Banquet Tables vs. Rounds

Kara85

Hello everyone -

I'm debating with myself about tables and I'm looking for some advice based off of your personal experiences with rounds vs. "banquet" (rectangular) tables. Our reception will be in a 40x60 tent, about 90 guests and "action stations" for the food (we're hoping guests will not just get one plate and stay seated the rest of dinner, that they'll be up and going to the different stations).

Personally, I do not find rounds to actually help me converse and often I've found them awkward (even with everyone at the table being friends I haven't found that we can't really all talk to each other, and if 3 people next to each other are talking the person in the middle is always at an awkward angle). 

However, I know that many people are more comfortable seeing/being at rounds and I don't have that strong an opinion that I have to go with what I am most comfortable with. 

Thoughts? Experiences as guests/hosts? Any recommendations? We're open to pretty much anything at this point. Thanks!

morenachica110

The way we determined our shape was by spacing. We can fit the banquet tables better because the barn we are having it in is rectangular so it's more narrow than long. As a guest, I would probably not care as long as I was seated with a least a couple of people I knew. I went to a wedding where I was sat at a round table with noe one I knew at all. I didn't stay too long...

Summer2011Bride

We used rounds at our wedding and enjoyed them. I actually think banquet style tables make it harder to converse. At rounds, everyone can see everyone else. At a rectangular table, someone on one end can't see/talk to someone on the opposite end.

I think it depends on your space and what you feel looks right. Could you mix in both styles? At ours, we have about 3 4-top square tables mixed in with our rounds because of the number of guests we had and space issues. It looked fine.

LeiselEB

We're mixing both shapes. I think both are fine for conversation. We're actually doing some banquets that seat 16, some that seat 24, and some that seat 36, then rounds of 10. This is helping so much with assigning tables because it's not just groups of ten all over the place. 

I'd see if you can get or make a scaled layout of the space, and then play around with table layouts and see what fits best.

Kara85

Thanks for your thoughts! I'm thinking that a mixture of tables & sizes might actually fit us best too...it seems more complicated at first, but given that all of our groups of guests don't neatly fit into one set table size it might actually be easier. 

melntaitt

Ours was determined by space like a PPs because the rounds make our space awkward. The banquet tables were the perfect fit for ours and since it's on two levels it can be adjusted to make more of the space.

Now, we were at a reception with rounds and the flow of conversation was really nice! Much better than the banquet tables since you're only facing one person as opposed to the entire table.

vexie

We had a mixture of sizes and shapes of tables and it worked out great!  Our venue actually did that for us... they asked us to give them the number of people at each table and then set up accordingly.  That way we could have a small round intimate table for 5, and larger rectangle tables that seated 10.

AurorasEnvy

I don't think it is a huge deal, but if both fit equally in your venue I personally prefer round.

ladeolagoke

As long as you're careful with your seating chart I don't think it'll matter.

JentryWaters

It's all dependent upon the type of wedding. Banquet tables will not only interpret the aesthetic of the wedding, but also how the guest is suppose to interact amongst themselves.

For example, here are some common banquet tables that includes their best uses:

·       Long Rectangular: Can be used to effectively set the stage for a structured event such as a conference or a more formal wedding.

·       Large Round: Suggested table for serving food as they provide ample space and a more intimate feel.

·       Cocktail: Great for small groups or a dinner for two.

·       Serpentine: Can display gifts or décor beautifully and can also be used to direct attention in a conference setting.

·       Cabaret: Best for events with mingling guests as they are a great place to set horderves and drinks.

Hope this helps!

WildMagelet

@JentryWaters

This thread has been dead for a year and a half.  The original poster has probably long decided on what kind of tables she was going to use.  Please check the post date before responding.  It is located under the username on the left side.

Welcome to TK!

sarahmarie409

I think most people are more comfortable at rounds because it truly is easier to converse with more people if you want to as opposed to only having the ability to talk to the few individuals right next to or across from you

 

MayDay513

@knotporscha - can we retire this dead thread?