Cocktail Tables: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

Learn how to choose, buy, and use cocktail tables for any event 

Written by: Marcelo Flores

Cocktail-style weddings have been popular in the last few years, so having cocktail tables in your offerings might be a good idea. They’ve become very popular for events as they boost social interaction in a relaxed ambiance. This guide will cover everything from why cocktail weddings are popular, why it’s a good idea to offer them, how to estimate the number of cocktail tables, and much more.

1. What is a Cocktail Wedding?

A cocktail wedding is a less formal wedding reception where guests mingle while standing, enjoying small bites and drinks. It’s different from a seated reception, which is more formal and typically includes plated meals.

Instead of fixed seating arrangements, cocktail weddings allow guests to move freely around the venue, interacting with others beyond their table. This type of wedding has gained popularity in recent years for its modern and laid-back vibe.

2. Why Should I Have Cocktail Tables?

Whether you’re a party rental, an indoor venue or an outdoor venue, having cocktail tables is often a must. They’re also known as high-top tables and are great to be used in addition to your guest tables. There are guests that would absolutely want them, so it would be smart to have some to offer them.

They are very efficient in storage, so if you’re not using them, they won’t take much space. Adding cocktail tables to your inventory allows you to upsell, attract more clients, and customize your services to stand out from competitors.

3. How Many Cocktail Tables Should I Buy?

This is a common question, as bar tables are often used in addition to guest tables and are not always in constant use. Several factors influence how many cocktail tables you need, including:

• Your venue’s size
• The size of the tables
• The number of guests at your events

Let’s get deep in these:

Your Venue’s Size

The available space is crucial in determining how many tables you can accommodate. Each table typically requires 7–8 feet in diameter, which includes the table, guests, and space for movement.

That said, each table would occupy about 49-64 square feet. This means that in a space of 600 square feet for example, you can fit 9-12 tables, depending on the space you want to leave between tables.

• For a 7 feet diameter: 7×7 = 49” → 600” / 49” = 12.25 tables → round down to 12 tables.
• For an 8 feet diameter: 8×8 = 64” → 600” / 64” = 9.38 tables → round down to 9 tables.

Table Size

Cocktail tables are commonly available in two sizes: 30 inches and 36 inches wide. If your calculations are based on 30-inch tables and you purchase 36-inch tables instead, it may affect the overall comfort and spacing.

Number of Guests at your Events

How many guests do you usually have at your events? This is something you key for calculating how many you’ll need. They won’t all use the tables, and much less at the same time, so you won’t need as many.

We’ve seen that on average, about one-third of guests will gather around cocktail tables at a given time. For every 150 guests, approximately 10 cocktail tables are recommended.

As a general guideline, plan for 7–8 tables per 100 guests.

4. Should I Include Bar Stools?

Cocktail tables are usually used in two ways, with or without bar stools. When using them without bar stools, guests gather around the table and can easily move from one table to another to socialize with different tables.

Having tables without bar stools also enables more people to gather giving more flexibility.

Offering a mix of tables with and without stools ensures you accommodate various guest preferences.

5. How do I choose a cocktail table?

Cocktail tables come in various styles, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Round Cocktail Tables

Round coktail tables are the most popular and practical choice. They create an inviting atmosphere and allow guests to gather comfortably, accommodating groups of four or more.

They’re the most common shape in the market. Round tables are favorites as they make the space look spacious and facilitate people gathering around. It’s also much more comfortable than square shaped tables when accommodating more than 4 people.

Square Cocktail Tables

Square cocktail tables are less common but can fit certain event themes or specific aesthetic preferences. When there are more than 4 guests it can be a bit uncomfortable.

Folding Cocktail Tables

Folding cocktail tables are usually made from plywood or plastic, and they’re convenient and practical. Being foldable is a great feature for storage and also if you have to transport them, since they take up very little space and are very lightweight.

Chiavari Cocktail Tables

Exclusive to Seat Co., Chiavari-style bar tables pair beautifully with Chiavari chairs or bar stools. They are available in steel or aluminum, with aluminum offering a lightweight option at a slightly higher cost.

Cross Back Cocktail Tables

Also offered by Seat Co., Cross Back bar tables complement Cross Back chairs and bar stools. Their elegant design eliminates the need for additional decor, making them a stylish and practical choice.

6. What is the best height for a cocktail table?

Before purchasing any cocktail table, pay attention to the height. There are different heights for bar tables, so make sure they match the height for the intent of use. For cocktail tables for weddings, the common height is 42” for the column, but you can also find 30” tables.

7. Where to Buy Cocktail Tables Wholesale?

If you’re looking to purchase wholesale cocktail tables you’ll find tons of suppliers and it can be overwhelming. First, you’ll have to find the right product. There are several suppliers that offer the same product, or similar. And when you don’t know which one to choose, you’ll do your online research to look for reviews and assess the company’s reputation.

Analyze review patterns carefully. If a company repeatedly receives complaints about the same issue, it’s probably an ongoing problem. On the other hand, pay attention to positive reviews that highlight specific strengths.

Additionally, think about joining Facebook groups related to your industry to get recommendations from people with firsthand experience with these suppliers. Many groups exist for wedding venue owners and party rental professionals where you can seek advice.

8. Are there Cocktail Table Carts?

Yes, cocktail table carts are available for storing and transporting up to 10 tables, including their bases, columns, and tabletops. Seat Co.’s cocktail tables are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, making storage and transportation simple and efficient.

Cocktail table carts are key for storing tables safely and to extend their life cycle.

9. How to Plan a Cocktail-Style Wedding

Cocktail style weddings are becoming increasingly popular and when done right they’re a fantastic way to enhance social interaction.

Select a Spacious Space

The first step is picking the right venue. The space has to be spacious so that people can comfortably gather around. Gardens are an excellent space for cocktail weddings as well as an art gallery or an historic building.

Provide Seating

Cocktail tables are often used for people standing up, but it’s important you provide seating in some way. You can mix and match with bar stools, or use the cocktail tables additionally to the tables of the guests. This way the guests can gather at the high tables or be comfortably seated at their respective tables.

Offer a Variety of Food Options

It’s important you offer a wide variety of appetizers and food options, but they have to be easy to eat standing up. Offer a mix of flavors and textures and when it comes to alcohol, provide a full bar, wine, Champagne, and a variety of cocktails.

Hire Enough Servers and Bartenders

For a cocktail wedding to work you’ll have to have enough waitstaff to ensure that guests are well-served. Guests will be sampling different appetizers, which is always cool, but having to wait a long time to be served isn’t something you’ll want at your event.

10. How to Decor Cocktail Tables

There are many creative ways to decorate cocktail tables, depending on the event theme and your client’s preferences. The most common way to decor is using table covers. With the table cover you can then style them with a bow, a ribbon or anything you can think of.

For Seat Co.’s Chiavari and Cross Back cocktail tables, minimal decor is often sufficient due to their inherent elegance. While these tables require more storage space compared to others, their stylish design allows them to be used as-is, saving time on additional decorations.

Cocktail tables are a versatile and stylish addition to any event setup, offering flexibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. By understanding their uses and planning effectively, you can elevate your event offerings and provide clients with unforgettable experiences.