Rectangular Reception Tables

I think it'll look cool- the only draw back to the longer tables it that it becomes difficult for guests to get in and out, up and down form their seats when they are seated at the longer seats- especially in the middle.

We attended a wedding with rectangular tables last year and we loved it. It felt more like attending a dinner party, we could actually talk to everyone instead of only talking to the person on our right and left. I think those tables sat 8 people.

The only thing was that the surface area was smaller so our wine/water glasses got a little smushed with the centerpieces. I would keep your decor on the smaller side so it stays out of the way.

We did a family style meal and needed the surface area for all the trays and dishes of food, but otherwise we would have done rectangular tables too.

I really like the mix of tables, it will give the room dimension and some visual interest I think.

I went to a wedding recently that had a mix of tables. The rectangular tables and the round tables had 8 people each. Like in your photo, the end of the table was up against the wall and all the round tables filled in the middle of the room. The wedding had the venue pretty full, so that impacted the flow more than the size and shape of the tables.

About the venue being packed: the bride and groom were a bit disappointed about that. The venue told them that they can handle 200 people, so they had a wedding of 150 thinking it would give them some space. I couldn't imagine what it would look like with 100 people!

Thank you guys for your input! I really needed some reassurance. :-)

@sara d -- good point, I think I will go ahead and keep the 8' tables with four chairs on each side like the photo.

I was also planning to do smaller/shorter centerpieces for the rectangular tables and the taller/larger centerpieces on the round tables, so I really appreciate your comment @krisalicious. I think that will really make for an interesting look!

@sara p -- our rectangular tables will not be against any walls. They will be mixed in with the rounds...I wish I brought the floor plan we drew up last night to work today so I could post it. I'll try to remember to post it tomorrow.

Again, thanks ladies for sharing your thoughts!

I like the idea and am considering doing it myself as well. Of course, finding a venue would help!

If you put 4 people on one side of an 8' table, two will be straddling the table legs. Three people per side would be more comfortable.

I am doing the long tables for my wedding. I'm super excited. I wanted people to be able to talk to everyone at the table. I feel, like krisalicious, that it is better for conversation.

I have found that linens are more expensive. I am opting to buying my linen's online and after the wedding selling them. Just buying them was more cost effective for the price of renting at my venue. So, make sure you look into that.

I personally think 8 people at the table is fine. I'm doing it to save space and save on $$.

I used rectangular tables at our wedding. Initially, I was really nervous since all of the formal events I had been to only used round tables. It ended up being a great idea. It was definitely better for conversation but I wouldn't sit anyone on the ends since they will have a harder time conversing with the opposite person. 4 per side will fit comfortably as long as you take your decor into consideration or simply rent a larger table. I sat in the middle of our table (total of 10 people) and even with my huge dress I never felt crowded. I think using both round and rectangular tables will add a very unique and modern look to your wedding.

@alec m -- unfortunately we have to rent our linens through the venue and it is pricey just for basic linens. I asked about buying my own, and was told they have to have control over anything regarding set-up. I'm trying to figure out a way around it.

We are doing the rectangle and round tables as well. We are going with the standard 6 foot rectangle tables. After many hours of research I have found that the linens are cheaper for those and the tables are cheaper to rent as well. They will seat 8...3 on each side and 2 on the ends.

@Jennifer M -- sounds great! good luck!

Hi @CrystalS -- good point. our venue's standard chair are the Chivaris so that's what we will be using.

I did a mixture of rectangle and round. My rounds sat 8 and the rectangulars sat 10 (4 on each side and one on each end. We had more than enough space at the venue where our 104 guests had tons of space to move around in between tables. And we used the venues banquet chairs. Find out if your venue can do a mock set up for you.

Thanks @Andrea. The event manager at my venue did a mock up and says we will have enough space for everyone to be comfortable. He didn't think putting people on each end would be a good idea with the size tables that we are using, so we are just having 8 at the rectangles. I think it will work out nicely. :-)