Amy McNall: Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2012 7:22 PM
There are many things to consider when deciding how to set your wedding tables, including table shape and size, linens, centerpieces, and the actual table settings. If you're finding yourself confused, read on for some helpful tips and tricks!
Table Shape and Size
The choice between square, rectangular and round tables is almost completely an aesthetic one. In general, most rental companies' prices are very similar for an 8' rectangular table and a 60" round one, both of which seat about 8 people. The same goes for linens; most 90x156 linens (floor length on an 8' table) and 120" rounds (floor length on a 60" table) are about the same price.
Conversation between your guests may be a little easier at a round table, as the distance across the table is 5', whereas if you choose rectangular tables, guests seated at either end will be 8' away from each other.
It's currently popular to change up the shapes of your tables, which lends a less "matchy matchy" look to your reception. Consider all options when choosing table configurations - you can create long rows of rectangular tables, put two rectangular tables together to create a wider rectangle, or use serpentine or half round tables to create interesting shapes.
Consult the following chart to determine which tables to select. Keep in mind that the maximum number of seats will be quite tight; if you have elaborate place settings or larger guests, avoid seating the highest possible number of guests at each table.
Size
|
4' rectangular
|
6' rectangular
|
8' rectangular
|
Seats
|
4-6
|
6-8
|
8-10
|
Size
|
36" round
|
48" round
|
60" round
|
72" round
|
Seats
|
2-4
|
4-6
|
8-10
|
10-12
|
Size
|
30" square
|
36" square
|
48" square
|
60" square
|
Seats
|
2
|
2-4
|
4-6
|
6-8
|
If you'd like to play around with table sizes and arrangements, go to
Seating Arrangement for free floorplanning software.
Linens
A simple formula will help you to figure out the length of linens you require for your tables. Standard tables are 30" from the floor, and cruiser (bar height) tables are 42" in height. Square and round tables are listed above by diameter or width of the table in inches, and rectangular tables are 30" in width.
To calculate the drop of your linens, take the width of the table top and add the drop you'd like multiplied by two. For instance, if you'd like floor length linens on a 60" round table, use the following calculation:
60+30(2)=120 Therefore, 120" round linens will be floor length on a 60" round table.
Use the following chart to determine the size of linens you want:
Centerpieces
If you choose round or square tables, a single centerpiece in the middle of the table should suffice. However, a 6 or 8' rectangular table may require more than one centerpiece, or perhaps a series of lower centerpieces running the length of the table.
When choosing centerpieces, keep scale in mind. A tiny centerpiece will be dwarfed in the middle of a 72" round table. Try to scale the diameter of the centerpiece to the diameter of the round or square table.
Also, consider the height of the centerpiece so that your guests can converse comfortably. Generally speaking, centerpieces should be lower than 12" or higher than 24".
Table Settings
In most cases, your caterer or the venue staff will set your tables, but it never hurts to have a reference in case you're doing the table set-up, or even just so YOU know which fork to use! Follow the diagram below, remembering that if you're not having a seafood course, you don't need a seafood fork . . . etc.
Tips
- Long linens look more elegant, but make it more difficult for guests to comfortably slide their legs under the table
- For an outdoor wedding, always use linens that fall short of the ground, or you'll have ants crawling up the linens onto the tabletop!
- For outdoor cake or sweet tables, use a short linen, and wrap double-sided tape around the legs of the table to prevent ants from crawling up to the dessert
- To add presence to a small centerpiece, place a mirror under the arrangement, or scatter votives around it
- If using votives, don't put them directly under the floral centerpiece if it is low - the flowers will scorch
- If you want to punch up your linens with an overlay, but can't afford it, look into runners - they're often less expensive
- Don't match your linens to the colours of the decor in your venue, but take the reception area's decor into account when choosing linens, and try to choose complimentary colours
- Always order extra napkins - the catering/wait staff will use some for service purposes, including bread baskets and service trays
- If you want specialty linens, but the cost is prohibitive, consider alternating tables, interspersing less expensive linens with pricier specialty ones
- Consider incorporating two or three different centerpieces - this will provide interest in the room, and give your guests more options to look at
Ultimately, your reception should be a reflection of you. There are no rules, except to keep it appropriate, tasteful, and to your liking.
Happy planning!http://www.unmistakablyyou.com/blog.html
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