There are pros and cons to all shapes and sizes of tables when it comes to planning a wedding reception. But with some careful planning and knowledge about your chosen venue, you can be sure that you select the right tables to suit your wedding, regardless of whether you are planning around Italian wedding styles or another.
In modern weddings, the imperial style – rectangular table – has gained in popularity. Traditionally, there are occasions for long, rectangular tables to be used for the bridal party, as the bride, groom and their families often sit together facing the rest of the reception guests. This is changing to be a bit more “integrated” in its approach, and in many cases, the rectangular table is being placed in many current wedding reception plans.
Before deciding whether the regal feel of long, rectangular tables are right for your wedding, it is essential to know the venue shape and size in order to determine whether rectangular tables are even feasible.
While there are traditions and reasons for many different table shapes, which shape the reception and its look, feel and interaction possibilities between guests, the rectangular table’s popularity reveals its own pros and cons.
Table shapes shaping the reception: Rectangular
Pros:
- Long, rectangular tables offer a wow factor (the longer the table, the more “wow” there is!)
- Rectangular tables can save you if you have some space problems. You can connect a number of rectangular tables to save space.
- Growing popularity makes it easier than ever to source rectangular tables and table cloths/coverings
- Wider options and creativity possible in terms of table decorations and centerpieces
Cons:
- As lovely as it can be, the longer the table, the more difficult for photographers to manage
- Guests have a longer way to walk around the table(s) to leave for bathrooms or dance floor or buffet table, etc.
- Guests may not get to speak to as many other guests seated at the same table with a rectangular structure
- Even though rectangular tables are becoming more popular, it may still be difficult to source tablecloths, particularly in non-standard colors or patterns – you may have to custom-order these kinds of fineries
