How many tables for a wedding? Maths, sizes and seats per table
The maths fits on one line, but it depends on the tables available and on the room. The figures below are the ones most caterers and hire companies use; always check them with your venue, which knows its tables and its safety rules.
The formula
Number of tables = guests (excluding the head table) ÷ seats per table, rounded up, + 1 spare table.
Example: 120 guests, 8 of them at the head table, with tables of 10: 112 ÷ 10 = 11.2, so 12 tables, plus one spare, which makes 13 tables and the head table.
How many people per table?
Allow about 60 cm (2 ft) of table edge per guest to be comfortable (a little less for children).
| Table | Comfortable | Tight maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Round Ø 120 cm (4 ft) | 6 | 7 |
| Round Ø 150 cm (5 ft) | 8 | 10 |
| Round Ø 180 cm (6 ft) | 10 | 12 |
| Rectangular 180 × 80 cm (6 ft) | 6 | 8 (with the ends) |
| Rectangular 240 × 80 cm (8 ft) | 8 | 10 (with the ends) |
These are rough figures: the width of the chairs (and of the dresses) changes everything, so ask the hire company.
Quick examples (round tables of 10)
| Guests | Head table | Tables of 10 | With a spare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 80 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| 100 | 8 | 10 | 11 |
| 150 | 10 | 14 | 15 |
| 200 | 10 | 19 | 20 |
What about the size of the room?
For a seated dinner, people often allow 1.2 to 1.5 m² (13 to 16 sq ft) per guest, not counting the dance floor and the buffet. Ask for the room’s “seated dinner” capacity, which is much lower than its “standing reception” capacity.
Round or rectangular?
- Round: everyone can see and talk to each other. It feels friendlier and makes it easier to mix circles.
- Rectangular: more people fit in the same room, and long banquet tables have a lot of charm. On the other hand, you only talk to your closest neighbours.
Don’t forget
- Children: a children’s table with an entertainer, or children next to their parents?
- Suppliers (photographer, DJ): is the caterer feeding them, and where do they eat?
- High chairs and wheelchair access.