if 1 guest is placed at each end.
- A 90×156” banquet linen will fall to the floor.
It’s important to note that when it comes to how many guests can comfortably fit at a table, the answer depends on a few things. If the chairs are wide or have arms, you may not be able to fit quite as many. Likewise, if your place setting is very formal, you’ll need more space per person, which means you can fit fewer people at that table. We recommend discussing the best scenario with your venue or rental company and caterer!
Above anything else, don’t be overwhelmed by all of the numbers! This guide is meant to be educational and helpful, but there aren’t hard and fast rules or a magic formula. This is where hiring excellent vendors can play to your favor. Work with those who know all of this backwards and forwards and let them determine what is best for your wedding. Happy table-ing!