I am still in the process of finding a venue. My favorite option has a 160 person capacity for our 150 person guest list HOWEVER, there is one issue - there are three sets of columns that would block the view for 6 tables of 8. I left a message with the coordinator to find out how "limited" this view is, but before I talk to her again, I'm looking for opinions and advice:
How much of an issue is it that some tables cannot see the head table and/or dance floor? Is there one or the other that is crucial to being visible to all guests? (example: everyone needs to be able to see the head table, but not necessarily the dance floor).
Does anyone know if there table shapes that are more space efficient? (for example, can more rectangle tables fit in a space rather than rounds?) I am wondering if I can fit more tables into the middle of the room by picking another shape.
The coordinator did mention that we may be able to reduce the size of the dance floor to fit more tables. I want to ask her if we can keep the size of the dance floor, but move tables. If your guest table was moved (not broken down, but moved off the dance floor), would this be an issue? I'm imagining that people want a "home base" to sit and keep their stuff, but will be OK moving to a limited view area once they are dancing, mingling, going to the bar, etc.
Any other ideas to maximize space? Maybe increasing the number of people at the head table to reduce the number of guest tables? (can I add parents to the head table? SO's of the bridal party?) Trying to get creative before I give up on this one, as it is in my budget....
