January 31, 2019
It’s all about the cocktails ……tables, that is!
Whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, one thing is certain – a party isn’t a party without cocktail tables! No matter what style of wedding you’re planning, your cocktail tables can play a key role in your wedding planning decor. Get inspired with this guide to cocktail tables and how to use them on your big day.
From sashed to wrapped to floor length style, there are a million ways to dress up your cocktail tables from
What are cocktail tables & how are they used?
Cocktail tables are used in addition to your guest tables for
Some rental companies will have a mixture of high and low tables, so you can choose to pair chairs with
Ceremony
Creativity at the altar
Cocktail tables are the perfect height for your ceremony! They are commonly used for sand or unity candle ceremonies. You can choose classic linen colors such as white or ivory or you may add a pop of color! They can also be used as “stands” for your altar arrangements. Last, but not least, they are perfect for your guest book, since they are small and tall.
Cocktail Hour
Stylistic contrast as guests mingle
Most couples will use these tables during cocktail hour for a different look prior to the reception seating, but also for their guests to have a place to mingle with other guests while enjoying a welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres. Again, you may wish to consider mixing the high and low cocktail tables here to give some of your elderly guests a place to sit during this time. They will appreciate it so much!
Reception
Flexible seating so anything goes
Cocktail tables can be mixed in with your guest seating as they can seat 2-4 guests and can be paired with barstool chairs for the taller tables or set low with standard chairs as well. This look breaks the standards of cookie cutter seating for sure but is a fun way to add some dimension to your reception room!
Your dance floor area most definitely needs cocktail tables nearby to hold those drinks and also for those guests who simply like to “watch” and not partake in the dancing festivities!
Different Looks for your Cocktail Tables
There are several looks you can choose for your cocktail tables such as floor length linens, sashed cocktails or wrapped cocktails. Most standard cocktail tables are 30” in diameter and 42” tall. The shorter version is 29” tall.
Floor Length
Tall Cocktail
If you simply want the linen to fall to the floor, it requires a 120” round linen. One piece of advice, do not use them this way when outside as just a little wind will continually blow it off the table and make it hard to keep up with. This way is best used indoors.
Short Cocktail
This requires a 96” round to fall to the floor.
Sashed
Tall Cocktail
Tall cocktail table with sashed linen. View this style and more on PartyPerfect.com 
Tall cocktail table sashed with 132″ Round Orange My Party linen. View this style on Party Perfect.com.
When using this option, we recommend using a 132” round linen with a standard sash 3”-4” wide and about 108” long. You start with the linen and then, you cinch it together on the single pole leg with the sash and can tie it in a bow, a knot or you can wrap it and give it a sexy hourglass figure.
Short Cocktail
The best linen for this look is a 120” round linen using the same instructions as above.
Wrapped
Tall Cocktail
This look can be done with a 132” round linen as well. The difference is you will not use a sash, you simply use the linen and wrap it around the center pole leg tucking it in on the front side.
Short Cocktail
We still recommend a 120” round linen using the same instructions as above.
As you can see, there are so many fun ways to incorporate these cocktail tables into your wedding or special event.
Most of us in the wedding industry LOVE getting creative with our clients, so think outside the box when planning and don’t be afraid to mix it up! That’s a “wrap” folks!
Inspired yet? To browse more, check out Party Perfect‘s online store to find everything necessary for your big day from tents, to tables and chairs, to all of your tabletop necessities. Happy planning!
Author
Angela Simpson is Sales Manager at Party Perfect, a wedding and event rental company serving Richmond for 22 years.
For more information, check out www.partyperfect.com to find everything necessary for your big day from tents, to tables and chairs, to all of your tabletop necessities.
Photo Courtesy of Kristine Pringle Photography/ Richmond Weddings
Originally published on Richmond Weddings