How many guests per round wedding table?

5ft round tables seat 8 comfortably, 10 at a squeeze. 6ft round tables seat 10-12. For weddings, 8 per table is most popular as it allows good conversation. 10 per table saves on table hire but feels more cramped.

Who sits at the top table?

Traditional: bride, groom, best man, maid of honour, both sets of parents (6-8 people). Modern alternatives: just the couple (sweetheart table), couple plus bridal party (8-12), or no top table at all with the couple sitting among guests.

How do I handle awkward seating?

Separated parents: seat at different tables with their respective partners. Ex-partners: keep at least 2 tables apart. Difficult relatives: seat with easy-going people who can manage the situation. Solo guests: seat together so they can socialise.

When should I finalise the table plan?

Start drafting 4-6 weeks before. Finalise 1-2 weeks before when all RSVPs are in. Print the table plan 3-5 days before. Have a backup plan for last-minute changes. Table plans always need tweaking right up until the day.

PartyCalcs

Table Plan Calculator — Wedding Seating

Create a wedding table plan with the right number of tables and seats.

Day Guests

Total guests seated for the wedding breakfast (day guests)

Table Type5ft round seats 8, 5ft 6in round seats 10, 6ft round seats 12

Top Table Size

People on the top table — traditionally 6-8 (couple, parents, best man, maid of honour)

How We Calculate This

This calculator works out wedding table quantities based on your guest count and table preferences. Guests on the top table (and any on a separate kids’ table) are seated first, then the remaining adults are spread across standard guest tables, rounding up so everyone has a seat.

Formula

Remaining guests = day guests − top table − kids’ table
Guest tables = remaining guests ÷ seats per table (rounded up)
Total seats = (guest tables × seats) + top table + kids’ table
Empty seats = total seats − day guests

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.