As we mentioned in our last post about seating, sometimes this is a detail that gets overlooked. Let’s face it, talking about color palettes and flowers is a bit more fun! When you get right down to it, the beautiful items you add to make your wedding come alive only have a true place to shine if guests have spots to sit. 

Last time, we detailed the variety of ways you can style your ceremony seating. And, today, we’re chatting all about your reception seating. Trust us when we say, this is the good (and important!) stuff. 

Before we jump in, we thought we would highlight the importance of a seating plan. At its most basic, having a plan for your seating allows your team of wedding professionals to design your space. The number and style of tables present in your reception will guide your florist and catering teams, most importantly. Plus, your seating plans will impact where your guests go to take their seats! And, guests really do need to know where to sit. Though it may seem tempting to not assign seats, when guests are in situations where mingling is required, most will greatly appreciate being told where they’re sitting versus having to make a plan on their own and find a spot. 

With the importance of reception seating in mind, let’s explore much more about the seven most popular types of reception seating below! 

Farm Tables:

Farm tables are a favorite, particularly at outdoor garden or tented weddings, because you can skip adding linens overtop. They have a rustic quality that’s very on-trend, and because of that they lean more toward a slightly more relaxed style. We love them!

In terms of seating, a single farm house table will most often seat 6-8 people, depending on the size. But, you can always add guests on either of the ends. Plus, the ends also allow you to push tables together to allow more people to sit together. 

Rounds: 

If you’re planning a classic reception, guests sitting at round tables is likely what comes to mind. Linens placed on top become a must (a behind-the-scenes fact is the tables aren’t very pretty underneath!), and they create an easy way to add centerpieces to the middle. 

In terms of inviting guests to sit together, round tables most often seat 8-10 guests. That’s a major bonus because you can fit more people around each table. Additionally, sitting around a round table makes mingling a breeze because everyone can see each other. The only downside? You can’t push tables together, so the size is the size.

Mixture:  

You do not have to choose just one style for your reception tables and seating! Instead, you can combine several looks together. The most common thing to do to achieve this look is to pair long tables together with round tables in the space. The variation is wonderful for the eye, and it also means you can pair different centerpiece looks together with ease. 

Circular: 

Similar to a ceremony in the round, you can also place your wedding reception tables into one large circle. The community feel is a favorite among couples who have opted for this style!

When planning how guests will sit together, the circular look is actually achieved by placing long rectangle tables next to each other to form the circle. Similar to round tables, a benefit is guests can see each other from opposite sides, but they’ll be a little too far away to talk. You’ll also want to keep your reception space in mind. Due to the size of this style, an outdoor space with plenty of room tends to work best!

One Long Banquet Table:  

You have likely seen single banquet tables on Pinterest. The look involves placing long table after long table next to each other to form one community table where guests dine together on either side. The feeling is definitely celebratory and intimate even though the length might appear never ending. To save space, think about weaving the table through a room or tent if al fresco dining is out of the question. 

Although it’s one long table, you will want to number it in sections to help your catering team and their staff to know where guests are sitting. This also might be an opportunity to vary your centerpiece looks! The only downside? The sheer size of the table means guests are unlikely to mingle with those not sitting by them. 

High-tops + Lounge:

If you’re hosting a micro or intimate wedding, you might feel inspired to plan a cocktail reception. With a smaller guest count, guests will likely be eager to mingle and meet everyone in attendance! 

Although it might be tempting to forgo tables and chairs entirely, keep them in your wedding budget. Guests like to be able to sit, or at least lean, at a table while enjoying appetizers and cocktails. Rather than focusing on high-tops alone, consider interspersing a lounge area or two complete with plush arm chairs, sofas, and coffee tables. 

This is the one time when we will say you can forgo assigning seats. Just make sure there’s a spot for everyone!

Sweetheart vs. Head Table vs Interspersed:

Most of your time making decisions about reception seating will be focused on your guests. However, don’t forget about you and your love! You will want to decide whether you will sit at a sweetheart table, a head table, or interspersed with your guests. 

Sweetheart Table: Choosing to move forward with a sweetheart table means you and your partner will sit at a table together alone. Your table will feature its own florals and details, like chair signs, and you will likely be placed overlooking the dance floor. Perfect for couples who don’t mind a little extra attention, this seating style is a classic.

Head Table: Opting for a head table means you will sit at a long table (most often!) with your full wedding party. If your wedding party isn’t massive, you can also invite your bridesmaids and groomsmen to sit with their spouses or significant others. Head tables allow everyone to sit together and there’s still plenty of attention on you. But, you get to share the wealth, while spending quality time with your closest family members and friends. 

Interspersed: Now and again couples want to simply sit with their guests rather than sitting by themselves at a sweetheart table or with their wedding party at a head table. And, we love this option because it creates a true community feel. If your guest count isn’t too large, you can even leave two seats empty at each table so you can move around throughout dinner and desserts to greet every guest. 

With the variety of reception seating styles in mind, how will you design your reception space? What will work best for your wedding? Let us know in the comments!