rebel tables and chairs

No, I'm not talking about musical chairs, which could be fun too depending on the event. I'm talking about table configurations and table sizes! Just because you have all round tables or all rectangular doesn't mean you HAVE to use all of them or seat it that way. One of my most favorite things to do is mix and match these tables. Don't forget about the high-boy tables, low-boys, and table configurations; think u-shape, hallow squares, big long tables, x-formations! ​​

The image above are not mine; although, you can click on each photo and find the origin of the link

**Cmon ladies now let's get in formation** 

If there's anything that keeps the event industry going and on its' toes continuously is a rebel. A rebel breaks all those silly table rules. What does Cady Haron says, "It's just plastic".

via GIPHY

Or wood; but you get the picture. You do what you want with them! Heck, some tables aren't event tables at all; they are benches or maybe pallets! 

Mixing of table sizes is not a new practice but it's also not as widely used as it should be. Mixing up table sizes can give you options that you may not have thought of before. For example, if I have a room that is much longer than it is wider so naturally I'll be able to fit more people if I use rectangular tables BUT my vision is picturing rounds. Okay, using mostly rounds but also throwing in the rectangles where you can will allow you to fit all your guests and still gives you the main look of rounds. 

Maybe you have more space than you need; you can also fill the void with different table shapes and sizes. Because, let's say you use 60" round tables. They still look good with 6 chairs around it, you can then use more tables and "act" like the room is more filled than it really is. 

Not to mention, mixing of types of chairs. This one may need more work than mixing up the table arrangements, but work with your event planner on that one and you could get some really cool and funky looks which would really set your room apart from other events. 

Mainly, DON'T BE SCARED! and always, always, play around with your options. Give yourself time to move tables around and have multiple versions of your floorpan so you can go back to your thought process on each. 

​See below some of my favorite seating plans. Here are some recent ones I did in one the event spaces I manage. 
1. Comedy Evening - stage with low-boy seating, 4 chairs at each, rows of chairs behind the cocktail seats, and then rounds behind those with the bar and food at the back of the room.
2. Songwriter's Evening - rows of chairs in two formations at the front of the stage, high-cocktail tables with high barstools, rectangular tables with indoor and outdoor options with the bar in the back of the room, food outside in a tent

Both the above have a mix of multiple types of seating and were able to fit a range of guests. For events that also have another entertainment element thrown in, take that into consideration as well when you are planning your seating.  ​