Question 1

What is a good amount of square feet per person for an event?

Accepted Answer

It varies by event type. A standing cocktail party might only need 10-12 sq ft per person. A seated dinner with round tables typically requires 20-25 sq ft per person to feel comfortable. A dinner with a dance floor and buffet might need 30+ sq ft per person. This calculator helps you model these scenarios.

Question 2

Why is 'Aisle Space Percentage' so important?

Accepted Answer

Aisle space is crucial for both guest comfort and service efficiency. It's the space between tables for guests to move around and for staff to serve and clear. Insufficient aisle space makes the venue feel cramped and can lead to service delays and accidents. 25-30% is a good starting point for a seated dinner.

Question 3

How do I estimate the area for a buffet or bar?

Accepted Answer

For a standard double-sided buffet line, plan for at least 100-150 sq ft to allow for the tables and guest queuing. For a bar, consider the bar's footprint plus at least 5-6 feet of space in front for guests to order and wait. A typical 8-foot bar setup might require 80-120 sq ft of total space.

Question 4

Does this calculator account for things like columns or irregular room shapes?

Accepted Answer

No, this calculator assumes a basic rectangular space. For venues with significant obstructions like columns, oddly angled walls, or built-in fixtures, you should treat those as 'fixed areas' by estimating their square footage and adding it to one of the fixed area inputs, or by reducing the overall venue dimensions to represent the largest clear rectangular space.

Question 5

What's the difference between the table types in the calculation?

Accepted Answer

Each table type has a different 'footprint'. A larger 72-inch round table naturally requires more square footage per table than a 60-inch one once you factor in the space for chairs and service access. This calculator uses industry-standard estimates for the total space required for each table type to ensure a realistic capacity calculation.

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