Published by Jennings Karen on 26 Apr 2008 at 09:31 am
Banquets (R/8)
A round table for 8 persons (R/8 in hotel lingo) is a 5 foot round table. A round table for 10 persons (R/10) is a 6 foot round table. The above diagram represents a 5 foot round table. In estimating the amount of space needed for your meeting attendees, allow 96 square feet per 5 foot table, 120 square feet per 6 foot table. Capacities can be figured as follows:
square feet / 96 = # tables x 8 = # participants
or
# participants / 8 = # tables x 96 = square feet
For rounds of 10 (6 foot tables) use 120 square feet per table in place of 96.
square feet / 120 = # tables x 10 = # participants
or
# participants / 10 = # tables x 100 = square feet
If you expect 100 participants, you will need 12.5/5-foot rounds, at least 1152 square feet of meeting room space. Rounds of 10 require 10/6-foot round tables and at least 1200 square feet of meeting space. (Placing 10 people at a 5 foot round or 12 people at a 6 foot round does not change the above formulas.)
Tip:
If suddenly you have more attendees than expected, you can place up to 10 people at an R/8 or 12 people at an R/10. It will be cozy but everyone will get fed.
Receptions
If you expect 100 participants, you will need an 900 square foot meeting room. This same formula applies to Theater Style. The most comfortable receptions allow 7-9 square feet per person. Any more than that your group will look very small compared to the size of the room.
If you wish to have a few tables with chairs at a reception, the formula for rounds of 8 or 10 (# tables x 96 or 120)(8′ table)(10′ table) add this to the reception formula (# participants x 
to get the total square footage necessary. You expect 100 persons at your reception and you want 3 round tables for 8 set in the room, you will need a 1088 square foot room.
100 people x 9sq.ft. = 900
plus 3 tables x 96′ = 288
288 + 900 = 1188sq.ft.
Plan for 1.5 drinks per person for 1 hour cash bar, 2-2.5 drinks per person for 1 hour hosted bar, 3-3.5 drinks per person for 1 1/2 hour hosted bar. One bottle of wine serves 3-4 people. One gallon coffee serves 20 cups.
