Long Tables vs. Round Tables: What’s Better for Your Wedding Decor and Guest Experience?

Part of the Ethereal Creators Floor Plan Series

Trying to Decide Between Long Tables and Round Tables for Your Wedding?

You're not alone. One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Ethereal Creators is:

“Should we go with long tables or round tables for our wedding reception?”

It’s a small choice with a big impact. Your wedding table layout shapes the overall look of your reception, influences guest experience, and determines how your floral design, lighting, and decor will come together.

In this blog, we’ll help you choose the best table shape for your wedding—whether you’re getting married at iconic Toronto venues like Liberty Grand, Casa Loma, or The Royal Ambassador.

Why Choose Long Tables for Your Wedding Reception?

Long tables are a favorite for couples who want an elevated, editorial look. They’re especially popular at luxury weddings in Toronto and offer:

• A streamlined aesthetic perfect for shared family-style meals

• A more intimate feel, even in grand ballrooms

• Endless styling opportunities—garlands, floral runners, candles, and hanging installs

At one of our recent courtyard weddings at Liberty Grand, we designed a single 90-guest long table for an outdoor Nikkah lunch. It became the visual anchor for the entire design—creating both intimacy and impact.

When Round Tables Are the Right Choice for Your Wedding

Round tables remain the most versatile option—especially when guest counts climb over 120 or when symmetry is important.

They’re perfect for:

• Elegant ballrooms like Fairmont Royal York or Palais Royale

• Weddings with large guest counts needing efficient floor plans

• Classic floral centerpieces and varied linen textures

Round tables work well in symmetrical layouts and give each guest a sense of inclusion and visibility. You’ll also find they make seating chart logistics easier.

Best Decor Tips for Each Layout

For Long Table Weddings:

• Use continuous garlands, table runners, and taper candles for flow

• Add a carpeted aisle down the center of the room for a regal touch

• Install overhead chandeliers or hanging florals for drama
  
  

For Round Table Weddings:

• Play with varying centerpiece heights for visual interest

• Add mirrored or velvet linens to define each table

• Use pin-spot lighting to highlight each centerpiece

Table Layout and Wedding Decor Budget Tips

Here’s how table shape impacts your wedding budget:

• Long tables = fewer linens, more florals (especially for runners)

• Round tables = more linens, more rental items (chargers, centerpieces)

• Mixing layouts = design flexibility and smart use of your budget

If you're working with a $20,000–$75,000 wedding decor budget in Toronto, we’ll help you choose the layout that maximizes visual impact without compromising your guest experience.

Toronto Wedding Table Layout FAQs

Should I mix long and round tables at my wedding?

Absolutely! Mixed layouts add visual interest and help accommodate awkward floor plan shapes or varied guest groups.

Are long tables cheaper than round tables?

Not always. While you save on linens, long tables often require more floral design. Round tables can reduce floral costs but increase rental needs.

Which layout is better for dancing and flow?

Long tables create natural space for a central aisle or dance floor. Round tables are easier to arrange in open, flexible formats.

Can you help us design our wedding floor plan?

Yes! Floor plan design is a core part of our full-service decor process. We create scaled layouts tailored to your venue and guest count.

Final Thoughts: What Table Layout Is Best for Your Wedding?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but that’s exactly why we build custom wedding floor plans for each couple.

Whether you want the clean lines of a long table wedding or the timeless elegance of round tables, your layout should reflect your guest count, venue, and design vision.

At Ethereal Creators, we offer custom renderings and design plans so you can visualize your reception before the day even arrives.