Let’s face it, we may have these memorized, but to most people, linen sizes are like Greek and need a chart to understand. Here’s a guide to linen sizes for standard wedding tables.
Round Tables
Round tables are a staple of wedding receptions, offering a welcoming and social seating arrangement. Here are the recommended linen sizes:
- 48-inch round table:
- 90-inch round linen: Provides a full drop to the floor for a polished look.
- 108-inch round linen: Allows the fabric to pool elegantly on the floor for a dramatic effect.
- 60-inch round table:
- 120-inch round linen: Offers a full drop to the floor, perfect for formal events.
- 132-inch round linen: Allows the fabric to pool on the floor for added elegance.
- 72-inch round table:
- 132-inch round linen: Ensures a full drop to the floor for an elegant presentation.
- 144-inch round linen: Provides a pooled look, ideal for luxurious settings. *This is a rare linen size and may require a custom creation which will be most costly.
Rectangular Banquet Tables
Rectangular tables are highly versatile and can be styled to suit various wedding themes. These are the recommended linen sizes:
- 6-foot rectangular table (72 inches):
- 90×132-inch linen: Offers a full drop to the floor.
- 108×156-inch linen: Allows the fabric to pool on the floor for a more opulent look.
- 8-foot rectangular table (96 inches):
- 90×156-inch linen: Provides a full drop to the floor.
- 108×180-inch linen: Creates a pooled effect for a dramatic touch. *This is a rare linen size and may require a custom creation which will be most costly.
Cocktail Tables
Cocktail tables are perfect for standing receptions or mingling areas and typically come in two standard heights: low (30 inches) and high (42 inches). The recommended linen sizes are:
- 30-inch cocktail table (dining height, also known as bistro table):
- 96-inch round linen: Provides a full drop to the floor for a formal look.
- 120-inch round linen: Allows the fabric to pool on the floor for a dramatic effect.
- 30-inch cocktail table (cocktail or bar height):
- 120-inch round linen: Ensures a full drop to the floor.
- 132-inch round linen: Creates a pooled effect, adding a touch of sophistication. This size can also be tied, but may show the legs of the table.
- 90×156-inch linen: If you want a tied look, this rectangle linen can provide the length needed to completely cover the feet of the cocktail table.
Adding a sash or tying the linen at the base can enhance the presentation and prevent blowing in windy spaces.
Left: Vanessa Joy Photography | Upper Right: Lisa Woods Photography | Lower Right: Carhart Photography
Square Tables
Square tables bring a modern aesthetic to wedding receptions and work well in combination with other table shapes. Here are the linen recommendations:
- 36-inch square table:
- 90×90-inch linen: Provides a full drop to the floor.
- 108×108-inch linen: Allows the fabric to pool elegantly on the floor.
- 48-inch square table:
- 108×108-inch linen: Ensures a full drop to the floor.
- 120×120-inch linen: Creates a pooled effect for added elegance.
- 60-inch square table:
- 120×120-inch linen: Delivers a full drop to the floor for a formal look.
- 132×132-inch linen: Allows the fabric to pool on the floor for luxurious settings.
Serpentine Tables
While serpentine and other specialty tables can add unique elements to your layout, their linen requirements vary based on their dimensions. Most would do best with custom linens although standard linens can work on them, the curve on the inside will be noticeably tight, especially if chairs are not present yet. Keep in mind that custom linens are being created specifically for you and will cost substantially more than a standardized size.
Additional Tips for Selecting Wedding Linens
- Measure Your Tables: Always confirm the dimensions of the tables you’ll be using.
- Mix and Match: Combine full-drop linens with pooled linens on different tables for visual interest. We love pooled linens for cocktail tables, and floor length for dining tables (they’ll have chairs in place in front of them anyway).
- Coordinate Colors and Textures: Linens come in all sorts of textures and colors. Heavier linens will hang differently and work better in some instances – for example, a velvet linen is great for a windy space as it’s unlikely to blow off the table.
- Plan Ahead: Order linens early to ensure availability, especially if using specialty sizes or colors.
Selecting the right linens for your wedding tables is a small detail that makes a big impact. It’s the biggest square footage in your reception space so going with a bold color or pattern can dramatically affect the entire design. Let’s play!
