Round vs Rectangle Tables

midgetthemighty · February 2012

So I finally found out last night how much the reception venue charges to use round table instead of rectanglular tables. They have a $130 "change over fee" (give me a break) and $10 per table above 17 tables, because they only have 17 there and have to rent the rest. You can only have 40 round tables in there and they seat 8 a piece. I forgot to ask how many the rectangle ones seat, but it should be the same or more.

I really want round tables. I think that rectangle tables at a wedding reception are a little too cafeteria-like for my tastes. My mom, dad, and FI were a little taken aback by the cost of them but I think they're worth it. We don't have to know for sure until 3-4 weeks before the wedding, but their attitude last night, quite frankly, pissed me off.

Since I'm 99% sure we'll need all 40 round tables, we'd be looking at $360 just for tables. What would you do?

sleblanc72 · February 2012

I say go for it as long as it fits in the budget. It's definitely something I would think about after the fact and would wish I had gone with what I really wanted. I know exactly what you're saying about the look with rectangle tables so I would definitely say as long as you can swing it then go for it!

kelsey+brandon · February 2012

What centerpieces have you decided on?

chelseakopperud · February 2012

Honestly, I think you can make either look gorgeous! Like Kelsey asked, what are you thinking for centerpieces? I have seen some gorgeous wedding pictures using rectangle tables.

midgetthemighty · February 2012

We have clear vases of three heights and we'll be putting varying combinations of our flowers in them. (Sunflowers and some kind of blue flower)

sleblanc72 · February 2012

I think with your centerpieces you could go with either one. I would go with whatever you feel like and if you don't have to make the decision for a while maybe sit on it and see how you feel in another month.

edw7479 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_round-vs-rectangle-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:47443bbd-712d-4cbe-aefd-25e2c33a2489Post:12fc6936-8ef6-4e37-8ab7-9b307f4e69d9">Re: Round vs Rectangle Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]Honestly, I think you can make either look gorgeous! Like Kelsey asked, what are you thinking for centerpieces? I have seen some gorgeous wedding pictures using rectangle tables.
Posted by chelseakopperud[/QUOTE]
This. I am using rectangle tables, because that is what my venue has available. There was no way I was paying to rent circular tables. But I'm also cheap like that! But, I think they will be perfect. I think it'll be gorgeous for you either way!

DrPB2b13 · February 2012

There are some amazing inspiration photos using rectangular tables. I say if it can save you some money, you might want to look some up before you make a decision. I understand the fear that they'll look like picnic or cafeteria tables, but there are some pretty inexpensive ways to dress them up so they'll look awesome.

midgetthemighty · February 2012

I really wish I could see these posts the front page says that they exist.

Urchin9 · February 2012

I kind of had the same issue with our venue. Being as cheap as I am, I've opted for the rectangular tables, and I'm really excited about it! I can make them look great, I'm sure

Some runners and centrepieces will do the trick!

edw7479 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_round-vs-rectangle-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:47443bbd-712d-4cbe-aefd-25e2c33a2489Post:7e93c339-adb7-44ca-8b4e-13399d7a1889">Re: Round vs Rectangle Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]I kind of had the same issue with our venue. Being as cheap as I am, I've opted for the rectangular tables, and I'm really excited about it! I can make them look great, I'm sure :) Some runners and centrepieces will do the trick!
Posted by Urchin9[/QUOTE]
TK ate my post, but this is basically what it said.

kelsey+brandon · February 2012

Hmm...how tall is largest vase, Jess? I feel like if they're too tall, it might look funny. I'm also a bad influence because I'm in the "you only get married once, so do it right." group of thought. I say go for the round if that's your vision!!

daria24 · February 2012

I'm using a mix of both because I like the way it looks, plus there are some center pieces I like that look much nicer on a rectangle than a round.

midgetthemighty · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_round-vs-rectangle-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:47443bbd-712d-4cbe-aefd-25e2c33a2489Post:48375a28-96ec-4a33-ab0a-df571b0876ec">Re: Round vs Rectangle Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]Hmm...how tall is largest vase, Jess? I feel like if they're too tall, it might look funny. I'm also a bad influence because I'm in the "you only get married once, so do it right." group of thought. I say go for the round if that's your vision!!
Posted by kelsey+brandon[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure, but what I can tell you is that they're borrowed and two people have used them before me. One had round tables, the other had rectangle tables. The height didn't take anything away from either to me.

I'm not using table runners.

ncd5015 · February 2012

Could you vary the lengths of the rectangular tables so they aren't all the same and wouldn't look so cafeteria-like?

Teep · February 2012

I don't think I've ever been to a wedding that didn't have round tables, and before this post I never realized it. If it's important to you, do it, it's not THAT much money. I think it's one of those details that not very many people notice though.

kipnus · February 2012

I would go with rectangular tables (they won't look cafeteria-like at all with nice tablelcoths and centrepieces!) or a mix of round and rectangle.

diamondx423 · February 2012

I'd spend the money because it would bother me. Like Shannon (sleblanc) said its something I would look back and say "I wish I did what I wanted".

sweet_melissa81 · February 2012

I said stick with the rectangle tables in the poll, but if you can afford the extra cost and if you really want the round tables then i say go for it! I have seen some really beautiful rectangle tables and actually wished I could use them myself. I think either way it could turn out beautiful.

sleblanc72 · February 2012

I'm totally with Kelsey in that frame of mind to do what you want and what you envision for the day. But if there's any doubt you have plenty of time to think it over but I would say that if in a month you still love the thought of round tables then it's worth it!

kelsey+brandon · February 2012

Jess, I found some rectangular table inspiration pictures for you! These don't look anything like a cafeteria!

midgetthemighty · February 2012

Thanks Kelsey!

drewmw · February 2012

I personally would not pay money just to change the shape of the tables, but if you're willing to, then it must be pretty important to you. Our venue only has rectangular tables, and I actually like the way they look. I don't think they look like a cafeteria at all, but I guess it would depend on the venue. This is a pic of the rectangle tables in my venue (my friend's sister got married there last summer, this is a pic from her wedding day)

She had flowers in mason jars in the middle of each table, then lanterns on each end. I think you could also do something pretty cool with runners. Ultimately, it's up to you and your FI! Good thing you have some time to think about it. Good luck!

midgetthemighty · February 2012

The idea of possibly using rectangle tables is growing on me, and I also just realized that I left out a pretty important detail that's making me think they'll look like cafereria tables.

It's at a Catholic church and they also use this hall as the cafeteria for the connected school. lol

kelsey+brandon · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_round-vs-rectangle-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:47443bbd-712d-4cbe-aefd-25e2c33a2489Post:e9412f42-9da8-4161-bd04-9d8f022c8a5f">Re: Round vs Rectangle Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]The idea of possibly using rectangle tables is growing on me, and I also just realized that I left out a pretty important detail that's making me think they'll look like cafereria tables. It's at a Catholic church and they also use this hall as the cafeteria for the connected school. lol
Posted by midgetthemighty[/QUOTE]

<div>Hehe that might be why.</div><div>Can you post a picture or PM me the link? I'm curious to see what it looks like.</div>

MMRoberts11 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_round-vs-rectangle-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:47443bbd-712d-4cbe-aefd-25e2c33a2489Post:4082fd3b-218f-41a7-913d-454a04d5aed5">Re: Round vs Rectangle Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]I would go with rectangular tables (they won't look cafeteria-like at all with nice tablelcoths and centrepieces!) or a mix of round and rectangle.
Posted by kipnus[/QUOTE]

This is what I would do. However, if you are dead set on having circle tables and it fits in the budget then go for it.

midgetthemighty · February 2012

I don't have a picture of it and there isn't one online either. They use it as the cafeteria but it has a stage, huge beautiful windows and very open spaces. It's not your typical cafeteria.

sleblanc72 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2012-weddings_round-vs-rectangle-tables?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:3ae4d68d-f10a-4dec-8810-da13c14a7b86Discussion:47443bbd-712d-4cbe-aefd-25e2c33a2489Post:e9412f42-9da8-4161-bd04-9d8f022c8a5f">Re: Round vs Rectangle Tables</a>:
[QUOTE]The idea of possibly using rectangle tables is growing on me, and I also just realized that I left out a pretty important detail that's making me think they'll look like cafereria tables. It's at a Catholic church and they also use this hall as the cafeteria for the connected school. lol
Posted by midgetthemighty[/QUOTE]
Haha, that could definitely be influencing your decision!<div>
</div><div>Also, those are some beautiful pictures posted above using rectangle tables; it definitely changed how I was picturing rectangular tables in my brain.</div>

kristin183 · February 2012

I think it is all in the execution of how you present the tables.
My venue literally has picnic tables.. I could have rented round ones... I just didn't want to pay the money. I have similar inspiration photos to what Kelsey posted. I have white tablecloths, burlap table runners and things to make it real nice... I hope my vision comes together

doeie04 · February 2012

I say go with what you want. We are going with rectangle tables since that is what our venue has available, but also because round tables take up so much extra space. (There is a ton of dead space in the center. I can't remember how much now.) We need all the space we can get. That might sway your decision?

sweetcanadian1979 · February 2012

I refuse to use rectangular tables. I think it is fine if that is what people want & i would use the if i had a tent reception but for an indoor formal reception i just can't do it. Yes i am a snob, i will admit it. Round just seems wedding to me. Table linens cost more for rectangle too. I have to pay for round tables but thankfully only $3 per.

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