Choosing table linens for your wedding tables involves colors and sizes. While you are the expert about which color(s) you want, below is a chart to help you when choosing the size cloth to use with your particular table shape.
Personal opinion: After 20+ years in the business, I will say I have an opinion on table linens. I only used floor length table cloths for non-guest tables (buffets, guestbook, gift, cake, etc... Reason? They can actually get caught on chair legs, shoes, purses, etc... and are basically an accident waiting to happen.
I can't count how many times over the years a guest would get something caught on the floor edge, not realize it and scoot in toward the table only to have the cloth pull the entire table contents toward them -- food, centerpiece, drinks -- the whole shebang. Eek!
Also, chairs can not be pushed under the table when it is dressed with a floor length cloth. They have to remain out -- sometimes causing traffic problems unless you are lucky enough to have tons of space around each table.
Instead, I like to use table cloths with a 12" to 20" side drop. This allows chairs to be pushed under the table and no one will get a chair leg caught causing an accident. Lesson over -- ultimately, it's your choice!
Table Linen Sizes
Choosing the right sized table linen is important. Knowing what fits what and making an informed decision will ensure there are no surprises the day of the wedding. Talk with your decorator, caterer, coordinator to make sure they will use the size you requested or rent them yourself. Either way, you'll know what to expect!Measurements are given "width x length" and using the 29" to 30" standard table height as a guideline.
| Table Size | Linen Size | Drop Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2½' wide x 6 ft long (30" x 72") seats 6 comfortably 8 if you use the ends  | 54" x 96" 60" x 96" 60" x 120" 90" x 132" | 12" drop on sides; 12" drop on ends 15" drop on sides; 12" drop on ends 24" drop on sides; 12" drop on ends To the floor - all sides |
| 2½' x 8 ft long (30" x 96") seats 8 comfortably 10 if you use the ends  | 54" x 120" 60" x 120" 90" x 132" 90" x 156" | 12" drop on sides; 12" drop on ends 15" drop on sides; 12" drop on ends to the floor on sides; 18" drop on ends to the floor on all sides |
| 5' round (60" round) seats 8 comfortably  | 90" round 108" round 120" round | 15" drop on sides 24" drop on sides to the floor |
| 6' round (72" round) seats 10 comfortably  | 90" round 108" round 120" round 132" round | 8" drop on sides 18" drop on sides 24" drop on sides to the floor |
For additional help deciding how to set your rectangle table, see Wedding Decorations for Rectangular Tables | Part 1. For help choosing centerpieces and table decor for your rectangle tables, see Wedding Decorations for Rectangular Tables | Part 2.
Sylvestermouse
BuckHawk
Mandee
Good advice to not use floor-length linens where guests are seated. That really does cause problems! Another voice of experience talking here.