By Angela Bowles with Party Perfect
Whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, one thing is certain—a party isn’t a party without cocktail tables! These tables are used in addition to your guest tables for your cocktail hour, extra décor pizzazz, and sometimes even extra seating. They are typically called “high-top” tables as they are commonly set at a height of 42” which is perfect for standing guests to lean on, set their drinks on or even nibble at. Some rental companies will have a mixture of high and low tables, so you can choose to pair chairs with shorter ones for added seating. Cocktail tables are available in round and sometimes square tops.
Ceremony
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 can use this as an opportunity to add a pop of color. They can also be used as stands for your altar arrangements. Last but not least, they are ideal for your guestbook since they don’t take up too much room and are the perfect signing height.
Cocktail Hour
Most couples will use these tables during cocktail hour for a different look prior to the reception seating. This is a great place to have your guests mingle while enjoying a welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres. Again, you may want to consider mixing the high and low ones here to give some of your elderly guests a place to sit during this time. They will appreciate it more than you know!
Reception
Cocktail tables can be mixed in with your seating as they can accommodate two to four guests and can be paired with barstool chairs for the taller tables or set low with standard chairs. This look breaks the standards of cookie cutter seating and 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 for guests who simply like to watch and not partake in the dancing festivities!
Different Looks for Your Cocktail Tables:
SASHED LINENS
Tall Cocktail
When using this option, rental specialists recommend using a 132” round linen with a standard sash 3”- 4” wide and about 108” long. You’ll start with the linen naturally draped, then you’ll cinch it together on the single pole leg with the sash. With the sash, you can tie it in a bow or 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.
FLOOR LENGTH LINENS
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 this look outside, as just a little wind will continually blow it off the table and make it hard to keep up with.
Short Cocktail
This requires a 96” round to fall to the floor.
WRAPPED LINENS
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. Wedding industry experts LOVE getting creative with clients, so think outside the box when planning! That’s a “wrap” folks!
Angela Bowles is the 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 and to all of your tabletop necessities.