How to Make Banquet Seating

Banquet seating is one of the most important features of your special event. Guests spend the largest amount of time at their tables, so you want to put them in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Plus, new friends and business contacts can be made during the banquet, so it is also important to think about the seating chart. How you set up your banquet seating will be determined by whether you will use round or rectangular tables. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Circular Table Seating

1

Bring in and set up all of the tables you will use for the event into the room.

2

Align a horizontal row of tables nearest the stage or speaking area first. Make sure there is at least four to six feet of spacing between the tables.

3

Stagger the next horizontal row of tables behind the first. Make sure that the tables in the second row are lined up off of the space in between the tables in the first row. Make sure tables in the second row also have a four to six feet of space between them.

4

Line up the third row of tables so it matches the first rows alignment. For each successive odd and even row, line up the tables to match the first two rows.

5

Decide how many people will fit comfortably at each table and set up the chairs accordingly.

Rectangular Table Seating

6

Bring in and set up all of the tables you will use for the event.

7

For banquets with a speaker, set up the main table or stage first.

8

Using two tables at a time, connect the front, inside corners of the two tables to create a wide-angle V-shape. Make sure the point of the angle faces the main table or stage. Line up the tables in the same V-shape behind the first one, as needed or as space will allow.

9

For banquets without a speaker, set up tables in a classroom style. Use straight rows and columns. Make sure there is enough space in between the rows for guests to move comfortably.

10

Decide how many people will fit comfortably at each table and set up the chairs accordingly.