Whether a wedding dinner, gala or corporate party: the choice of banquet tables determines how many guests fit, how the room looks and how well guests can talk to each other. The right tablecloth is at least as important – too short and it looks unfinished, too long and it becomes a trip hazard.
In this guide you will find out how many guests fit at round and rectangular banquet tables, which tablecloth size goes with which table, when floor-length tablecloths are worthwhile and what to look out for regarding the number of tables, spacing and set-up.
In brief: which table, which tablecloth?
- Up to 6 guests: round banquet table Ø 122 cm
- 6 to 8 guests: round Ø 152 cm or rectangular 183 × 76 cm
- 8 to 10 guests: round Ø 183 cm – the classic for weddings and galas
- Long table: line up rectangular banquet tables 183 × 76 cm
- Tablecloth: normal overhang of around 30 to 40 cm, festive almost to the floor – at a table height of 74 cm
- Always add: a molleton underlay beneath the tablecloth
Planning correctly
Table sizes: how many guests sit at which table?
The table size determines how many guests can sit comfortably and how much space remains for dinnerware, glassware and decorations. These guide values apply to our banquet tables with a height of 74 cm:
- Round banquet table Ø 122 cm – for 4 to 6 people
- Round banquet table Ø 152 cm – for 6 to 8 people
- Round banquet table Ø 183 cm – for 8 to 10 people
- Rectangular banquet table 152 × 76 cm – for 2 people per long side and 1 person per short side
- Rectangular banquet table 183 × 76 cm – for 2 to 3 people per long side and 1 person per short side
For festive menus with several courses and decorations, it is better to plan with the lower number; for a buffet or relaxed parties, the higher number is realistic.
The right shape
Round or rectangular? The right table shape
Round banquet tables encourage conversation because all guests can see each other – ideal for weddings, galas and festive dinners. Rectangular banquet tables save more space and can be combined into long tables, U-shapes or blocks – practical for corporate parties, conferences, buffets and large groups.
Size matters
Which tablecloth goes with which table?
A normal overhang of around 30 to 40 cm looks neat and leaves the guests’ legs free. For a festive look, the tablecloth falls almost to the floor – with our banquet tables 74 cm high, a round tablecloth needs a diameter about 1.50 m larger than the table for this.
| Table size | Normal overhang | Festive – almost to the floor |
|---|---|---|
| rectangular 183 × 76 cm | 130 × 250 cm | 180 × 280 cm |
| rectangular 152 × 76 cm | 130 × 220 cm | 2 × 130 × 250 cm combined |
| round Ø 122 cm | Ø 180 cm | Ø 280 cm |
| round Ø 152 cm | Ø 220 cm | Ø 300 cm |
| round Ø 183 cm | Ø 260 cm | Ø 320 cm |
As a rule of thumb: for weddings and galas, festive long tablecloths look best; for corporate parties, conferences and relaxed parties, the normal overhang is enough. For long tables there are tablecloths up to 210 × 650 cm – or you can lay several tablecloths overlapping.
Colours and effect
White, black, champagne or checked?
White is the timeless classic for weddings and festive dinners. Black and anthracite look elegant and modern – ideal for galas and corporate events, especially with gold or silver decorations. Champagne with a linen look adds a warm, natural touch, and checked in red, blue or green suits Bavarian evenings and summer parties.
Stylish, but more effort
Floor-length or normal overhang?
Floor-length tablecloths give any event a particularly festive and luxurious appearance. The flowing fabric creates an elegant look that is used deliberately, above all at weddings or gala dinners.
However, this style also has practical disadvantages: because the fabric touches the floor, guests can easily step on it or get caught, which leads to heavy soiling and increased wear. In addition, these tablecloths have to be made much larger and require elaborate cleaning – which makes them a more costly option.
If you prefer a cleaner, modern look, you can fold the corners inwards – this creates smooth lines without contact with the floor.
As this decision should be carefully considered both aesthetically and practically, we are happy to advise you personally.
The alternative
A cover instead of a tablecloth
A stretch cover fits closely around the rectangular banquet table 183 × 76 cm and hides the tabletop and legs – a clear, modern look without creases. Covers are available in white and black – as floor-length, crease-free stretch covers. They are particularly suitable for buffets, reception tables, conferences and corporate parties. For festive dinners with place settings, the tablecloth is usually the nicer choice.
Molleton: the invisible base under the tablecloth
Molleton – also called table felt – is a thick, soft underlay made of cotton and synthetic fibre. It is laid directly on the tabletop, and the tablecloth goes on top. Your guests don’t see it, but they feel the difference: a table with molleton looks more upmarket and is more pleasant to sit and eat at.
What does molleton do?
- Less noise: plates, glasses and cutlery clatter much more quietly on the tabletop – a noticeable difference, especially with many guests and several courses.
- No slipping: the tablecloth lies non-slip and stays in place even when guests lean on it or move chairs.
- Soft feel: the table surface feels softer – forearms and hands rest more comfortably.
- Better drape: the tablecloth lies smoother and falls more evenly over the edge of the table.
- Protection: the molleton protects the tabletop, for example from hot dishes and scratches.
Which size do I need?
The molleton depends on the table size, not on the tablecloth. It is available to fit all our banquet tables: rectangular 152 × 76 cm and 183 × 76 cm as well as round Ø 122, Ø 152 and Ø 183 cm. You need one molleton per table – regardless of whether the tablecloth has a normal overhang or is floor-length.
Molleton under covers and tablecloths
A molleton is worthwhile not only under a tablecloth but also under a stretch cover: the surface becomes softer and quieter, and the cover fits smoothly. That is why many of our banquet table sets already include the molleton.
How to lay molleton and tablecloths
First lay the molleton in the centre of the tabletop and smooth it out. Then lay the tablecloth over it and align it so that it hangs evenly all round. With many tables this takes time – with the Comfort package, we lay the molleton and tablecloths for you.
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Order a molleton in the size of the table with every tablecloth. The extra cost is small, but the difference in noise and appearance is clear – especially at festive dinners with several courses.
Planning: what to look out for with banquet tables
1. Number of tables
Divide the number of guests by the seats per table and round up. For 100 guests, for example, you need 10 to 13 round tables with Ø 183 cm or 13 to 17 rectangular tables of 183 × 76 cm. For festive menus, calculate with the lower number of seats per table – in other words, with more tables.
2. Space requirements and spacing
The Bavarian Places of Assembly Ordinance assumes one person per square metre for seats at tables (Section 1 VStättV). The distance between tables should not be less than 1.50 m, and the route from each seat to the nearest aisle may be no more than 10 m long (Section 10 VStättV). Additional space is needed for service, buffet and dance floor.
3. Table layouts
Round tables are spread around the room and create a sociable atmosphere. Rectangular tables can be combined into long tables, a U-shape or large blocks – ideal for family celebrations and shared dinners at one long table.
4. Don’t forget extra tables
In addition to the guest tables, you often need more tables: for the buffet, presents, guest book, cake, DJ or technical equipment. Plan these in from the start.
5. Set-up and table linen
Tablecloths are delivered ironed and folded, with molleton and table linen separately. Laying them takes time with many tables – plan for it in your schedule or have us take care of the set-up.
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Draw your table plan to scale early on – with table sizes, spacing, buffet and walkways. That way you can see straight away whether round tables or a long table fit the room better and how many guests really fit.
Sources: Section 1 VStättV (Bavaria), Section 10 VStättV (Bavaria)
Banquet tables compared side by side – and for which occasion
| Table | Strength | Ideal for | Table linen recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Ø 122 cm 4 to 6 guests | Compact, sociable | Small groups, children’s table, lounge corners | White or champagne |
| Round Ø 152 cm 6 to 8 guests | A good balance of space and closeness | Wedding, birthday, corporate party | White or black, normal or festive |
| Round Ø 183 cm 8 to 10 guests | Many guests per table, festive look | Wedding dinner, gala, awards ceremony, Christmas party | White, black or anthracite, festive almost to the floor |
| Rectangular 152 × 76 cm up to 6 guests | Space-saving, combinable | Seminar, small long table, reception table | Stretch cover or tablecloth with normal overhang |
| Rectangular 183 × 76 cm 6 to 8 guests | Flexible for long tables and blocks | Long table, conference, buffet, family celebration, Bavarian evening | Stretch cover, white, champagne or checked |
How to find the right equipment
If you want to decide quickly, this logic helps:
- Wedding or gala: round tables Ø 183 cm with a festive white or black tablecloth.
- Family celebration at one long table: rectangular tables 183 × 76 cm lined up.
- Conference or seminar: rectangular tables with stretch covers.
- Buffet: rectangular tables with a cover or long tablecloth.
- Bavarian evening: rectangular tables with checked tablecloths.
If you already know what you need, go straight to the matching category:
Frequently asked questions about banquet tables and tablecloths
How many guests fit at a round banquet table?
4 to 6 guests fit at a round table with Ø 122 cm, 6 to 8 guests at Ø 152 cm and 8 to 10 guests at Ø 183 cm. For festive menus with lots of dinnerware and decorations, it is better to plan with the lower number.
How many people fit at a rectangular banquet table?
At a rectangular table of 183 × 76 cm, 2 to 3 people fit per long side and 1 person per end, i.e. 6 to 8. At a table of 152 × 76 cm, 2 people fit per long side and 1 per end.
Round or rectangular – which is better?
Round tables encourage conversation and look festive – ideal for weddings and galas. Rectangular tables save more space and can be combined into long tables, U-shapes or blocks – practical for corporate parties, conferences and buffets.
Which tablecloth size do I need?
For a normal overhang, 130 × 250 cm fits the 183 × 76 cm table, 130 × 220 cm the 152 × 76 cm table, and Ø 180, Ø 220 and Ø 260 cm the round tables with Ø 122, 152 and 183 cm. 180 × 280 cm or Ø 280, Ø 300 and Ø 320 cm fall festively almost to the floor.
How large does a floor-length tablecloth need to be?
With our banquet tables 74 cm high, a round tablecloth needs a diameter about 1.50 m larger than the table – so for a table with Ø 183 cm, around Ø 320 cm.
What do you need molleton for?
The molleton lies between the table and the tablecloth. It makes the surface softer, dampens noise and stops the tablecloth from slipping.
Cover or tablecloth – which is better?
A stretch cover looks modern and crease-free and is suitable for buffets, reception tables and conferences. For festive dinners with place settings, the tablecloth is usually the nicer choice.
How many tables do I need for 100 guests?
For 100 guests you need 10 to 13 round tables with Ø 183 cm or 13 to 17 rectangular tables of 183 × 76 cm – depending on how generously you plan the seats. Add tables for the buffet, presents or technical equipment.
How far apart should tables be?
The Bavarian Places of Assembly Ordinance requires a distance of at least 1.50 m between tables in places of assembly. The route from each seat to the nearest aisle should be no more than 10 m. More space is more comfortable for service and walkways.
Do I have to wash the tablecloths?
No. Please return the tablecloths dry and unwashed – we take care of the cleaning. Heavy soiling, wax stains and holes are charged at replacement cost.
Advantages of Munich Event Rent
A large selection of banquet tables
From round to rectangular tables – we offer flexible sizes for weddings, corporate parties and events of all kinds.
Reliable delivery & set-up in Munich
We deliver your banquet tables in Munich on time and, on request, also take care of the set-up.
Tablecloths in matching sizes
Our tablecloths and molletons are matched to the sizes of our banquet tables – from a normal overhang to festively long.
Transparent prices & easy requests
No hidden costs – you know from the start what to expect. Prices always include cleaning.
Personal advice
Our team helps you plan and choose the right table size and equipment for your event.
Non-binding advice
Not sure which tables and tablecloths are right?
We are happy to help you with your table planning. Tell us the type of event, number of guests, room size and the look you want – we will recommend suitable table sizes and table linen and, on request, prepare an individual quote.