Tables: to splurge or not to splurge?

redheadbride15 · December 2014

Below are two photographs of events at my venue. I have the option to use the very basic round tables covered with linens (first picture) that are provided with the venue rental price, or spend about $350-$400 to rent farmhouse tables (second picture). I love the look of the natural wood, especially how it fits with the beautiful shaker-style chairs that are in the photos and will be provided without additional charge. I'm leaning toward splurging because I think I could do simpler centerpieces with the farmhouse tables and therefore save a bit of money that way. Any thoughts/opinions/suggestions?

To give people some context: my overall budget is $15,000. Wedding is in the spring. It will be fairly intimate (~75 guests), casual/rustic/country style.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

The only thing I like about the other tables is that it makes it easier for people to talk to each other at a round table versus a long table. Also I think six people at a round table have a little more elbow space then 6 people sitting all in a row. Now if the natural tables are by chance smaller tables pushed together then I vote go for the nature tables.

redheadbride15 · December 2014

Yes - the long tables in the photo are actually two put end-to-end. I agree that I like the intimacy of smaller tables. I'd probably seat 8 per rectangular table (3 per side, one on each end).

NYCMercedes · December 2014

I wouldn't pay extra for different tables. Plus, I think round tables are easier for conversation as you don't have to turn your head completely sideways when speaking to the person adjacent to you.

Almie425 · December 2014

I like the look of the natural better. I don't like how the linens on the round tables don't go to the floor. That's just my personal preference, if you have the money in the budget, I say go for it.

jenijoyk · December 2014

I paid extra for the rectangular wooden tables and I LOVED them. Looooooved them. We kept our centerpieces simple (just a candle trio, and little pots of herbs like rosemary and sage which were super cheap from my florist, and some vintage postcards I bought on ebay for a dollar or two apiece), and considered the money spent on the tables money spent on decor. We sat 8-12 at each and I don't think they made it harder for guests to talk than at a round. You're actually closer in distance to more people at a farmhouse table than at a round seating 10.

redheadbride15 · December 2014

@jenijoyk I love, love, love your look! I may steal your herb idea and talk to my florist about the possibility. I was going to complement small floral centerpieces with simple lanterns w/ pillar candles. My wedding colors are green & ivory - so herbs would definitely work instead!

And I also agree that rectangular tables don't hinder conversation. I don't like the reaaaaally long banquet style tables, but I've also been to weddings with 10 people sitting around a big round table with a giant centerpiece in the middle where you could really only interact with the people immediately next to you.

jenijoyk · December 2014

Thanks! I totally recommend the herbs! And they'd look lovely with your colors (and wooden tables)!! They were cheaper than blooms and I even reduced the florist's bill further by finding a bunch of really cheap bud vases on webstaurant.com, painted them gold with a few bucks worth of paint from the craft store, and dropped them off with her a week before the wedding. Then I didn't have to pay her for for containers and my guests could take them home at the end of the night.

My bouquet was all herbs too! Herbs are pretty, affordable, and smell delicious!! I also loved how traditional they are... the original wedding bouquets were actually herbs, to ward off evil spirits!

wrigleyville · December 2014

You sound really jazzed and in love with the wood tables, so I'd go with those. As you mentioned, it will be pretty easy to scale back in other areas so you can have them, especially since they add so much to the "look" that you wouldn't need big/fancy centerpieces.

vmj23 · December 2014

I prefer the look of the wooden tables but the other's aren't bad. If you have the money in your budget, and aren't taking away from something else then i'd say go for it.

southernbelle0915 · December 2014

If you want to do it and you have the money, why not do it?

However, my personal preference is round tables. I've been to weddings that have the long rectangular table and I only end up talking to the people directly next to me and across from me. Round tables are better for conversation. But it's your wedding, not mine!

Liatris2010 · December 2014

As a guest, I prefer round tables. It is easier to get to and out of your seat, gives you more room, and is better for conversation.

JoanE2012 · December 2014

Liatris2010 said:

As a guest, I prefer round tables. It is easier to get to and out of your seat, gives you more room, and is better for conversation.

This. If I see a rectangular setup no matter where I go, I try and go for the end. I hate getting stuck in the middle. I much prefer round tables.

Nymeru · December 2014

Aesthetically speaking, the long tables are prettier, but the round are nice too. I agree that as a guest the round tables are so much nicer to sit at. Think back to eating in the cafeteria. That's what it's like at long tables. You're cramped, have a few people around you to talk to, but everyone else seems sooooo far away and you can't hear/see them very well even from just a few seats away.

Have you seen what the round tables look like without table clothes? My venue offered wooden tables in both shapes.

badbnagdway · December 2014

I like both and I think if you have the money you should do what you want. I definitely understand wanting to do a simpler centerpiece and the rectangular centerpieces lend themselves to that. I actually think the space looks more open with the round tables, but that may be the angle of the shot.

redheadbride15 · December 2014

Thanks for your opinions, everyone! I wish I could find round tables in natural wood... the ones included in the venue are ugly (think particle board w/ metal folding legs) and would definitely need tablecloths, preferably floor-length ones. And all the local rental companies have the same sort of natural wood rectangular farmhouse tables.

I only have about 75 guests and the space is advertised to be large enough for 125 plus a dance floor, so there won't be a shortage of room and people won't be crowded at the tables.

I think I'm gonna splurge

MandyMost · December 2014

redheadbride15 said:

Yes - the long tables in the photo are actually two put end-to-end. I agree that I like the intimacy of smaller tables. I'd probably seat 8 per rectangular table (3 per side, one on each end).

We did a combination of round and rectangular table at my wedding, 8 per table. Our coordinator suggested doing 4 per side, instead of utilizing the ends of the rectangular tables. She said that no one usually wants to sit at the end, since it's often considered a place of honor ("the head of the table") and it makes people feel awkward. I thought she had a good point. Just something to think about!

kipper88 · December 2014

Definitely like the round tables better. Don't want to feel like I'm eating in a high school cafeteria. Wooden may look nice, but it's important to consider your guest's comfort. I doubt they'll remember what the tables looked like more than they'll remember how comfortable they were.

Tables: to splurge or not to splurge?

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