Different tables at the reception

I think it just depends on what you want going on. We had a table for gifts/cards, a dessert table, a table for the apps & a table with coffee, tea and apple cider.

Depends on what's going on at your wedding. A table for gifts/cards and to sign a guest book is common. We had a mimosa bar at our wedding, so guests could get champagne and then customize their cocktails. A lot of people will also have a table for escort cards and then use the same table for favors. Candy or dessert buffets will also use a table if you're doing that.

At my wedding I had: remembrance table, guest book table, non-alcoholic drinks table, cake/dessert table, gift table, appetizer table. The dessert table was also used for apps earlier in the evening, and the drink table was later used for pizza also.

We will have a table for the cake, and a table for cards/gifts, with no signs. No other tables.

We had a table for cards/gifts and our guestbook, which our DOC flipped during dinner to put the favors out on.

Then a table for the cake.

Plus the normal ones for appetizers, coffee, bar, etc.

I'm including an extra table for: cake, guest book, gifts/cards, candy buffet, and favors! All drinks will be served from the bar, apps will be passed, and the venue is taking care of the tables for the food (buffet style, including dessert).