The date is set, the venue is booked, the event theme is….in the works. Event designing is such a subjective process, where is the best place to begin? Do you start with a color scheme, linen types, table placement? We have found that figuring out the kind of tables that will fit best in the space you have rented is a good place to start. Once you have the type and amount of tables you want to use for your event you can start working on the linens. It is a lot easier to figure out linen availability once the sizes have been firmly determined. This, of course, is not the only reason picking your tables first is a good idea. The style of table can really change the overall feel of an event.
First, let’s start with the types of tables available. The two main types we often see at events of all kinds are basic 4′, 5′ and 6′ round or 4′, 6′ and 8′ banquet tables. All of these create a pretty classic We are also starting to see our king’s tables going out more, especially for weddings. The king’s table is a 4’x8′ topper that clips on top of a 6′ banquet table and gives you more seating than a regular 8′ banquet table. You can fit 2 people on each end instead of one and 4 down each side. Another feature of this table is that you have a little more room down the middle of the table for centerpieces and decorations. It is a fun alternative to the trend of the end to end, long banquet tables. The other, more offbeat, style of table you could use is the serpentine table. There are so many ways you can arrange the tables that would change the ambiance of your event. If you have the space they can be put end to end for a long, wavy table or put in a large circle where people can sit on the inside and the outside. Either set up makes it really easy for guests to talk across the table.
A second thing to consider is whether or not you want to scatter cocktail/cabaret tables throughout an event. Maybe you don’t want to do a large table for seating. It may be easier, given the space you are working with, to have tall tables for standing around. Or you can use a dining height cocktail table if you want people to be able to sit in a chair as opposed to a bar stool. We have also been seeing a lot of couples using a dining height cocktail table or a 4′ banquet table for a sweetheart table, setting the bride and groom apart as opposed to at a larger head table with the full bridal party. The space available at your venue will also help dictate whether you even have room for cocktail tables scattered about.
One important factor in deciding on a table type is to figure out what seating will best fit your guest count. This is where knowing your budget will also come in handy. Thinking about whether you want to seat the maximum number of people so you can rent the minimum amount of tables or if you want to seat people comfortably but spend a little more on tables is a good thing to do.
It is amazing how much choosing a table type can personalize an event. You need to consider the space you have to work with, what your centerpieces will work best on, how you want conversation to flow and most importantly, what your budget will allow. Check out the images below for some inspiration and let us know what you think could work best for your next event!
