Appetizer Reception

What percentage are you looking for exactly? How many sit down tables and chairs you would need? If that's what you are referring to, then I would definitely have enough for each guest in case they do want to sit down and eat. Not everyone will want to stand up at cocktail tables to eat even though you are only serving appetizers.

View Quoted Comment I’ve seen things that say you only need chairs for 50 to 80% at tables. Our venue has other benches and lounge areas to sit. But things I’ve read are that you don’t need a chair at a table for every person because they won’t all be eating at once with the grazing table.

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I would definitely have enough chairs for everyone to be able to sit down if they wanted to. No they may not all be eating at once but it's possible that they still would like to sit down and converse rather than standing up. Is cost a deciding factor in whether you have enough chairs for everyone or not?

View Quoted Comment Yes, we have to rent all our tables chairs and linens. And every table we don’t add would cut costs on the linens, centerpiece flowers.

I would probably only provide 50 to 67% of chairs.

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Oh okay, I personally would do about 75% chairs & tables just to be safe.

Personally, I would recommend having seating available for every single person. Some people might want to sit to relax, chat or eat so having a chair eliminates any scramble for your guests to find a place to sit. Also, depending on the time of the reception only appetizers might not be enough food. I would only recommend appetizers only if the reception was during non-meal time otherwise your guests are going to leave hungry and possibly very intoxicated if you plan on serving alcohol.

I’ve always heard that you need a seat for every guest (although this could be in different locations or types of seating). If there are chairs for a majority of guests (70-80%), people will tend to assume they can claim a spot - to linger and put their stuff down (purses, jackets) - which would leave a small group without anywhere to even set down a plate. I’ve been to company holiday party where they made this mistake and the people with chairs stayed for a long time (unintentionally) and the high-tops without chairs had quick turnover of people crowded and scarfing food to vacate for the next group (also got really dirty!). It was awkward.
If guests think it is a meal, they will expect an actual seat that is theirs- so as long as you set the event between meal times (both start and end time, like 2-4pm) to help convey the cocktail hour/appetizer-only nature of the event you can pull it off.

View Quoted Comment Do you think they also need a table? We have some benches and other sitting areas at the venue so there should be enough seating, just not with a chair at a table.

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I think it really depends on what type of appetizers you plan on serving. At our wedding, during cocktail we had bite sized fried ravioli, tomato basil grilled cheese squares, and sesame chicken bites with mango sauce that were served by waiters. However, other weddings I have been to have had different appetizer displays like a fruit, veggie, cheese and cracker trays where guests were given plates and they could take as little or as much as they wanted. Guests also had drinks as well so I think given that situation tables are a must because they would need some place to set their plates and drinks otherwise they would have to try to balance a drink and plate while eating. Also, if you plan on having any type of dessert like cake, which would require a fork, I would also recommend tables.

One chair per guest, period. People will leave if you expect them to eat, drink, balance a purse and have a free hand all at the same time.

You need a seat and a place at a table for every guest, regardless of what kind of food you are serving. People claim chairs and leave their personal belongings like purses and jackets at their spots. They try to group together so that they're sitting with their friends and save their seats for throughout the reception. If you have fewer seats than guests then some guests will be left without the ability to sit down at a table at all.