How many cocktail tables you need for 100 guests
Plan one cocktail table for every 8 to 10 guests standing at the same time (typical): 10 to 13 tables if all 100 guests stand, and about 5 to 7 if half of them have a seat. Our bistro tables come in 24-, 30- and 36-inch rounds, and the 30- and 36-inch sizes come at either bistro or table height.
Updated
The rule of thumb
Count the guests who will be standing at the busiest moment, not the whole guest list, then allow one cocktail table per 8 to 10 standing guests (typical). Guests do not all stand at a table at once; the tables give them somewhere to set a drink and a plate.
| Guests standing | At 1 per 10 | At 1 per 8 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 5 | 7 |
| 75 | 8 | 10 |
| 100 | 10 | 13 |
| 150 | 15 | 19 |
| 200 | 20 | 25 |
If half of 100 guests have a seat at a dining table during cocktail hour, plan for the 50 standing: 5 to 7 tables.
Our bistro and cocktail tables
Our bistro tables come in 24", 30", 36" rounds. Heights: Bistro or table height (30" and 36").
- 24" bistro height
- 30" bistro or table height
- 36" bistro or table height
How many can stand at each size
| Top | Standing guests |
|---|---|
| 24-inch | 2 to 3 (typical) |
| 30-inch | 3 to 4 (typical) |
| 36-inch | 4 to 6 (typical) |
Bistro height or table height
Bistro height, about 42 inches (typical), is for standing: guests lean and set a glass down at elbow level. Table height, about 30 inches (typical), is for sitting, and needs chairs. Our 30- and 36-inch tables come at either height, so a cocktail hour can mix both: high-tops near the bar, a few seated tables for guests who would rather sit, such as with our Chiavari or ghost chairs.
Where cocktail tables go
- Near the bar and food stations, where guests stop with a drink in hand.
- Along the edges of the space, leaving the middle open for people to move.
- Near the ceremony exit, if cocktail hour starts as guests leave their seats.
After cocktail hour
The same tables at table height make cake, card and gift tables for the reception. Pair a cake table with a dessert display or tiered tray, and set drinks out with beverage dispensers; see how many drink dispensers for 100 guests.
Send the count for each size and height with your quote request.
Common questions
How many people can stand at a 30-inch cocktail table?
Three to four (typical). A 24-inch table suits two or three, and a 36-inch table four to six (typical).
How tall is a bistro or cocktail table?
Bistro or bar height is usually about 42 inches, for standing guests, and table height about 30 inches, for seated guests (typical). Our 30- and 36-inch bistro tables come at either height.
How many cocktail tables do I need for 150 guests?
15 to 19 if all 150 guests stand at once, at one table per 8 to 10 guests (typical). Fewer if many guests have a seat.
Rentals in this guide
Have your guest count and date? Request a quote with the items above, or browse the full rental catalog.