The traditional wedding consists of two parts: the ceremony and the reception. While the ceremony is certainly why everyone is there, to see the couple say their vows and be unified as husband and wife, the reception is often what they are most looking forward to. Every reception is different as each couple chooses to prioritize different reception activities, whether they include a grand meal and formal speeches or a live band and a busy dance floor. Whichever activities you choose to prioritize and whatever overall look you are going for will ultimately dictate what your reception layout will look like, but if you look at common banquet layouts, it is easy to identify 7 unique patterns that each have their own utilities.

Classic Banquet

The classic banquet layout is a classic for a reason. It is simple to set up and elegant to the eye. This layout consists of round banquet tables that are evenly spaced across the venue floor, facilitating ease of flow and movement around the venue. Round tables are ideal for encouraging conversation, as guests sat in the round are able to make direct eye contact with every other guest at the table without having to crane or lean. Spacing these tables out across the floor makes it easy for guests to get up and mingle with other tables as well, all without having to awkwardly scoot behind rows of chairs. 

Parallel Rows

Another very common layout includes long parallel rows of tables with seating on either side. This layout is the optimal space saver, as tables arranged in this way make better use of a venue’s square footage than any other layout. This layout also facilitates a more communal feeling to your reception, allowing several guests to occupy one table in a family-style seating arrangement. The one downside to this layout is that it can be inconvenient to need to walk all the way along the length of the table row to get to something on the other side.

Angled Rows

An angled layout is a great choice for small or multi-functional event spaces. By angling rectangular tables to the side, you can squeeze them into awkward spaces where they would otherwise not fit. Angled tables are also great for when you want to face guests toward a central point, perhaps where you place your head table or where speeches will take place. Another great use is for when you want your reception space to double as your ceremony space but don’t want to have to set up tables in the middle of your event. For this, angle the tables toward the ceremony spot with an aisle in the center and face all chairs toward the front. After the ceremony is over, guests can simply turn their chairs toward the tables, and the reception can resume immediately. 

Standing Room Only

Sometimes your reception lacks the space or the necessity for full banquet seating. In this case, you can plan a reception space with standing room only. While this layout may not be ideal for a plated meal or full buffet, it is perfect for cocktail hour or a reception with light hors d’oeuvres. Hightop bistro tables scattered about the room are the perfect size and height for guests to rest their glasses and small plates on as they mingle, but they take up a very minimal amount of space. The downside to this layout is, unsurprisingly, the lack of seating available. You can combat this by providing a few chairs along the perimeter of the room for guests to take advantage of should they need a break.

U-Shape

The U-shape layout is ideal for a reception with a smaller guest list, as it allows everyone to sit at one table and feels more intimate. Often with this layout, the bride and groom will sit central to the table at the base of the horseshoe with their bridal party or close family members to the side of them. The legs of the horseshoe are then filled with their other guests. This seating arrangement allows the couple to easily view every guest at their table, and vice versa, it allows the guests an easy view of the couple. A common variant to the U-shape layout is the T-shape, which has one central leg instead of two, and it can be a great alternative for a narrower space.

Hollow Square

While not the most common layout for wedding receptions, the hollow square layout certainly has its place. Arranging tables in an open square with seating only along the outside edge creates the perfect center stage in which to have your first dance, give speeches, or have some other kind of entertainment. If you choose the use this layout, just make sure to leave spaces in between the tables so the center of the ring is accessible.

Mix It Up

Reception layouts are never one-size-fits-all, so the perfect layout for you is likely a combination of two or more of these. Depending on the constraints of your venue and the overall style of your event, don’t be afraid to use a variety of table shapes, sizes, heights, and placements to create the layout that is right for you. As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and that can be true for your reception layout as well.