When planning a major social event, one of the top priorities should be ensuring you have adequate seating for your guest and proper room setup. Because table setup can vary drastically, we have created some basic guidelines to assist with setting up the banquet tables and chairs for your next big event.
Type of Event Dictates Setup
The type of event you’re having will dictate the arrangement of the tables and chairs. For elegant dining events where the room is very spacious, it is recommended that each person have at least 14 square feet of space. This type of seating arrangement allows for a full-service aisle with table and chairs.
For restaurant or cafeteria dining, it is suggested that each person have 12 square feet of space. At least 10 square feet is recommended for banquets and buffets to comfortably seat your guests. If space is very limited, it is recommended that you allow 8 square feet of space per person, which includes the aisle.
Guest and Table Spacing
For lateral or side-by-side seating, allow 24 to 30 inches of space between each chair so that your guests have enough “elbow room” and are not cramped. If you’re planning to have armchairs or oversized chairs at the table, more space may be required.
Ideally, there should be 42 inches between the table rows, but not less than 36 inches, for adequate aisle space. Also, allow each guest approximately 18 inches from the edge of the table to the back of their chair. See below.
Seating Guest Comfortably
The following seating capacity guidelines will help you determine how many people will comfortably sit at each table. Read the suggested table settings below and refer back to this guide for your next event.
Round Table Seating Capacities |
A 36-inch table seats four people |
A 42-inch table seats five people |
A 48-inch table seats five people |
A 54-inch table seats six people |
A 60-inch table seats eight people |
A 72-inch table seats ten people |
Rectangular Table Seating Capacities |
A 24inch by 60 inch table seats two people |
A 24 inch by 72 inch table seats three people |
A 24 inch by 96 inch table seats four to five people |
A 30 inch x 72 inch table seats six people |
A 30 inch x 96 table seats eight people |
Common Banquet Room Setup Styles
Set your banquet tables up for more efficiency using one of the common banquet room setup styles found below.
Conference Style
Also, called the “board room style”, is recommended for groups that have less than 20 people. This arrangement can be setup by placing (2) six feet long rectangular banquet tables side by side. The chairs will be placed around the perimeter of tables.
Lecture Style
If your event consists of general meetings and/or lectures, the lecture style arrangement is suggested. This layout works well with almost any size group. Chairs are placed in rows one behind the other and are facing the front of the room towards a podium or head table.
U-Shape
For presentations that have less than 25 people, it is recommended that the room be set up in the U-shape arrangement. For this arrangement, simply place your 6 foot rectangular folding or banquet tables in a U-shape configuration and place the chairs on the outside of the tables.
Hollow Square
The hollow square setup is very similar to the U-shape. The major difference is that both ends are closed. This arrangement can accommodate more guests and is generally geared more towards discussions.
Classroom Style
The classroom style setup is primarily used when guest or participants have to do some writing or note taking. Seminar tables can be used to seat up to three guests who are seated on one side of the table and facing forward towards the lecturer.
Banquet Style
This setup is the most common one for banquets or meetings where meals will be served. Chairs are placed around round banquet tables. The tables usually are 8 foot, 10 foot, or 12 foot in diameter. Do not overseat each table and make sure each guest has enough “elbow room” to eat comfortably.
