Seating & Space Planning Made Simple
This section provides suggestions on the selection and use of various rental products to consider when planning your event. For additional information please contact PeakRentals.com. We will be happy to assist you with any event planning decisions.
Seating
When planning any event it is important to consider the appropriate amount of space required to accommodate your expected number of guests. A stand up event will definitely have different spacing requirements than a formal sit down dinner. Here are a few guidelines to assist you in calculating the ideal amount of space for your event.
Cocktail Parties
| Standing | 6 square feet per person |
| Partial Seating | 8 square feet per person |
Dinner Parties
| Standard 8’ Banquet Tables | 8-10 square feet per person |
| Standard 5’ Round Tables | 10-12 square feet per person |
| Classroom Seating (rows) | 10 square feet per person |
Banquet Tables
- Allow 4.5 feet between tables. Divide the room area in square feet by 8 for maximum seating.
- For increased comfort divide the room area in square feet by 10.
Round Tables
- Allow 5 feet between tables. Divide the room area in square feet by 10 for maximum seating.
- For increased comfort divide the room area in square feet by 12.
Classroom & Theatre Style
- Allow 3 feet between tables or allow 2.5 feet between rows of chairs. Divide the room area in square feet by 10 for maximum seating.
- Formulas and dimensions listed above allow for chair aisles and passage aisles. Increase square footage per person to accommodate wide traffic aisles, columns, and unique event layout shapes.
How much space do you need?
Multiply your guest count by the space each guest needs for your setup:
- Seated dinner at round tables: 10 to 12 square feet per guest
- Seated dinner at long banquet tables: 8 to 10 square feet per guest
- Cocktail or standing: 6 to 8 square feet per guest
Then add the space for anything else under the tent, such as a dance floor, buffet, bar or stage.
Example: 100 guests seated at round tables need 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. Add a 16′ x 16′ dance floor (256 square feet) and you need about 1,250 to 1,450 square feet. A 40′ x 40′ tent (1,600 square feet) fits, with room left for a buffet table.
Try our tent calculator to see layouts for your guest count.
