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It's hard to believe that it's almost November and 2024 is wrapping up. And so, of course, we're already wondering what weddings will look like in the new year! We've been gathering ideas for what to expect from wedding professionals and as for reception spaces, we're reading all over that for weddings in 2025, more couples will be choosing to seat their guests at elegant, long tables for dinner.
This arrangement is also often called banquet seating. Each guest is encouraged to interact with the guest directly opposite and with guests to either side. It's usually considered a more formal style of seating, reminiscent of a grand manor’s proper dinner affair.
Yes, this seating style looks terrific at very formal, glamorous affairs, but it looks equally pleasing in more casual, rustic or outdoor settings. First, picture stark white tablecloths on rows of long tables enhanced by towering grand floral centerpieces in a luxe, romantic ballroom, crystal chandeliers above and all aglow in warm, flickering candlelight.
And now imagine long tables with gauze or burlap runners garnished with a tablescape of wildflowers in small, clear vases under a white tent on a sunny, summer’s day. Both settings work fabulously when graced with long, banquet tables.
Honestly, there are just a few negatives when it comes to utilizing banquet seating. First, a smaller reception space may have a hard time accommodating the longer tables, so the venue might look or feel a bit cramped. Also, it may not be as quick and easy for guests to navigate around as they can within a composition of round tables. And finally, it can be a bit more difficult to group and make the guest seating assignments when planning the reception layout and seating chart.
But banquet seating with long tables has many more positives than negatives, with true versatility being perhaps the very best attribute. The long tables can be set up in just two to three very long rows or in several smaller groupings depending on the size and shape of the venue. Newlyweds can either fit right in and be seated at a separate long, head table or alternatively stand out at a (more popular) sweetheart table at the reception.
When compared to round tables, long, rectangular tables can also fit more seated guests within a given space. Plus, it's easier for guests to have conversations both with those seated next to and across from them.
And long, banquet tables can be customized so easily with special chairs, linens and decor to match each couple's own wedding style and theme. From a minimalist design to an extravagant display of floral centerpieces and candles, an arrangement of long tables always makes a statement!
Take a look now at some wonderful examples of long, banquet seating from weddings we’ve filmed!
Stefanie and Mark held their fabulous wedding at the elegant Crystal Plaza, and incorporated a formal banquet seating arrangement with several groups of long tables. These tables were all beautifully and conveniently arranged around the dance floor.
Tenniel and Michael's Bear Brook Valley wedding event had a contemporary, rustic chic vibe, and wooden chairs flanked each lovely, long reception table. Be sure to see the large, modern feathery centerpieces that adorned many of their tables.
The fabulous vineyard venue, Brook Hollow Winery, made the perfect setting for Alexandra and Tyler's rustic reception, with rows of long tables set up under white market string lights. The cozy space had lovely pine wood planks covering the ceiling and walls adding even more warmth to the casual, country surroundings.
And going back a few more years now, Kirsten and Michael chose simple yet elegant banquet style seating at their gorgeous, fully open air, outdoor summer wedding. The market string lights and creamy white tablecloths on the long table rows added marvelously to the farmhouse flair!
All very different wedding styles, each with chic banquet seating that was perfect for the event!
