Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Crowdsourcing - wedding layouts (slightly desperate)

So, we recently realized that we are approaching the four month mark. As in, we have about four months before we get married. Exciting and also terrifying, because we've mostly been busy procrastinating. After intense and stressful research, we booked the venue, signed a catering contract and hired a photographer. Then we gave each other high fives and stopped doing anything for a while.

I've been adamant all along that we are going to do top down wedding planning. This means that we start with the big stuff and work our way down to the details. We don't buy stuff just because we think we might be able to use it. We don't try to force colors to work in a venue that doesn't want to cooperate. We're coming up with an overall scheme, deciding which details will make the most impact, delegating or dropping everything else and then meticulously creating lists of what we need in order to complete the projects we've chosen.

And we've been stuck on tables. I don't get stuck often. I tend to weigh the pros and cons, do a quick gut check and then move on. But we've been wallowing in table indecision for the last three weeks and it's preventing us from getting down to anything else. I feel ridiculous. Even in the throes of indecision, I know that the tables are ultimately not going to make that big a difference, but I still can't pull the trigger. D doesn't want to make the call because he doesn't have a strong feeling either way and I clearly do. It's a tough spot. Price is equal for the two layouts or I would have let the money decide.

The decision feels slightly more complicated, because we don't fit in the room we originally intended to use for the ceremony, so everything will be taking place in the same space. I'm not even willing to consider hiring people to move chairs around post ceremony, so people will be sitting at their tables for the entire ceremony and reception. This makes the flow of the evening a little more difficult as well, and I'm sure you'll be getting another rambling post on that sometime in the near future. I apologize in advance, but what's the point of having a blog if you can't try to force strangers to help you make your wedding decisions?

Long tables

rectangles!
{rectangles! - to scale image of  the layout, click to see more detail}

Pros
feels like a family dinner
photographs well
easy for us to walk up and down the rows and chat with people
slightly bigger dance floor

Cons
harder to move around (is this true? the furthest you'd ever have to walk is 16 feet, which doesn't seem like much to me)
can only really talk to the people directly next to you and across from you
and the biggest one - our venue is a courtyard with a somewhat uneven surface, and I worry that it will be really hard to get the tables even


Round tables

66" rounds!
{66" rounds! - to scale image of  the layout, click to see more detail}

Pros
easy to walk around
more conversational (so I've been told)
less likely to look wonky on uneven ground
requires less in the way of centerpieces (um, we calculated the square footage of centerpiece for each layout)

Cons
more wedding-y, less family dinner
aesthetically less pleasing to me in our space
less defined aisle? (I think I'm just tacking this one on here to try to bolster support for the long tables, honestly)

So, if anyone made it all the way through that, thoughts? Specifically, as party guests, do you have a preference? Should I abide by the pros and cons lists and just go with the round ones? Sorry for the completely narcissistic post - I promise that once we get this settled (and a couple of other nagging issues - SoCal DJs that won't make me want to die and that I can potentially afford, anyone?) we'll be moving onto the more fun parts and the pictures will be prettier.

Edited to add: You guys are amazing! Thanks so much to everyone who has chimed in. Hearing everyone's opinions and experiences does make it easier. I probably should have noted a couple details - we will be doing arranged seating regardless of whether we use round or long. I don't want any awkward high school cafeteria moments where people have to seek out empty seat. Also, our round tables are 66" wide and will seat 10, just barely (we did check in person) so they aren't quite as large as the 6 foot tables you sometimes see. Our rectangular tables are 30" across, which is pretty comfortable distance for talking to the people on the other side (again, we checked in person). The rectangular tables are arranged with restaurant standard room between them so hopefully it wouldn't feel anymore crowded than a restaurant. Marrying an architect has major perks.

71 comments:

  1. We had long tables at our wedding, and there were a few reasons I didn't like them.

    1. The tables were pushed up against the walls to make room for a center aisle. I felt like I (especially in my poofy dress) couldn't get to the people at the ends to say hello.

    2. Our aisles between tables (in your picture, the ones parallel with the y-axis) weren't very big and I felt like I was smacking people in the head when I tried to walk between them.

    3. We had fewer people show up than we anticipated and I felt like the long tables really displayed that. (We didn't use assigned seating or anything, so that probably contributed.)

    Good luck making the decision...I kind of ignored the reception until the end of planning (thought about it two weeks before the wedding) and I wish I could go back and put this kind of thought into it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love that you went to the trouble of drawing diagrams. Personally, I would go for the long tables because I think you're right that it is more family-dinner-esque and that has a lovely feel to it. Having said that, all the weddings I ever been to have had round tables and there might be a very good reason for that - like Amy said above.

    I'm sure it will be great whatever you choose!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's funny, I think we are just about at the same wedding stage as you guys and man, will I be glad when the day finally gets here. The wedding planning can be such a pain! Today we meet with our caterer to discuss our tent layout. I think we are going with a mixture of long harvest tables and circular cocktail tables. We have decided to cut out a sit down dinner, so our seating doesn't have to be for everyone during the reception. Happy wedding planning and just remember it will all come together in the end. Atleast, that is what everyone tells me. It will be perfect because you are getting married:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would go with the long tables, because the round tables look a little cluttered in the room and actually seem like they leave less overall space than the long tables. Also, I feel like even though the round tables make it easier to see everyone and talk it often gets so loud that it's still hard to talk across the table. You would also need shorter centerpieces on round tables for people to see each other.

    So those are my thoughts, but I can't say I have much knowledge on wedding planning so take it with a grain of salt! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It seems like you really want to go with the long tables, and you're just looking for some support behind the decision. Go for it! I do like the feel of long tables, especially if there's enough space to walk all the way around them. People will be up dancing soon enough, so don't worry about it - either way would be great, so just go with your gut.

    ReplyDelete
  6. New reader here!

    As a guest, I prefer round tables. We can all see each other easily and talk easily (as you said, more conversational). Other than that, I'm just partial to round shapes, I guess. But really, I don't think the long tables will be a problem and you seem to like them so I vote you go for long tables! Or maybe you could go crazy and have some of both! ::gasp::

    ReplyDelete
  7. I also like the long tables. I had round tables at my wedding and though they are nice it seems more crowded as people back up their chairs into one another and such.

    The long tables look nice, like a really beautiful gala dinner or something. And it is unique!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I know it is not helpful- but go with the ones that you really like the best. It kind of sounds like you prefer the long tables? I personally really like the look and feel of long tables for weddings and parties... the center pieces can be spread down the length with candles and/or bud vases/pretty leaves or whatever you like between them...

    but honestly, to echo Mary's comment- either one will be great and just go with your gut.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think visually long tables work better however round tables make for a better wedding atmosphere as it's more sociable. On long tables you can only really speak to 3-4 people at one time and it's hard to keep a group conversation going without swapping seats. On round tables people get to know their table mates better and so feel more relaxed when it comes time to dance.

    We had the same problems in deciding for our wedding (last october). We went for round tables in the end and the usual british traditional thing of a long top table. I actually hated the long top table when I was sat on there as I felt really exposed and too much on show (strange for a bride I know but I hadn't thought it through properly before that I don't like being stared at!)

    Even though I'm sure you want amazing photos, the real point of the day is that you feel relaxed, your guests feel relaxed and that people truly have a memorable experience all together! Round tables seem to have more laughter around them so that was why we went with them in the end.

    ReplyDelete
  10. We had long tables at our wedding and they were a hit! We got these long wooden tables that I rented. They ended up being more expensive than just using round tables, but it had been what I wanted all along and it really made such a difference. People loved them and the room looked so elegant. I love the family dinner feeling of them. Plus when you think about it, people only end up talking to a few people at a time anyway. And close friends end up getting up, walking around, and shuffling to talk to people at other tables so don't worry about that. Just get the one you really prefer; everything else will work itself out!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I personally like round tables. It is easier to have conversation with everyone at the table, instead of just whoever is next to you or across from you. Also I think centerpieces tend to look prettier on a round table versus long tables. I think round tables photograph better and make the room as a whole look more like a party/event rather than a cafeteria.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I say go with the long tables. For the following reasons: 1) I come from a family that LOVES to dance, and the more room on the dance floor for Great Uncle Stan to "get low" the better. 2) Everyone at weddings moves around a lot anyway. If most of the people there know each other, people will be swapping seats organically to talk to each other. If you'd prefer long tables and the biggest con is that people won't talk to each other, I think that you should keep in mind that people will move around whether at round tables or rectangles. 3) The long tables are more aesthetically pleasing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. i like the long guys. sounds like you do, too. go with your gut, friend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Long tables, 100%!

    Even if they're uneven, I feel like they are the superior choice. Just make sure you leave ample room between them and I would suggest splitting the four-table long table that is reflected center-right on your diagram into two shorter tables. A super long table can be cumbersome.

    Long tables also don't require the massive, space-hogging centerpieces that round tables require. I feel like you can get away with simpler, smaller arrangements scattered down the length of the table. This fills up the space and makes it easier to talk to people. I always feel like at a round table you can talk to two to four people max, but at a long table you have the ability to speak to four to eight people...or more.

    Two cents, deposited.

    ReplyDelete
  15. We did long tables at our wedding and I think it worked out really well. I don't feel like it limited anyone to talking to only a handful of people. I also liked that it made the room look less cluttered. And yeah, it felt less like a wedding or banquet and more like a family dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  16. rachel, go with the long tables. i had a friend do long tables at a wedding last summer and it worked out beautifully. also, it seems that people seated at long tables will have an easier time watching the ceremony. some of the people out round with have to turn their chairs completely around to see anything. plus, less room for dancing? case closed. :) good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  17. We had both long and round - it looks like long would give you slightly bigger dance space, no? The round seem to be better except for that point, however. Also - DJ: ours! He was amazing - and also sent us a CD of our playlist from the night. Plus - he (a) used to give a discount if you told him you found him on yelp and (b) is totally willing to negotiate on price... His email is exxxplosivo@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  18. It sounds like you want to do the long tables. Go with what you really want and not what makes most logistical sense :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. i am a fan of round tables, but you are a fan of long tables, and you are such a fine planner and hostess that you will obviously be able to pull it off with smashing success. go with your gut, and your guests will love it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Long tables! 100%!

    We did long tables at our wedding last October (so I guess I am partial) but, it absolutely doesn't present a problem for conversation. (People also talk to those directly behind them).

    We served our dinner family style (big platters and bowls of everything in the middle of the tables) so the long tables meant you HAD to talk to those around you...and it worked perfectly.

    We did put a TON of thought into our seating arrangement, which really really helped.

    If you are interested, pictures from our wedding in this post: http://runbetty.blogspot.com/2011/03/wedding-really-long-photo-essay.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm sorry, all I can focus on is that you're having a BORDER GRILL TRUCK at your wedding. !!! Awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  22. To me it looks like you've already made your choice with this statement: "(I think I'm just tacking this one on here to try to bolster support for the long tables, honestly)"

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm all about the long tables - they're pretty unusual here in England, where it's much more traditional to go for the round ones, but I think they just look so much prettier once they're decorated.

    Plus, as a couple of other people have mentioned, I don't think round tables are any more sociable - you can't shout a conversation around to the people opposite!

    Either way, good luck - I can't wait to see the results of the detail planning stages...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Go with the long tables. The aesthetic is spectacular and I doubt it will harsh the social atmosphere very much, especially if there will be dancing and a grill truck! Hehe. We had an outdoor wedding with long wooden tables and a mix of chairs and benches. People still moseyed around and socialized because we were outside in a beautiful place and there was fun to be had.

    ReplyDelete
  25. 1. Lady, you have PLENTY of time. P.was still in combat boots in Fallujah exactly three months before our tentative wedding date, and as soon as he hit terra firma in the US we planned our giant farm wedding. IN UNDER THREE MONTHS. And I'm nowhere near as organized as you. Feel slight relief; you have plenty of time.

    2. Long tables. I'd argue that you can only talk to the people on either side of you at a round table, whereas at a SLENDER long table you can talk to your wingmates AND the peeps across from you. Just make sure the tables aren't too wide- if possible go see the actual tables and sit across from your mom/D/whomever at the rental place to make sure you are nice and talky-close, but that two large dinner plates, glasses and flowers will still fit width-wise. We had narrowish long, long tables, and it was SO much fun and so boisterous and familial. I think it makes all the guests feel more included, too, and saves you the headache of divvying everyone up so much.

    3. Our reception was in a hayfield = uneven footing but perfectly FINE. Your vendor will make sure the tables are even.

    Pics of long narrow table sans guests:
    http://www.scottlewisimages.com/#/selected-wedding-stories/lily-pete/bro_060108_0760

    Pic from across table, avec fleurs:
    http://www.scottlewisimages.com/#/selected-wedding-stories/lily-pete/bro_060108_0981

    ReplyDelete
  26. We didn't do formal seating (three cheers for an all hors d'oeuvres reception), so I can't help you there. I mean, there were *some* tables for people who wanted to sit, but I spent the entire evening mingling and dancing. I will say, though, as a guest I'd much rather sit at a rectangular table. At circular tables, I always feel like I have the people on either side of me to talk to, but beyond that it's awkward. And on the centerpieces for long tables: simple is better in my book anyway. I'd rather have a conversation across a table over a runner and a line of votives than something taller any day.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'd go with round. I guess it depends on what the theme is for your wedding. If you don't want it to be too formal then go with the long tables, but round is usually easy to dress up or dress down.

    - Sarah
    http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. For me, i've gone with long tables because as a guest i actually find they are more social- contrary to popular opinion!
    With long table (unless you're on the end) you have about five other people you can comfortably talk to. With a round table (especially bigger ones that seat eight) i actually find its hard to talk to those across the table unless the whole circle is in the same conversation. So you narrow your conversation pool down to the two people either side of you effectively.
    In the last two weeks i've been to two weddings, one with either and i 100% preferred the long for social purposes!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I like the long tables in the space, from what we can see from the diagram. I think the con of harder to get around is no biggie, and I bet with very little work you could level the tables with some little inserts to go under the legs. The other issue for rounds is that many people will have to move their chairs around in order to see the ceremony and with the longs this isn't an issue.
    I got my first gray hair planning my wedding - it can be stressful and you want it to be perfect - but try to enjoy every little bit!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've worked in weddings since high school (which was only 5 years ago) and from my experience I would choose the round tables. They offer better conversation which is important when you dont know everyone at your table. They are also easier to move so if you end up needing more room for dancing they can easily be pushed to the side. There also is a huge difference in the balance which is important since they will be outside. Round tables are easier to smush in the ground in order to gain blance. Hope this helps and good luck deciding!

    -Emmy

    www.sprinklesoneverything.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. i say go with the long tables. having been to so many occasions (wedding and others) where round tables are used, i don't actually feel they're better for conversation (maybe it's just me?). mainly because for the person directly across from you, it's too far to actually carry a conversation. and realistically, you're only carrying a conversation with the people near you anyways. if there is an uneven surface, is there a way to stagger the long tables so that it's less noticeable?

    ReplyDelete
  32. My husband and I chose long tables for our wedding because we are designy people and thought it looked better. The more traditional crowd was really skeptical and said that it would be less conversational, but I think it was actually more conversational than being stuck at a table with 8 people. Guests ended up loving it, partying hard and in the end told us we were right :) It also makes choosing seats for everyone less complicated because you can stick a group of 15-20 together instead of trying to pair everyone together perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Long tables! I think you want them, but even if I hadn't picked up on that, I would still give the long ones my vote. First of all, as many have already said, once the music starts you can't really hear what's going on across the table from you at a round table, so long tables would allow you to have people on either side and the people a short distance away across from you to chat with. Secondly, people will be dancing, mingling, standing around at the bar, the actual sitting time is so minimal. I love the look of long tables in photos and it does feel much more like a family dinner. Go with your gut and we'll back you up with whatever you decide!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've been to weddings with both, and the table arrangement had absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the fun-factor of the wedding. That said, we originally had long tables planned for our own wedding (simply because they were free with the venue) then for some odd reason a month before the wedding I cracked and we ordered the round tables. It had much more to do with the way the tables looked in our particular space (the room was long and rectangular, I thought the long tables looked like a cafeteria) than anything else. I don't think one set up is more "family-ish" or "wedding-ish," but if you're bolstering support for long tables then go, girl, go!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I vote for long tables too! You seem to want them, and I love the look of them. They'll give a lovely family style feel to the whole event (and your photos) and they'll free up more room. I really wanted long tables for our May wedding last year, but round tables came "free" with the venue and so it just didn't make sense to rent a whole other set.

    As for a DJ, we worked with Eric at SoCal DJ (www.socal-dj.com/). He was fantastic - sweet guy, really into making sure that he does everything the way YOU want it, not too "talky" as a DJ (but will emcee where needed), and he played a good mix of music. And he's super reasonably priced. I highly recommend him.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You guys are so amazing! Thank you so much for all your input. It's true that I'm partial to the long tables, but I do want whatever layout will work best and be most comfortable for the guests, because I know that in the end the tables don't really matter. It's actually driving me crazy that I seem to have this irrational table obsession, because I'm normally pretty willing to go with the most rational decision.

    @ rachel and Rosemary - thanks for the DJ recommendations! It seems like one of the hardest vendors to find, because you have no way of knowing what they're like. We would probably just go with an iPod, because I have a fear of embarrassing DJs, but our venue doesn't have sound equipment and renting the sound equipment + delegating someone to handle it all night is such a hassle that we'd rather just hire a DJ. If we can find one that doesn't talk non-stop and make things awkward.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I think you should choose whatever makes you happy. You have such great taste and whatever you choose will be perfect. So if you're leaning towards the long tables and feel they work better in the venue then go with that!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Do the rounds. They look nice and your guests will thank you for feeling able to get up, move around and talk to people. Long tables have a nice feel, but when you're actually sitting in them it's a) harder to get out b)harder to talk to more than people directly in your area (as you noted) and c)more work for you to figure out who sits where at what table so couples aren't separated.

    If you're worried about the aisle (and this would bum me out, also)- can you move the two tables in the aisle? Can the left side be (in rows) 2 tables, 3 tables, 2 tables, instead of 3,3,1? Can the right side be 3,3,2,1 instead of 2,4,2,1?

    Best of luck! These kinds of decisions are the hard part!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Here's my 2 cents: I think that you should go with the long tables, because it seems like you like them more and if you have been thinking about this for 3 weeks, it means that it IS a big deal to you and you should go with your gut. The long tables seem like a better choice to me because it gives more space for dancing (if you're getting a DJ obviously dancing is going to be an important and fun part of the reception) and they also look more balanced in the layout. People are going to get up and mingle anyhow, so it won't be like they only get to be around their seatmates. And as far as the uneven ground goes, just make sure you have table levelers so that if there is a little unevenness, you can fix it.

    Good luck!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  40. We did round at our wedding, and I wish we had gone rectangular. The diameter of the large rounders (8 to 10 per table) is so big, and there's usually so much happy/boisterous noise, that talking to people beyond those sitting left or right is impossible. Plus, it's easier to make runners (burlap perhaps? ok, now i'm just reliving my own wedding wishes) for a square/rectangular table.

    http://fauxmadebysarah.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  41. we had round and long tables. round tables for the guests b/c it's more social for them and long table as our sweetheart table, kids table, and dessert/beverage tables.

    ReplyDelete
  42. If you're still concerned about the long tables being uneven, bring a some felt and foam with you when you set up, or get some furniture sliders (they're little discs with plastic on top and foam underneath that you can put under furniture to move it without scratching a floor). You can easily slip a piece of foam between the table leg and the ground wherever it doesn't match up quite right.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I was going to say round (thinking as a guest that it'd be easier to talk to more people at the same table and to walk around), but I've been convinced otherwise by skimming these comments. So I say, go with long!

    ReplyDelete
  44. go with your gut (sounds like you are leaning towards long!)

    the pros of long tables for me as a guest: feels more casual, more people to talk to since the table is bigger, easy to get up and move to another table to chat since it feels less permanent of a seat than at round

    i will say that when you are seated at round table with people you've never met, it is really awkward in a formal way unless you make an instant connection. that's happened to me several times. good luck! :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. I think that long tables look more interesting (you can do more interesting tablescapes I think), but the round tables are so much more functional for your guests. I hate getting up and down from a long table, and I hate that I can only talk to a few people and it limits conversation.

    Just my humble opinion as a former bride and many times a wedding guest.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Have you decided on the center pieces? You were considering succulents for a while. I think a long row of succulents would look best on the rectangles. I know you said top down, but I would pick tables that best compliment the centerpieces.

    My gut says rectangles, which is what I think you want, but I think Amy had some good points as to why they may not work.

    Oh! In regards to uneven flooring, go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy three trillion shims. That should help.

    ReplyDelete
  47. go with your gut. i had round tables at my reception and felt they were a little crowded to walk around.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I prefer round tables, aesthetically, but tend to prefer long tables as a wedding guest--being able to chat with many folks is a *wonderful* thing.

    Also, you prefer them. Go with what you prefer.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I agree that it sounds like you like the long tables more--so go with that! We had long tables and loved them. As a guest, I've never sat at long tables, but I always have the complaint that round table aren't conversational. They're so big that you end up only talking to those on either side of you. Looks like a winning floor plan!

    ReplyDelete
  50. it sounds like you have a favorite. Go with your gut!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I just planned my sister's wedding, so I understand.

    I say round tables. (She had round tables, and they worked great.)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Round tables, for sure. I think the long tables would look spectacular, but the round tables just make socializing easier. As a guest, you don't know what table you're going to be put at. Maybe you end up somewhere you want to stay and chat with that same group all night, but more likely not. The long tables make it really hard to mix and mingle with different groups.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Our venue came with long tables, so that's what we used. And we loved our long tables. Loved them. People didn't have issues moving around because there was enough space between them. (We also put three tables together in a line, max). As a bonus, it made family politics easier. My whole family (not young people) fit at one table of 24 and his whole family did too. Then we had giant cousin tables. It got rid of some of the Table 1 vs Table 2 pressure.

    I've sat at round tables and you only really talk with the people on either side. The same with long tables... but there were more sides (ours weren't so thick. Maybe 3 feet?)

    And for what it's worth, we did a single centerpiece cluster in the middle of each long table and candles down the table to fill in the space. It worked perfectly and was the same cost as round tables would have been.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I am a huge proponent of long tables. I think that they create a really cozy and intimate feel - they also photograph really well! If I see on the diagram correctly that you are having a Border Grill truck (which I love, great idea!) then I think that the long tables will fit the 'feel' of the evening better than the more formal and traditional round tables. And if you are concerned with guests not being able to talk and mingle as easily as with round tables, because everyone has to get up the get their dinner and dessert, it offers guests plently of time to chat with other guests.

    As for a DJ, I dont know what your budget is, but my favorite, non-cheesy DJ who is worth every penny, is Red Shoe LA.

    I hope this helps! Good luck with all the planning!

    ReplyDelete
  55. We had a similar situation (ceremony & reception in the same location). We used round tables because they were going to work best with our original location. When we had to move the wedding 3 days before the date, it was too late to change to long tables. They worked just fine, though.

    Regarding the aisle + round tables, I wouldn't worry too much about it. So long as there's an obvious, non-weaving-through-the-tables path, it works. My aisle was L shaped, to accommodate the table layout and maximize dance floor space. And speaking of the dance floor, I'd be tempted to use long tables for the sole reason that they give you more dancing room in your space.

    Round tables do seem wedding-y (I'm thinking about the ones I've been to, and nearly all had round tables), but it's probably because they "foster conversation" or whatever. Yes, you can talk to everyone at your table; but most people end up getting up and walking around to talk & mingle after eating anyway.

    I think what I'm really trying to say is that if you really want to use long tables because you think it looks better, then do it. But if you end up using round tables, it will still work just fine.

    (I also found that the easiest way to talk to everyone was to stand at the beginning of the buffet line. I wasn't hungry, but everyone else was. Plus, no navigating between tables & chairs, though we did that, too.)

    ReplyDelete
  56. rectangles, like how you explained it, family dinner style.


    http://www.heelsink.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  57. As silly as this is going to sound, I like the circles more than the rectangle tables. Circles kind of allow everyone to have random chit chat around the table, when they're not dancing of course!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Flip a coin, if you are disappointed in the result it is because you wanted the other one. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi Rachel,
    I never comment- but always read! Anyway, my boyfriend and I just got engaged and so now we're a bit in the same boat, I suppose I feel compelled to weigh in! haha
    Sounds to me like to really want the long tables, and you're seriously considering the round tables because that's the traditional way. Go with what you want!! Sounds to me like the long tables are it...
    Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Just FYI regarding using an iPod and speakers, Katie's fiance, Ray, actually does sound for a living and might be able to help you on that...
    Your cuz,
    Sarah :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hello,
    I just got married in October, and I didn't really have a choice so I had round tables. For you, I think the long would accommodate everyone being able to see your ceremony best. I love the look of long tables. My husband and I spent a tedious amount of time on the seating chart, and that is what really paid off. A tip- if you are using long tables, pay attention to who is sitting back to back with whom. That way, people can talk to everyone around them!
    Good luck!
    ACJ

    ReplyDelete
  62. Aside from the sense that it seems your heart is telling you long, I also prefer the long tables. We're getting married in 45 days in LA! (Am I counting?) We have a very small venue with limited dance floor space. We also wanted a family-dinner style vibe and I think long tables make more sense for that. It also looks like it will also give you more room for a dance floor. Would hate to shut the party down with limited room for dancing! Round tables are so wedding-y, and while they make sense in many venues, long tables are more contemporary. I think they fit better with a courtyard venue.

    Plus, even when you have a 10-person circle table, you really can only chat with the 3-4 people directly next to you. And, you can get away with more creative & sparse centerpieces on a long table that sort of scape the whole length, versus the huge piece in the middle you'd need at a circle. (To that end, have you checked out Holly Flora? They execute that look perfectly. We hired them and I'm so excited!)

    For DJs, I hear you. Like really hear you. We groaned at the idea of a "wedding DJ" and went to great lengths to find one that mirrored our own taste in music. We picked Patrick Belton. Hopefully, all goes well, but he seems to fit the bill well. Loves KCRW as much as we do, and has similar taste overall. We also didn't want a DJ that likes to talk a lot at weddings. Just sit back, read the crowd and don't play cheesy wedding music. :)

    ReplyDelete
  63. I didn't read all the comments...but I vote for the rectangles. I think people will end up dancing in the walkway/aisle if you go with the round ones. And you seem to like the rectangles better anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  64. hi lovely~ i actually would go for the round tables -- i think 30" is a bit tight for people to sit on both sides & have room for the glassware, centerpieces, etc. when i do long tables, i typically do "double-wide" *or* the 48" deep tables. as always, feel free to email me! i'm happy to send you some DJs who are reasonably priced and won't make you want to die. ;-) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  65. long tables all the way. you will not regret it.

    ReplyDelete
  66. i like the rounds, it seems more friendly to me and gives more room for circulation in that it is easier for people to get in and out of the tables. that way, not only you can visit but yours guests can too.

    ReplyDelete
  67. my wedding is 4 months away too! we had our pick too and decided on the long tables. i feel it just looks more fresh and current and i dont have to have as substaintial "centerpieces" on the long tables.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Totally email mike then- he is not that Dj at all! Actually what sold me was the fact he has a regular gig at wurstkuche! You should meet him for a drink and chat and/or go there one night when he's on? Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hola, imho the cafeteria analogies are uncalled-for - I doubt you are doing soggy mac cheese on wet trays on formica with chewing gum under.

    Anyway, I think small round tables are sociable, big ones less so. I also think that the essence of your dilemma is that you're semi-convinced that the conventional option is the practical one, but in your heart you prefer the long - less stuffy, more in keeping, different, great lead-in lines for photographs... And seeing as how a lot of your bloggity is about how your food looks (which I love) I think you'll be majorly gutted if you don't go for long, and it is a big deal, actually, even if you're annoyed it seems to be gaining disproportionate significance perhaps this is the one issue where you're sort of coming against convention and doubting yourself but, trust me, you really do need to go with your heart or you'll feel shitty about it.

    Ha! Sorry for the rambling and semi-nonsensical comment.

    In summary: Long or nothing.

    ReplyDelete

Trying captchas this time - better or worse than having to log in to comment? Let me know! Sorry for all the hoops but the spam has been terrible lately!