Event Seating Arrangements: Everything You Need to Know

Finding the right seating arrangement for your event can be tricky. Whether it’s a wedding where you might have to juggle challenges like exes attending the same event and singles who won’t want to be stuck at the “kids” table, an awards show where nominees should be near the front, yet not too close to their competitors, or a corporate event where things can be more “political,” the right seating arrangement can make or break your gathering.

In this article, we will share everything you need to know about event seating arrangements at banquet halls in Woodbridge to help you ace it.

Banquet Style Seating

This is the classic seating arrangement at banquet halls in Woodbridge, with round tables placed throughout the room. Tables can accommodate 8-10 guests, creating a nice arrangement that encourages conversation. Banquet seating is ideal for weddings, corporate/formal events, and large events such as awards nights, for example. 

The Pros of Banquet Style Seating

• Makes for good conversation

• Accommodates almost any number of guests

• Tables can be dressed to create a lovely setting for any event

• Makes assigned seating easier

The Cons of Banquet Style Seating

• Can be uncomfortable for those with their backs to the stage or head table

• People may feel confined to their table, so they might be less likely to mingle

• Can be challenging when creating assigned seating for some events

Cabaret Style Seating

Cabaret style seating is like a scaled-down version of banquet style, and using smaller tables that seat about four people. It is a more intimate seating arrangement for quiet conversation that’s commonly used where presentations or entertainment (such as for talent nights or workshops) are a central part of the event.

The Pros of Cabaret Style Seating

• Smaller tables make it easier for guests to stay focused on the main event

• Creates a more intimate seating plan that’s ideal for small groups to participate together in workshops

The Cons of Cabaret Style Seating

• Becomes complicated if trying to create assigned seating with so many tables

• Costs more if you are creating centrepieces

• Creates an inefficient seating plan, as the smaller tables actually take up more room

King’s Table Style Seating

This is either a single long table or a series of long tables that create distinct rows throughout banquet halls in Woodbridge for a gridded effect. This seating style has become popular at weddings, especially with limited guests, as it is very intimate. 

Many couples combine kings table style seating with family-style serving where guests help themselves to food placed on the tables. It’s a nice way to break away from convention to create a different look while optimizing venue space when using multiple tables. 

Along with weddings, this seating arrangement also works for casual events and various banquets.

The Pros of King’s Table Style Seating

• Creates a casual, intimate family feeling

• Allows for fun conversations across the entire table while equally suited to more intimate conversations among smaller groups seated together

• Looks fantastic with several centrepieces placed along the table, one long centrepiece, or hanging decor above the table

The Cons of King's Table Style Seating

• Can isolate guests seated at either end of the table

• In some cases, it can create an awkward serving situation for sit-down meals

• Can cost more when placing centrepieces along the entire span of the table

Horseshoe Style Seating

This configuration uses long rectangular tables to create a U-shape. It is an excellent way to encourage conversation and can work well for small weddings with the wedding party at the bottom of the U and guests on either side. It also works well for conferences, workshops, think tanks, and board meetings.

The Pros of Horseshoe Style Seating

• Encourages conversation among everyone at the table

• Allows everyone to feel involved in what’s happening

• Everyone can see each other

• Encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas

The Cons of Horseshoe Style Seating

• It is not ideal for large groups 

Cocktail Style “Seating”

This really isn’t a seating plan at all, as it is designed for people to stand and mingle. Tall cocktail tables are placed throughout the venue, creating opportunities for intimate conversations and networking with people going from table to table.

It is ideal for small weddings where a meal is not served, as well as cocktail parties, holiday parties, networking events for associations, and socially-focused events. 

The Pros of Cocktail Seating

• A very affordable option without the need for fussy centrepieces 

• Ideal for socializing

• Can be dressed up or down (based on the occasion)

• Does not require a costly meal, but can include finger foods

The Cons of Cocktail Seating

• Can’t include a full meal unless you consider a buffet

• Not good for events for people with limited abilities who can’t stand for long periods of time 

Hollow Square Style Seating

This is like the horseshoe style, but with an additional table that closes the U. It works well when there isn’t a “head” of the table, but can also work by seating those leading the event at the top of the square.

This seating arrangement is ideal for meeting-style events, workshops, and small social gatherings like weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, etc. 

The Pros of Hollow Square Style Seating

• Everyone can see each other to follow along with the meeting or contribute to conversations

• Makes a comfortable plan to either conduct meetings or enjoy a meal and conversation

The Cons of Hollow Square Style Seating

• Doesn’t work as well if you need to focus on a particular leader of the event

• Can waste space

• Not suitable for presentations

Assigned vs. Unassigned Seating

Guests and attendees of events tend to prefer the assigned seating setup. It spares them trying to find a seat, and also allows them to mingle in between speeches, courses, and entertainment. However, it can pose a challenge for the event planner who needs to contend with seating charts. 

Assigned Seating

The Pros:

• Provides a designated seat for everyone attending the event

• Ensures the most prominent guests have the ideal seats

• Helps keep better control of interactions (e.g., avoiding exes sitting too close together at weddings, or ensuring people competing for the same award aren’t at the same table)

• Ensures the correct meals are served to guests with allergies and special diet needs

The Cons:

• Can present a planning nightmare, especially at weddings where everyone wants to have a say in the plan

• Takes more time to plan

Unassigned Seating

The Pros:

• Allows people to choose their own seats

The Cons:

• Can be less comfortable for guests who might not know as many people and will have trouble finding a place

• Creates chaos when dinner is served with everyone scrambling to find a place

Contact the Event Professionals

Working with the best banquet halls in Woodbridge will make it easier to find the arrangement that makes the most sense for your event. Fortunately, the team at Château Le Jardin is here to help you plan your event with a free consultation to start things off right. To get started, contact us here.