A fun and ideal wedding reception layout will ensure that both the indoor and outdoor spaces will be efficiently utilized. Whether your reception is at a popular event venue, hotel, country club, your parent’s backyard, you will need a layout of how everything will look once it’s put together. The placement of things such as the dance floor, buffet tables (if you have them), gift tables, memory tables, guest tables, and bars will all have a big impact on how well everything flows. You will want your guests to be able to move around comfortably while still creating an intimate space.
You will want to view the reception space from every perspective. Movement, visibility, and accessibility are all things to keep in mind. Your guests will want to have easy access to the dance floor, buffet lines, and food and gift tables. If you have any guests that are in wheelchairs, don’t forget to leave space for them to easily get around. You will also need to consider staff needs such as trash disposal, staff only area, and access to the kitchen. Think about how everything flows together as well. Make sure there is a path to the main points of interest like the sweetheart table, the dance floor, the DJ, buffet tables, the photo booth or backdrop, any lounge areas, etc. You don’t want to put food and drinks too close to the restrooms. Make sure the entrances and exits are clearly marked.
Having a unique floor plan will add a special touch to your reception layout!
Align your tables in v-shapes to create a chevron pattern.
Form a heart shape around the dance floor with rectangle tables as the sides and rounds forming the curves and the point at the bottom.
Place round tables in between rows of rectangle tables for a more symmetrical look.
The buffet table could be placed in the middle so all of the guests have equal access.
Creating different atmospheres is a great idea! You could designate certain spaces for socializing such as a lounge area. Lounge areas are a great focal point as well as a great space for your guests to kick back and relax. Cocktail tables off to the side of the dance floor are a great idea. These could be used for guests to put their drinks down while they are dancing as well as a space for guests to take a break from dancing, but still be close to the action.
Hopefully we have given plenty of inspiration with these wedding reception layout ideas!