Ordering too few chairs leaves guests standing; ordering too many wastes budget and space. This guide gives you a simple method to calculate chairs and tables for any event, from a small malka at home to a large wedding hall.
Step 1: count confirmed guests
Start from the number of people who have confirmed, not the number invited. Then add about 10% for late confirmations, children and family members who arrive with guests.
Step 2: decide the type of seating
| Event style | Seating approach |
|---|---|
| Seated dinner | Every guest needs a chair at a table |
| Reception or malka | 70 to 80% of guests seated at a time, plus lounge corners |
| Wedding hall (theatre style) | Rows facing the kosha, plus VIP sofas for close family |
| Kids birthday | Kids chairs for children, separate seating for parents |
Step 3: calculate tables
- Round dinner tables: 8 to 10 guests per table.
- Serving tables: one for every 25 to 30 guests.
- Buffet: about 1 metre of table per 20 guests.
- Centre tables: one in front of each sofa group.
- Cake table: one, near the kosha.
Quick reference
| Guests | Chairs | Dinner tables | Serving tables |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 35 | 4 | 1 to 2 |
| 50 | 55 | 6 | 2 |
| 80 | 90 | 9 to 10 | 3 |
| 100 | 110 | 11 to 12 | 4 |
| 150 | 165 | 16 to 17 | 5 to 6 |
Step 4: check the space
Allow around 1.2 to 1.5 square metres per seated guest at tables, and leave clear paths for serving, the bride’s walk and the dance floor. Send us photos or measurements and we will check the layout for you.
Where packages help
Our packages already include 4 serving tables and 50 clear chairs (Home and Luxury) or 100 clear chairs (Royal). Need more? Add extras through chair rental and table rental.