We are having a cocktail reception with ~175 guests. We are serving a bit more than just appetizers and cocktails so I want to make sure that most people have some where to sit down and eat. However, I also want to encourage mingling. The tables at the venue are 60 inch round. How many seats should we provide? Thanks!
Well, I don't have a lot of experience with cocktail receptions, but in my opinion there should be a seat for everybody. I think people getting appetizers and cocktails does encourge mingling in and of itself.
I believe that normally that size table comfortably accomodates 8 chairs, so you would need 22 tables - I also agree that you should provide a seat for everybody. As long as you don't assign seating, people will naturally mingle - unless they are afraid that if they stand up they won't get to sit down again. If its clear that there aren't enough seats, I think that at least some people will be quite reluctant to mingle, as it will be clear that you have to defend your seat or get stuck standing.
I think it depends on how formal your reception is going to be! I'm from Georgia, and about half of the weddings I've been for have not had seating for everyone. As long as you have plenty of seats for anyone that is older/would like to sit, you should be fine. We are having about 130 people, and we will have 10 tables (9 people at each) and then 6 highboy tables where people can sit their food to eat.
We are having a cocktail reception with ~175 guests. We are serving a bit more than just appetizers and cocktails so I want to make sure that most people have some where to sit down and eat. However, I also want to encourage mingling. The tables at the venue are 60 inch round. How many seats should we provide? Thanks!
posted by nyemamaria 10 posts 7 months agoWell, I don't have a lot of experience with cocktail receptions, but in my opinion there should be a seat for everybody. I think people getting appetizers and cocktails does encourge mingling in and of itself.
posted by Candi1024 304 posts 7 months agoI believe that normally that size table comfortably accomodates 8 chairs, so you would need 22 tables - I also agree that you should provide a seat for everybody. As long as you don't assign seating, people will naturally mingle - unless they are afraid that if they stand up they won't get to sit down again. If its clear that there aren't enough seats, I think that at least some people will be quite reluctant to mingle, as it will be clear that you have to defend your seat or get stuck standing.
posted by suzanno 1,978 posts 7 months agoI think suzanno's input is spot on!
posted by AOEBuckeye 143 posts 7 months agoI think it depends on how formal your reception is going to be! I'm from Georgia, and about half of the weddings I've been for have not had seating for everyone. As long as you have plenty of seats for anyone that is older/would like to sit, you should be fine. We are having about 130 people, and we will have 10 tables (9 people at each) and then 6 highboy tables where people can sit their food to eat.
posted by ashlop2 73 posts 7 months agoif you need help with seating arrangements i recommend you download a free software that specializes in that.
i found it here: http://www.seatingarrangement.com/
Aimee
posted by brinkleyaimee 7 posts 6 months ago