While it might seem like a simple task of deciding on tables and chairs for your wedding ceremony and reception, there are a few nuances that you should consider. Let me share my take on this stressful decision so all of your guests can find a seat!  

How many tables do I need for my reception?

You will need 1 table per 8 guests on average. You will also need tables for your cake, caterer, and gifts. Larger tables, such as a 72″ round or 8′ banquet will seat up to 10, while larger chairs can make a 60″ round table only seat 6. If you plan to have large centerpieces, you may want larger tables. Tables are a necessity if you plan to have any sort of sit-down reception, but the options are endless when it comes to size and style. I would like to share some of the most common and some of the most creative ways to arrange tables for a variety of guests lists! Generally, a 60″ (5′) round table is the standard for most rental companies and venues. a 60″ round table is easy to move and easier to fit in smaller spaces like a tent or an indoor venue. A general rule is to expect 6-8 people at a 60″ round table. Standard white poly chairs can usually comfortably fit 8 at a 60″ round, while garden chairs, or resin chairs with a padded seat, seem to fit best with 7 per table. Furthermore, larger chairs can take up more space causing only 6 to comfortably fit around a 5-foot round table. If you are several expecting large families, you might find a table shortage because everyone would like to sit together, rather than mingle with strangers. Likewise, if you are expecting several couples or singles, you might find the standard calculation of 6-8 per table quite sufficient.  

How many tables and chairs do you need for 100 guests?

You should rent 100 chairs and 13 tables for a guest list of 100. You will also need a cake table, food tables and a table for gifts. The average table will accommodate 6-8 chairs, 100 guests divided by 8 (guests per table) is 12.5 tables. This calculation assumes the bridal party, bride & groom, and parents are included in the final RSVP guest list. Three 6′ banquet tables seem to be average for the caterer and desserts with a 100 guest wedding reception. A smaller table designated for the cake is often classy, but if you are expecting 100 cupcakes instead of or in addition to a cake, another larger table or display shelf is necessary. I often see a table forgotten for the entrance of the ceremony or reception for the sign-in book or gifts and cards. So in conclusion, 13 tables for guests, plus up to 5 banquet tables for additional food and gifts.

How many tables and chairs do you need for 50 guests?

You should rent 50 chairs and 7 tables for a guest list of 50. You will also need a cake table, food tables and a table for gifts. The average table will accommodate 6-8 chairs, 50 guests divided by 8 (guests per table) is 6.25 tables. This calculation assumes the bridal party, bride & groom, and parents are included in the final RSVP guest list. Smaller guest lists often have a smaller rate of no-shows after RSVP. Be sure to calculate anyone who might have a plus 1 or anyone who might bring their children. This can add to your calculations and cause a table or chair shortage.  

How many tables and chairs do you need for 30 guests?

You should rent 30 chairs and 4 tables for a guest list of 30. You will also need a cake table, food tables and a table for gifts. The average table will accommodate 6-8 chairs, 30 guests divided by 8 (guests per table) is 3.75 tables. This calculation assumes the bridal party, bride & groom, and parents are included in the final RSVP guest list. Micro weddings are quickly getting more popular since the start of the pandemic in 2020. This can add more challenges to seating, especially in larger venues. You can choose smaller tables, such as 48″ round tables, to create a fuller feel while still having the picturesque photos of your dream reception!

How many tables and chairs do you need for 200 guests?

You should rent 200 chairs and 25 tables for a guest list of 200. You will also need a cake table, food tables and a table for gifts. The average table will accommodate 6-8 chairs, 200 guests divided by 8 (guests per table) is 25 tables. This calculation assumes the bridal party, bride & groom, and parents are included in the final RSVP guest list. Larger guest lists usually are very fun and lively weddings. While the average no-shows are up to 25% of your RSVP, it is still often a good idea to rent enough seating for the full RSVP list. This can allow for large families to sit together during the ceremony and reception.  

What is a Head Table?

A head table is still used regularly. This is often a beautifully decorated table for the bride, groom, and all the bridal party with seating only on one side. I find that most of the bridesmaids and groomsmen prefer to sit with their spouse or family & friends instead of sitting the entire event at a head table, so consider enough seating for the bridal party and their spouses if you decide on a head table. In lieu of an entire head table, I often see a sweetheart table for only the bride and groom. This is often a 30″ or 36″ round table, elegantly decorated where the newlywed couple can (hopefully) grab a bite to eat and might also be a great photo opportunity for the signing of the wedding certificate. It is also very welcoming for guests to approach the bride and groom and give their blessings.

Should I rent double the chairs for the ceremony and reception?

You should consider renting double the chairs for the ceremony for several reasons. Rent double the chairs if: you have a large percentage of elderly guests, your reception is quite a distance from the ceremony, you do not have many ushers, your venue does not allow chairs to be used outside, your wedding planner does not have a better idea of quickly moving chairs from the ceremony to the reception area. You do not need to rent double of 1 variety of chair. If you desire to have a padded garden chair, for instance, at the ceremony for photogenic reasons, you could opt for the basic poly chair at the tables. Instead of renting double, you could hire someone to move the chairs from the ceremony to the reception. This could be an option as a hot summer wedding might not be the best situation for your groomsmen to move hundreds of chairs while guests impatiently await the delicious smelling dinner! If you do not rent double the chairs, have the DJ or Officiant request the guests grab their chair and make their way to the reception area. You can also prepare a cocktail hour or other activity to commence while the groomsmen move the chairs. In total, it takes about 10 minutes to move the chairs, but a little planning can make the transition smooth and effortless!  

How many guests will come to my wedding?

You should expect 75% of your RSVP list to actually attend your wedding. More local guests will arrive vs out of town guests. Smaller weddings have a higher attending percentage vs larger, less intimate weddings. There are many nuances with estimating the exact number of guests who will actually attend. Approx 75 percent of guests who RSVP actually attend a wedding, but you should still reserve enough seating for the full amount of guests who RSVP. Unless a drastic cut in the budget is necessary, the small amount of cost to reserve a few extra chairs is more beneficial than the risk of not having enough seating. That said, I have never come across a wedding without enough chairs or tables. The choice is ultimately yours, be sure to check the contract with your rental company and remove any unnecessary tables and chairs as your RSVP’s start rolling in.  

How Many Chairs fit at a round table?

How many chairs fit at a 60″ round table?

Up to 8 chairs fit around a 60″ round table. Standard folding chairs take up less room, while chivari chairs might deserve fewer placed at each table. A general rule of thumb is 1 60″ round table per 10 foot square (100 square feet)

How many chairs fit at a 72″ round table?

Up to 10 chairs fit around a 72″ round table. 72″ round tables are very large and have plenty of room for large centerpieces.

How many chairs fit at a 48″ round table?

Up to 6 chairs can fit at a 48″ round table. 48″ round tables are terrific for smaller spaces or smaller weddings as you can have more tables instead of a few large tables.

How many chairs fit at a 36″ round table?

Up to 4 chairs can fit at a 36″ round table. 36″ tables are also popular for cake tables and sweetheart tables. Bistro hight tables often come in 36″ round tables and are a great addition around the dance area!

How many chairs fit at a 30″ round table?

Up to 3 chairs can fit at a 30″ round table. This size table is also popular for a cake table and a sweetheart table. You will commonly find a 30″ round table as a cocktail, or bistro, height table, which, like the 36″ table, is perfect for any common mingling area near the drink or dancing area! Tables that have 4 folding legs instead of 2 often intrude on leg space and will make eating difficult. Take into consideration where the legs of the tables are and how the legs of the table will interfere with the chairs and guests who sit at them.

How many chairs fit at a 6-foot banquet table?

6 chairs fit around a 6′ banquet table. You can also seat 2 more on the ends of a 6-foot rectangular table, but do not calculate that if you plan on butting up the tables to create longer family-style seating. The 6′ banquet table is very common for gifts, food and a dessert or cupcake table.

How many chairs fit at an 8-foot banquet table?

8 chairs fit around an 8′ banquet table. This table can also seat 10  chairs if you add 1 to each end. I have also seen benches used on banquet tables which can seat a larger amount of guests, especially children. Keep in mind the difficulty of leaving a bench while seated in the center.

How many chairs fit at a 4-foot banquet table?

4 chairs comfortably fit at a 4′ banquet table. I would not suggest adding any on the ends as you also need room for a centerpiece, drinks and plates. 4′ rectangular tables can be great for an entrance table where a guest book might be awaiting signatures.