Chair Hire and Table Hire – Planning Your Event Seating

When planning a function, one of the primary considerations should be the chair and table requirements of your guests. Your chair hire and table hire needs will be based on the type of event or party that you are hosting. Importantly, will your guests be seated, standing, or a combination of both?  Purchasing chairs and tables can be an expensive and inconvenient exercise, so consider using a party hire or event hire company for your table and chair requirements to save money and storage space.

Seated Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner parties, weddings, corporate meals, training workshops, and many more will have your guests spending a large share of the time in their seat, and at their tables. Coming up with a floor plan will help you decide what type of tables to hire, as well as the number of chairs for each of these tables.

 

Rectangular Tables

Standard rectangular hire tables will usually measure either around 1.8 metres (6 feet) or 2.4 metres (8 feet) in length, and around 80cm wide. Almost all tables are around 70cm to 75cm high – a standard height for dining/working. Rectangular tables are the most efficient shape for seating more people. Rows of tables can utilise a room’s space far greater than round tables. However, this configuration can detract from socialising as it separates line of sight between guests and can limit discussion somewhat.

The number of chairs that can be seated at each table will naturally depend on the width of the chairs being used, but as a decent guide, you should allow around 60cm for each guest. This means that for a 1.8m table, three guests can be seated down each side, and four guests down each side for a 2.4m table.  Seating guests at the end of each table is also an option, but keep in mind that you will slightly detract from the available space at each end for those guests sitting on the sides.

 

Round Tables

There are many sizes when it comes to round tables, though typically they increase in 30cm (1 foot) increments, from 90cm up to 180cm.  Round tables are typically used for weddings, and formal occasions.  Due to all guests facing the centre of the table, it’s far easier for guests seated at the table to communicate with each other, improving the social aspect of the event.

Deciding on how to space guests can get a little trickier with round tables.  Firstly, there isn’t a linear measurement to use as a guide (such as 60cm on rectangular tables) due to the curve of the table.  Secondly, the spatial requirements of each guest may differ due to the event (how many courses are there, and what cutlery/crockery will they need), of which the effect is amplified on round tables as opposed to rectangular.  Below is a tabulated guide as to how many chairs you may seat around each sized table.  Keep in mind that the width of the chairs, and how much space you estimate each guest will need, will play a large role in working out seating plans.  If possible, try and set up a table and see what spacings work best, prior to hiring anything.

 

Acacia Ridge	100
Albany Creek	50
Albion	40
Alderley	50
Alexandra Hills	100
Algester	100
Annerley	75
Anstead	100
Arana Hills	60
Archerfield	95
Ascot	40
Ashgrove	60
Aspley	40
Auchenflower	65
Augustine Heights	150
Bald Hills	50
Balmoral	50
Banyo	40
Bardon	65
Barellan Point	140
Beachmere	120
Bellbird Park	150
Bellbowrie	100
Belmont	70
Berrinba	140
Bethania	150
Birkdale	100
Boondall	40
Boronia Heights	150
Bowen Hills	50
Bracken Ridge	40
Bray Park	60
Brendale	50
Bridgeman Downs	40
Brighton	50
Brisbane City	70
Brookfield	90
Browns Plains	140
Bulimba	50
Bundamba	150
Bunya	70
Burbank	100
Burpengary	90
Burpengary East	90
Caboolture	110
Caboolture South	105
Calamvale	105
Camira	150
Camp Hill	60
Camp Mountain	80
Cannon Hill	55
Capalaba	100
Carina	60
Carina Heights	65
Carindale	70
Carole Park	120
Carseldine	40
Cashmere	75
Chandler	90
Chapel Hill	80
Chelmer	80
Chermside	40
Chermside West	40
Chuwar	150
Clayfield	40
Clear Mountain	75
Cleveland	110
Clontarf	65
Closeburn	90
Collingwood Park	150
Coopers Plains	90
Coorparoo	70
Corinda	90
Cornubia	150
Crestmead	150
Daisy Hill	140
Dakabin	80
Darra	110
Dayboro	110
Deagon	40
Deception Bay	90
Dinmore	150
Doolandella	105
Draper	70
Drewvale	140
Durack	100
Dutton Park	70
Eagle Farm	40
East Brisbane	65
Eatons Hill	60
Ebbw Vale	150
Eight Mile Plains	100
Ellen Grove	120
Enoggera	55
Everton Hills	50
Everton Park	50
Fairfield	75
Ferny Grove	70
Ferny Hills	70
Fig Tree Pocket	85
Fitzgibbon	40
Forest Lake	125
Forestdale	140
Fortitude Valley	60
Gailes	120
Gaythorne	50
Geebung	40
Goodna	140
Gordon Park	40
Graceville	80
Graceville East	80
Grange	40
Greenslopes	75
Griffin	80
Gumdale	80
Hamilton	40
Hawthorne	50
Heathwood	80
Hemmant	50
Hendra	40
Heritage Park	150
Herston	50
Highgate Hill	70
Highvale	120
Hillcrest	150
Holland Park	80
Holland Park West	80
Inala	100
Indooroopilly	80
Jamboree Heights	110
Jindalee	105
Joyner	75
Kallangur	70
Kangaroo Point	60
Karalee	140
Karana Downs	140
Karawatha	105
Kedron	40
Kelvin Grove	50
Kenmore	90
Kenmore Hills	90
Keperra	60
Kholo	150
King Scrub	150
Kingston	150
Kuraby	100
Kurwongbah	85
Larapinta	140
Lawnton	60
Logan Central	120
Loganlea	150
Lota	90
Lutwyche	40
Lytton	80
Macgregor	90
Mango Hill	70
Manly	80
Manly West	80
Mansfield	80
Margate	70
Margate Beach	70
Marsden	150
Mcdowall	40
Meadowbrook	150
Middle Park	110
Milton	55
Mitchelton	50
Moggill	120
Moorooka	85
Morayfield	150
Morningside	50
Mount Cotton	150
Mount Crosby	140
Mount Glorious	140
Mount Gravatt	85
Mount Gravatt East	80
Mount Nebo	120
Mount Ommaney	105
Mount Samson	150
Murarrie	50
Murrumba Downs	60
Narangba	80
Nathan	90
New Chum	150
New Farm	50
Newmarket	50
Newport	90
Newstead	50
Norman Park	55
North Lakes	70
North Tivoli	150
Northgate	40
Nudgee	40
Nudgee Beach	40
Nundah	40
Ormiston	110
Oxley	95
Paddington	55
Pallara	105
Park Ridge	150
Parkinson	120
Petrie	70
Pinjarra Hills	100
Pinkenba	40
Port Of Brisbane	80
Priestdale	105
Pullenvale	100
Ransome	90
Red Hill	55
Redbank	140
Redbank Plains	150
Redcliffe	75
Redland Bay	150
Regents Park	150
Richlands	100
Riverhills	110
Riverview	150
Robertson	90
Rochedale	100
Rochedale South	100
Rocklea	90
Rothwell	75
Runcorn	100
Rush Creek	120
Salisbury	90
Samford	90
Samford Valley	90
Samford Village	90
Samsonvale	100
Sandgate	40
Scarborough	90
Seven Hills	55
Seventeen Mile Rocks	105
Shailer Park	150
Sheldon	105
Sherwood	85
Shorncliffe	40
Sinnamon Park	105
Slacks Creek	120
South Brisbane	65
Spring Hill	50
Spring Hill	50
Springfield	150
Springfield	150
Springfield Lakes	150
Springwood	105
St Lucia	70
Stafford	40
Stafford Heights	40
Strathpine	55
Stretton	105
Sumner	110
Sunnybank	95
Sunnybank Hills	100
Taigum	40
Tanah Merah	150
Taringa	75
Tarragindi	80
Teneriffe	50
Tennyson	80
The Gap	70
Thorneside	95
Thornlands	120
Tingalpa	60
Toombul	40
Toowong	70
Underwood	100
Upper Brookfield	100
Upper Caboolture	105
Upper Kedron	75
Upper Mount Gravatt	90
Victoria Point	150
Virginia	40
Wacol	115
Wakerley	80
Warner	60
Waterford West	150
Wavell Heights	40
Wavell Heights North	40
Wellington Point	100
West End	70
Westlake	105
Whiteside	80
Wights Mountain	120
Willawong	100
Wilston	40
Windsor	40
Wishart	90
Woodridge	120
Woody Point	65
Woolloongabba	70
Wooloowin	40
Wynnum	80
Wynnum North	80
Wynnum West	80
Yeerongpilly	80
Yeronga	80
Yugar	90
Zillmere	40

 

Chairs

The type of chair that you hire or purchase for your function will depend on your budget, and the type of event.

 

Plastic Stackable Chairs

If hiring these from a reputable party hire company, then you can expect these chairs to be of commercial quality and support most people’s body weight easily.  Beware of purchasing cheap plastic chairs from large retail chains or discount stores for a reduced price, as these chairs are usually thinner plastic and can become very brittle if left outdoors.  Plastic stacking chairs are very popular for hire, and are great to keep costs low while seating a larger number of people.  The ability to stack the chairs also makes for easy transportation.

Formal Chairs

For occasions such as weddings, graduations, formal dinners, or corporate events, the plastic stacking chair might not cut it.  Formal chairs usually have a heavier, sturdier frame, and have padded seats.  Hiring these chairs can save you a lot of money, but you may need to opt for the hire company to deliver, as they are bulky and don’t stack as well for transport. Many hire companies may insist on delivery, to ensure that their stock isn’t damaged in transit.

 

Folding chairs

Excellent for transport and storage, folding chairs are a great step up from plastic chairs.  Americana chairs have become a popular option for weddings, product launches, high teas, and other functions that require a more sophisticated feel.  These are typically made of a hard wearing plastic or timber.  Steel or metal frame folding chairs are typically used by schools, businesses, and community groups due to their minimal storage requirements.

 

Chair Covers

For formal occasions, chair covers can dress-up an otherwise plain or unattractive chair.  When buying or hiring chair covers, be sure to ask what the dimensions of the chair covers are, or what type of chair they were designed to fit.  With the exception of some spandex chair covers, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all chair cover.  Ask a prospective hire company if you can borrow one cover to see if it fits the style chair that you intend on using.  Sashes are also frequently used with chair covers and come in a range of colours and fabrics (such as satin or organza).

 

Standing Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many functions aren’t intended to seat guests at tables, such as home parties, cocktail events, and corporate networking functions.  If you’re trying to encourage an atmosphere conducive to socialising, then you want your guests mingling and interacting.  If you provide seating, then there’s a tendency for guests to sit and stay in place for the duration of the function!  You’ve worked hard on this guest list, and the last thing that you want are clusters of acquaintances keeping to themselves.

 

Dry Bar Tables

Whether your guests realise it or not, dry bar tables will encourage interaction.  They also have a strong tendency to attract people, so strategically place them where you want your guests to gather.  There are no specific rules as to how many bar tables are suitable as it will depend on your space and number of guests, however as a very rough guide, one table for every 3 metre by 3 metre area will work well.

 

Dry bar tables are usually a popular hire item and can come in a few different styles though are all typically around 1.2 metres tall, intended for resting glasses and drinks on whilst socialising.  Stainless steel, composite laminate, or glossy timber are the usual choices for the table top material.  Bar tables can also come with a second tier, allowing for extra storage of glasses or personal items like handbags.  For more formal occasions, table linen or full length spandex covers can be added to dress the tables nicely.  Candles also work nicely as a centrepiece on each table (though don’t let wax make contact with the cover, or the hire company will be cranky).

 

Bar Stools

If you’d like to offer some light seating for a ‘standing’ function, bar stools are complimentary for dry bar tables due to their height.  When looking at which stools to hire or purchase, consider the following points:

• padded seat
• backrest
• footrest

Each feature will improve comfort, but finding a stool that includes all three may be challenging, though most stools will have at least one.  Remember – you don’t want your guests to get too comfortable sitting down anyway! Ideally two to four stools around each round dry bar table will be sufficient.

 

Some Seating, Some Standing

Many functions, events, or parties will feature a combination of bar tables, as well as tables and chairs for seating.  Not everyone can physically stand for the duration of an event or party, so make sure that you are catering for these people also.  To maintain the social aspect, scattering smaller round tables (90cm or 120cm) with 4 or 5 chairs around each will offer a nice option for those wanting to sit and socialise.

 

Spacing Between Tables and Chairs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When mapping out your layout, make sure that you leave a sufficient gap between the tables and surrounding chairs, so that your guests can move freely around your event space.  As a general rule, leaving 2 metres between each table edge (when chairs are back to back) should give you ample space for people to push their chairs out from their tables, and still allow room to walk between.

Table  Linen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linen is always a classy option  to cover your tables.  When hiring tables from a party or event hire company, you can reasonably expect that the tabletops will exhibit some wear and tear from repetitive use, transport and handling.  When selecting a table cloth, make sure that you are accounting for how much of the cloth you want to hang over each edge.  As a general rule, 30cm to 40cm is a good length for your table linen to hang from the edge of the table, if dining at the table.  This will allow your knees to sit comfortably underneath the table.  Full length table cloths can be uncomfortable and interfere with your usual seating position, and are typically used for display tables (for food, makeshift bars, gifts/registry table, retail display) where the legs of the table aren’t exposed, and/or the space underneath can be utilised for storage out of sight.

If hiring linen, be sure to check with the hire company if they require you to launder it before returning (most will not).  Also keep in mind that most companies will hire two types of fabric – cotton or polyester, with the former presenting as a nicer, heavier cloth that can be starched.  The latter can not, and is slightly lighter overall.

 

Table feet

When hiring tables (or chairs), also consider the surface that these items will be placed on.  If they are being used on polished floor boards or glossy tiles, then you may want to consider purchasing some felt circles/squares to prevent possible scratching.  Most hire tables will have rubber feet, but sometimes these can drift astray during constant transport and handling.

 

Tables and chairs are a staple in the successful accommodation of guests during any function, regardless of size or purpose.  By taking some time to review many of the aforementioned considerations, and developing an organised and robust floor plan, you’ll be well on your way to organising a successful event!