Creative and intimate seating ideas for a small wedding (20 guests)

I had a very small wedding and we did very small tables and sat by household - this was due to covid but actually worked out really well. Almost everyone was a couple with the exception of one single person who we put with another couple at a bigger table (again, social distancing). The group was small enough that the tables were super far apart, we could easily address everyone for toasts but allowed for people to have mini dates almost. I do like your horseshoe shape idea, but a table of 20 is super hard to have conversation with those not next to you regardless of shape. Could be worth exploring.

Tables were not* super far apart

The horseshoe works too. We had 15 guests and put three farm tables together, like you’re suggesting. It worked well! Here’s a pic.

My issue with long tables is that realistically, you can only speak to the people next to you. Sometimes, its hard to even speak to the person across from you. I personally would prefer round tables, but the long tables are beautiful in pictures.

What about taking the shorter farm tables if available and making them a square guests only seating on outside. . It creates the beauty of long tables but the the more open conversation and flexibility of round tables.