One of the questions I get asked a lot as a wedding planner and coordinator is how to set up a wedding reception layout, and I say, it depends! If your venue includes tables and you only want to use those, you may be limited in your choices - especially if they only have one style of table (i.e., all 5’ rounds). If you’re bringing in your own tables, or the venue has a large variety, then you can be creative! Read on to see some popular layout options and tips on how create an effective and aesthetic layout.

Popular Option 1: All Round Tables

A lot of venues that include tables will only have round tables (and maybe a couple of banquet tables - those are usually for catering, cards/gifts, etc.), but you can still have a beautiful design.

Typical size: 5’ or 60”

Number of guests: 6-10 (8 is ideal)

Tablecloth: 120” round

Popular Option 2: Mix of Round and Banquet Tables

A lot of couples like having a mix of circular and rectangular tables because it adds dimension to the reception space.

Typical size: Rounds - 5’ or 60”, Banquet - 8’ x 2.5’

Number of guests: 6-10 (8 is ideal) - if you’re doing 10 at a banquet table, put 4 on each long side and one on each end

Tablecloth: Rounds - 120” round, Banquet - 90”x156”

Popular Option 3: Sweetheart Table

Sweetheart tables are perfect for couples who want to enjoy each other’s company during dinner. You can also put a banquet table on either side if you want your wedding party and/or family to still sit close by - like a split head table (more on that next!) These tables are usually smaller (4’) or are a half circle, making them less imposing for only two people. It’s also a way to incorporate one of your wedding colors into your reception design - I see a lot of couples do white linens for their guest tables and another color for the sweetheart table.

Typical size: Rounds - 4’ or 48”

Number of guests: 2

Tablecloth: 108”

Popular Option 4: Head/Kings Table

Head and kings tables are perfect for couples who want to sit with their wedding party (kings table - and their significant others) during dinner. I highly suggest that you include their significant others; it’s not fun to sit without your partner and your wedding party members all deserve to be happy on the wedding day.

Typical size: 8’ x 4’ (if sitting people on both sides), 8’ x 2.5’ (if sitting people on one side)

Number of guests: 8’ x 4’ (6-9 - you can’t do 10 because that would require two people at the ends, and typically you have multiple kings tables pushed together so one end is blocked - or both for tables in the middle), 8’ x 2.5’ (3-4, with sitting people on one side, you typically wouldn’t want to sit someone on the end)

Tablecloth: 8’ x 4’ - 108" x 156", 8’ x 2.5’ - 90” x 156”

Top Tips for Creating Your Reception Layout

Table 1” should be the table closest to the door that guests will be entering through, not the table closet to the sweetheart/head/kings table. Continue numbering tables in a circle so it’s easy for guests to find their table
Use a seating chart platform (like Merri or Prismm) to create your layout. There are a lot of platforms out there, but these allow you to use your exact venue space to make sure all of the tables will fit and that there is enough space between each table. A lot of venues are already on one of these platforms, but you can also upload a floorplan and the system will create the venue for you. Bonus: these have 3D design elements so you can see what your vision will actually look like!
Leave room for things like the dance floor, bar, catering, etc. It’s a good idea to place those first and then put your guest tables on the layout because guest tables are typically easier to move around
Make sure to put everything on the layout including cake table, cards/gifts table, DJ booth, etc. so whoever is setting up the room knows exactly where you want everything

Creating your layout can seem daunting because there are many options and this is brand new to you. This is one of the many reasons why you should hire a wedding planner or coordinator so they can take this on and leave the fun stuff to you!

Vendor Credits

Photos 1, 4, 6, 7

Photo – Reflections Media Carolinas

Planner – SC Signature Celebrations

Venue – Bakery 105

Decorator - Sheer Main Events

Photo 2

Photo – Grace Belk Photography

Planning – SC Signature Celebrations

Venue – The Morehead Inn

Florals – Sweet T Flowers

Photo 3