A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT TABLES FOR YOUR EVENT
The humble event table. An often overlooked yet crucial element of planning an event. Other than the practical elements such as seating arrangements, or the decorative features that adorn it, tables are barely considered by the majority. Yet there is more to event tables than simply covering them in cloths and plonking your drinks on them.
The event table forms the foundation of your party space. Similar to how you would consider the furniture in your home, planning out not just the size and shape of your event tables, but the layout and style will elevate your room to new levels.
Too big, too many, or the wrong shape and your space feels cluttered and badly thought out. Too few or too small and your guests feel cramped and uncomfortable.
The type, size, and arrangement of tables can significantly impact the flow, aesthetics, and overall experience of your event. The upshot? Choosing the right tables for your event can make all the difference. Here’s how to do it right.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TABLES FOR YOUR EVENT – WHAT TO CONSIDER
THE TYPE AND PURPOSE OF YOUR EVENT
Corporate events, conferences, weddings, parties, gala dinners, and awards ceremonies each have a different purpose. Each demands a set-up to guide guests and encourage certain behaviours. The nature of your event therefore dictates the type of tables you need.
Round tables for instance encourage interaction and conversation, while rectangular tables provide space for equipment and materials at a conference or corporate away day. Need your guests to mingle, network and keep the energy flowing at an event? High-top tables will serve that purpose.
THE SPACE AND SHAPE OF THE ROOM
At TLC, our aim is always to make every guest feel like a VIP. There is nothing worse than too many tables cramped into a room. Apart from too many settings being squeezed onto a table. As a guest, being positioned on a corner or either side of a table leg leaves you feeling like an afterthought.
Depending on the shape of your room – long banqueting tables are often the best way to eke out more space. Never lay them around the edges of the room leaving a large area in the middle, it feels awkward and will suck out the atmosphere. Instead, lay long tables out like a medieval banquet to encourage interaction and create a festive vibe.
Round tables take up more room, yet they are easier to navigate for serving staff and as mentioned will encourage conversation.
If space is tight then remember Perspex or glass tables can create the illusion of more space.
In choosing the right tables for your event, guest numbers are key. Standard guidelines for the ratio of guests for the type of table would be:
- 60-inch round tables seating 6-8 people
- 72-inch round tables seating 8-10 people
- 6-foot rectangular tables seating 6-8 people
- 8-foot rectangular tables seating 8-10 people
Always create a layout plan and try it out in the actual room before making your final decision.
THE THEME AND DÉCOR OF YOUR EVENT
Gone are the days when clients simply opt for the venue’s standard trestle tables and cover them in a cloth. There is now so much choice for the type of table you choose for an event. Your event’s theme and décor should always align with your table selection.
Choosing the right tables for your event is as much about style as practicality. A rustic barn wedding or an outdoor banquet under the stars would be well suited to wooden farm tables or rustic trestle tables. While a sleek, modern gala may call for glass, Perspex, or metallic tables. And for our Stranger Things inspired party, repurposed science desks worked perfectly.
What is your style of centrepiece or table décor? Does it match your table style? And crucially, is the table robust enough to carry it?
Is there space for both the food and the table centres? Jostling décor and dining ware is another TLC bugbear. If there’s not enough space, then elevate your table centres to above head height or use suspended chandeliers hung over the tables to create more.
Consider table linens, centrepieces, and other decorative elements when choosing the table style to ensure your event feels well thought out. These handmade tables created a dramatic ‘football’ moment when guests arrived.
We’ve inlaid Perspex troughs filled with candles and flowers, to bring a table to life.
Also created floral table tops which we cover with Perspex, so you can see through to the abundance of blooms.
And at a recent event, we sprayed the tables to achieve the perfect colour. You name it. we’ve done it.
EVENT TABLE TRENDS – THE SERPENTINE TABLE
The serpentine table is having a moment within the world of events. A move away from traditional round or rectangular tables, serpentine tables are curved tables that can be paired together to create an extended, winding ‘s’ shaped table.
Not only are they extremely stylish but in terms of saving space, the serpentine table can be a real blessing. You can use a serpentine table to snake around pillars or awkward corners while also encouraging interaction in a similar way to the traditional round table.
The layout of the room looks simply stunning with serpentine tables weaving through it creating effortless flow.
RENTING VERSUS BUYING EVENT TABLES
If you’re hosting a one-time event, renting tables may be the most cost-effective option. Rental companies offer assorted styles and sizes to match your event needs. At TLC we often rent event furniture as it’s a way to ensure the style and theme of your event is carried through to every element without a huge investment. Similarly, it allows the flexibility to stay ahead of event trends and provides more choice for our clients.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing the right tables for your event can enhance your guest’s comfort, improve the event flow, and contribute to the overall aesthetic. By considering factors like event type, venue space, table shape, seating arrangements, and décor, you create an event that feels organised and well thought out. Whether renting or buying, taking the time to make an informed decision about your event tables will ensure your event is a success.
SNAKING YOUR WAY TO EVENT SUCCESS….
Check out the Knot’s guide to serpentine table styling and the hottest 2025 event trend: https://www.theknot.com/content/serpentine-table-wedding#:~:text=Unlike%20round%20or%20rectangular%20tables,a%20repeated%20%22S%22%20shape.