The post Vibrant Wedding at Energy Innovation Center Honors Hawaiian Roots appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

In this guide, you’ll explore the most common table shapes and sizes, how many guests each can comfortably seat, how much space to allow in your layout, and which linens pair best with each style. Choose wisely, style intentionally, and let your tables set the stage for every unforgettable moment of your event.

To make planning easier, the experts at The 1978 Collection have curated this complete wedding table and linen guide. Backed by decades of event experience and a deep passion for thoughtful design, this rental house believes in the beauty of thoughtfully curated moments.

Why Table Size Matters

Guest Comfort

An 8-person table feels different from a 12-person table, both in spacing and conversation flow.

Room Layout

Choosing the right combination of tables will help maximize your space without overcrowding.

Linen Fit

The correct size linen ensures your tables look polished – no awkward overhangs or bare corners or table legs.

Florals & Tabletop

Your table size will dictate the surface area for items such as florals, chargers, extra glassware, or catering items like bread and butter baskets/dishes.

Rectangular Tables: Long & Lovely

Rectangular tables are versatile and work beautifully for long banquet-style dinners, conferences, or modern layouts where clean lines matter. They maximize space and can be placed end-to-end, creating dramatic “feasting tables.”

Conference Table – 4’X18”

Compact and functional, perfect for display tables, food stations, or intimate seating.

• Seats: 2 people
• Space Needed: 9’x6.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 78”x108”
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

Conference Table – 6’X18”

Compact and functional, perfect for display tables, food stations, or intimate seating.

• Seats: 3 people
• Space Needed: 11’x6.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 78”x132”
  • Lap Length: 60”x120”

Conference Table – 8’X18”

Great for presentations, head tables, or conferences where slim lines and efficiency are key.

• Seats: 4 people
• Space Needed: 13’x6.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 78”x156”
  • Lap Length: 60”x120”

Banquet Table – 4’X30”

A smaller option for intimate seating or sweetheart tables, offering flexibility in tighter spaces.

• Seats: 4-6
• Space Needed: 9’x7.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 90”x108”
  • Lap Length: 72” Square

Banquet Table – 6’X30”

One of the most common choices for guest dining, these work well in banquet halls, tents, and ballrooms alike.

• Seats: 6-8
• Space Needed: 11’x7.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 90”x132”
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

Banquet Table – 8’X30”

A wider option that allows for more generous place settings and larger centerpieces, often used in luxury or high-design layouts.

• Seats: 8-10
• Space Needed: 13’x7.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 90”x156”
  • Lap Length: 60”x120”

Queen’s Table – 8’x40”

The Queen’s Table offers a slightly narrower profile than a King’s Table, but still provides more width than a traditional 8’x30” banquet. This size strikes a balance between function and luxury, giving you more room for decor and guest comfort while maintaining an intimate scale.

• Seats: 8-10
• Space Needed: 13’x8.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 108”x156”
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

King’s Table – 8’X48”

The King’s Table is the ultimate statement piece. Wider than a standard banquet table, it allows for lush centerpieces, layered decor, and generous place settings. Perfect for head tables, family-style dining, or dramatic focal points in a ballroom.

• Seats: 10-12
• Space Needed: 13’x8.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 108”x156”
  • Lap Length: 90”x132”

Square Tables: Modern & Unexpected

Square tables are modern and unexpected. They create a sense of intimacy as guests face each other more directly. They’re ideal for smaller weddings or events where conversation matters most.

Square – 54”x54”

Ideal for creating unique floor plans or breaking up rows of rounds with something fresh and contemporary.

• Seats: 6-8
• Space Needed: 9.5’x9.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 114” Square
  • Lap Length: 80” Square

Square – 60”x60”

The 60” square adds drama to a floor plan and comfortably seats guests in a balanced, intimate setting. Its larger surface area allows for creative centerpieces and layered decor.

• Seats: 8
• Space Needed: 10’x10’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 120” Square
  • Lap Length: 90” Square

Square – 72”x72”

The largest of the square options, the 72” square creates a bold, modern statement. It’s ideal for high-capacity dining in large spaces, or as a striking head table setup. Its generous size allows for expansive floral designs and full place settings without crowding.

• Seats: 10-12
• Space Needed: 11’x11’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 132” Square
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

Round Tables: The Classic Choice

Round tables are the classic choice for weddings, galas, and events. They encourage easy conversation, create soft visual flow, and are adaptable to most venues.

Round – 30”

Perfect for cocktail hours, sweetheart tables, or cake displays – small but mighty.

• Seats: 2-4
• Space Needed: 7.5’x7.5’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 90” Round
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

Round – 36”

A slightly larger option for cocktail seating or smaller breakout groups.

• Seats: 4-5
• Space Needed: 8’x8’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 96” Round
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

Round – 48”

Great for small receptions, showers, or events with tighter guest lists – comfortably intimate.

• Seats: 6-8
• Space Needed: 9’x9’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 108”
  • Lap Length: can be made custom

Round – 60”

As the most popular wedding table size, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and space efficiency.

• Seats: 8-10
• Space Needed: 10’x10’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 120”
  • Lap Length: 90”

Round – 72”

The largest round table available, ideal for grand events or maximizing guest count per table. Best suited for larger spaces.

• Seats: 10-12
• Space Needed: 11’x11’
• Linen Options:
  • Floor Length: 132”
  • Lap Length: 108”

Tips for Table & Linen Selections

1. The “space needed” above accounts for chairs and a narrow aisle. For more comfort, especially at weddings where guests will be seated for long dinners, allow an extra 2 square feet per guest.
2. If you plan to add chargers to your table, use the lower count of seated people to allow for surface space to fit a 13” charger plate at every seat.
3. Mixing round and rectangular tables adds depth and interest to any layout. Round tables are a staple for a soft, balanced look, while rectangles are ideal for drama and add intimacy. Choose either a 60” or 72” in rounds and either an 8’ Banquet, or King/Queen’s Table for rectangles.

From The 1978 Collection

We’re The 1978 Collection – an event rental house built on decades of experience, a love for great design, and a deep belief in the power of well-made moments. What started as three separate companies has grown into one shared vision: to help you bring your ideas to life with ease, style, and a whole lot of heart.

Whether you’re a planner, a venue coordinator, a caterer, or somewhere in between – we’re here to make the process smoother, the details better, and the outcome unforgettable with elevated rentals, design services, and the know-how that’s backed by the kind of experience you only get from being in it – and doing it – for nearly a half a century.

The post Wedding Tables 101: A Guide To Choosing The Right Size from The 1978 Collection appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

From Amanda…

Bustle Types

American (aka Traditional or Over Bustle)

This style picks the train up over the top of the back of the dress, either at the waistline or below it. Where and how many points are determined by the length and width of the train. The mechanisms can be hook and loops or buttons and loops.

Great dress styles for this bustle include A-line, ballgown, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet.

French (aka Under Bustle)

This is the reserve of the American bustle. The train is tucked underneath of the dress below the waistline in different points for the fabric to fold under and out. It is tied together by matching, numbered ribbons.

A-line, ballgown, sheath, mermaid, asymmetrical trains, and dresses with oversized bows all work well with this bustle type.

Double/Triple French (sometimes referred to as a Royal or Victorian Bustle)

The double or triple French bustle is named after the number of layers or folds required to bring the train up off the floor. The number of points on this bustle can be in the double digits. This type of bustle is used for very long trains that cannot be bustled in one single layer.

This bustle works well on A-line, mermaid, sheath, and trumpet style wedding dresses.

Ballroom

With a ballroom bustle, the train is completely tucked underneath the dress, giving the illusion that there is no train. There is no change in the silhouette of the dress and there are many points to bring the fabric to fold underneath of itself. This is usually the most expensive type of bustle because of the amount of points it needs to have to make the dress fall floor length. The mechanism for this style is tied ribbons and loops.

Great dress styles for this bustle include A-line, ballroom, and sheath.

Australian

This newer style is not as common as the above options, but it is starting to gain some popularity. This bustle type is created by gathering the train down the middle and making pleats that are reminiscent to rouching. Think of a French bustle but just down the center many times.

A-lines with a long train, ballgowns, or trains with intricate detailing work well with this type of bustle.

Wristlet

Last but not least, there is the simple wristlet bustle type. It is a loop ribbon at the bottom of the train that hangs over your wrist. Wristlets are an easy go-to if it’s the right kind of dress. Attaching your train to your wrist using a loop can be a very romantic and timeless look for first dance pictures. However, given how your reception will play out and how heavy your dress is, it may not be an effective way to carry on the entire evening. It can be cumbersome trying to keep a drink in your hang and hug guests with something heavy hanging from your wrist. Dresses with long and wide trains are not ideal candidates for this particular bustle since the train will not be entirely picked up off the floor, thus defeating the purpose of the bustle.

Both lightweight sheath and A-line dresses with shorter trains are great fits for this bustle type.

Bustle FAQs

When should I bustle my dress?

Typically, dresses are bustled after the ceremony and before the reception, usually at some point during the cocktail hour. Most definitely, your dress should be be bustled prior to being announced into the reception. Once the party starts, it’s hard to step away.

Should someone learn how to bustle my dress?

Absolutely! I like to make bustles user-friendly for those who don’t work with bustles every day. That being said, one person other than yourself should know how to bustle your dress. I suggest bringing a designated bustler to either your second fitting or your pick-up appointment so that they can learn how to properly bustle your dress. It’s always a good idea to take a video to refer back to later too!

How long does it take to bustle my dress?

Depending on the style of bustle and how many bustle points there are will determine how much time it will take to get everything tied or looped. I typically tell my clients to leave about 15 minutes for bustling the dress.

I’m wearing heels for my ceremony and flats for my reception. Help!

This is very common! Depending on your heel heights, most of the time, the dress can be hemmed and bustled at the same length. When you change into your lower shoe, the hem and bustle will fall at the same length all the way around. Another option is hemming the front of your gown for your ceremony shoes and having your seamstress pin the bustle according to your higher heel. With this option, the front of the dress will sit lower, but the train will at least be picked up a little bit higher so it won’t get stepped on. Either option can be discussed with your seamstress.

The post Wedding Dress Bustles: 6 Types & Some FAQs appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

The Pittsburgh cookie table traces back to the Great Depression, when loved ones contributed baked goods as a cost-effective alternative to a wedding cake. Today, the tradition has evolved into a celebrated addition to the dessert experience, often served alongside a cake. Hundreds of cookies often fill the display, ranging from timeless favorites like lady locks, buckeyes, pizzelles, and thumbprint cookies to cherished family recipes and childhood classics.

Its popularity has spread, but not far beyond Western Pennsylvania and into the Midwest, leaving many couples unfamiliar with the concept asking: What exactly is a Pittsburgh cookie table?

While the tradition remains closely tied to Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania region, cookie tables have expanded far beyond their hometown roots. Whether you’re getting married locally or planning a destination celebration, where there’s a will, there’s a cookie table.

The History of the Cookie Table

The origins of the cookie table can be traced back to Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio. It’s linked to many European immigrant communities – particularly Italian, Greek, and Polish families – who brought baking customs and wedding traditions to the region.

Many believe that the cookie table dates back to the Great Depression, when it gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a wedding cake. Instead of spending money on sweets, couples relied on family and friends to prepare homemade treats, creating a large assortment of cookies for wedding guests to enjoy. Over time, this practical solution became a cherished wedding tradition that celebrated hospitality, generosity, and family. 

Why You Should Have a Cookie Table

Family and friends have the unique opportunity to contribute something personal to your wedding day. They can share favorite recipes and showcase their baking expertise through a meaningful gesture of love. 

The cookie table becomes a cornerstone of the reception – a place where guests gather, connect to the couple and generations of family traditions, and delight in their choice of delicious treats. The dessert table becomes a shared celebration.

The Perks of a Cookie Table:

• Offers guests a wide variety of desserts
• Allows guests to take treats home
• Family and friends feel the opportunity to participate in the wedding experience 
• Adds touches of personalization through favorite recipes, family traditions, or themed details
• Creates an interactive dessert station, providing guests with an activity while you’re away taking photos
• Can be located in multiple areas, not just the reception! 
• Works for all wedding styles, from micro wedding to full-scale reception 

Things to Include in Your Cookie Table

• Signage clearly labeling cookie names and identifying allergens
• Small plates or cocktail napkins for enjoying cookies during the reception
• Take-home bags or to-go boxes for guests to bring home treats
• Serving trays, risers, or dessert stands
• Tongs or serving utensils 

Things to Consider When Planning Your Cookie Table

• Decide whether cookies will be baked by guests, family, professional bakers, or a combination
• Confirm venue policies regarding outside food
• Consider logistics if guests are traveling
• Coordinate setup so your planner, venue, or team can assemble the table
• If you are ordering from a bakery, coordinate delivery times that align with the venue’s schedule
• Separately package allergen-free cookies to avoid cross-contamination
• Account for enough cookies that guests are able to eat and take home a selection 
• Ensure there are enough containers available for guests to take cookies home 

How to Get Started Planning Your Cookie Table

Start by gathering inspiration and deciding what type of cookie table reflects your wedding style. Check out cookie table inspo from real Pittsburgh weddings for some of the most creative, interactive, and beautiful displays of cookies. 

Consider whether you want a traditional family-driven display, a professionally styled dessert station, or a blend of both. You can also connect with local cookie table experts, bakers, and wedding vendors who specialize in designing and coordinating these displays.

The post What Is a Pittsburgh Cookie Table? A Complete Guide appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.

Divorced parents don’t necessarily need to be seated on opposite sides of the room – unless that’s their preference – but mindful planning will help you navigate everyone’s needs with ease. Tensions often arise when there’s pressure, expectations, or confusion about roles and involvement. And since wedding planning can already feel overwhelming, alongside a health coach’s tips to avoid wedding planning burnout, we’ve gathered parental advice to help you feel less stressed and more empowered.

While you can’t control each person’s reactions, you can do your best to explain your boundaries and wedding vision, all while respecting you and your partner’s unique family dynamics. 

Here’s everything you need to consider to navigate divorced parents at your wedding:

Communicate With Your Parents Early. 

Open and honest communication is going to be essential when navigating divorced parents during wedding planning, so start the conversation as early as possible. If one or both parents require on-going reminders about boundaries, this is your chance to set those expectations gently, but clearly. Early communication not only helps avoid misunderstandings later but also allows you to gauge how each parent feels about being involved, or how much distance they may want from their ex. Setting the tone now may save stress as the big day approaches.

Express How You’d Like Them To Be Included.

Let your parents and step-parents know how you’d like them to be part of your wedding day. Depending on your relationship with each of them, invite your parent to participate in moments that feel meaningful and aligned with your overall vision. Whether it’s joining you for outfit shopping, attending a venue tour, or helping with DIY details, including them in thoughtful ways shows they matter.

On the wedding day itself, consider assigning special but separate roles to avoid tension. Think: giving a reading during the ceremony, welcoming guests as a greeter, or offering a toast at the reception. Giving them a defined purpose can not only make them feel appreciated but also help minimize potential awkwardness or conflict.

Create Mindful Seating Arrangements.

Thoughtful seating arrangements can go a long way in reducing tension and creating a comfortable atmosphere for everyone. Some parents may prefer to sit far apart from their ex, while others may be on friendly terms and open to sharing a table. To avoid any surprises, have individual conversations with each parent ahead of time to understand their preferences. Are they bringing a plus one? Which family members are they comfortable dining with? A little extra planning in this area can make a big difference in keeping the peace and maintaining a positive vibe at your celebration.

Consider Their New Partner or Spouse.

Depending on your relationship with your parent’s new partner or spouse, involving them in small moments may help maintain your connection and show your parent that you respect their new relationship. This could mean more involvement in the engagement party, an invite to come dress shopping, or making sure they are included in wedding day photos. 

If your family functions more like a blended unit, embrace the added support and love that comes with it. However, if the dynamic is more sensitive, take time to speak with each individual privately. 

Ask About Introductions.

Introductions can carry more weight than you might expect. Some people may have strong preferences about how they’d like to be introduced or acknowledged, while others may not be concerned about the formalities. Either way, it’s a conversation worth having in advance with your parents. 

You may also have friends or family members your parents haven’t met yet. Ask each parent what would feel comfortable for them (and their new partners, if applicable) and when they’d prefer to make these introductions. A pre-wedding event, like the rehearsal dinner or welcome party, can be a perfect time for everyone to connect, avoiding additional social interactions on the wedding day. 

Let Your Photographer Know.

If it matters to you, then be sure to share any important family details, sensitivities, or strained relationships with your photographer ahead of time – whether it’s who should (or shouldn’t) be in certain photos, or how to position people for group shots. It’s also helpful to loop in your wedding planner or any key vendors who may need to be aware of these dynamics. 

Enlist a Close Friend or Family Member.

Choose a trusted friend, sibling, or family member to help navigate any tricky family dynamics on your wedding day. Let them know in advance about any potential tension or emotional sensitivities, so they’re prepared to step in if needed. Having a go-to person can help de-escalate issues and keep you focused on enjoying your celebration instead of managing your parents’ emotions. This quiet support system could be a game-changer if you’re anticipating stress around divorced parents. 

Explain Your Wedding Vision.

Whether you’re planning a traditional celebration or a free-spirited, self-uniting ceremony, it’s helpful to share your wedding vision with your parents early on. They may have imagined something different for your big day, and it could take time for them to fully embrace your plans, especially if your choices are different from cultural or generational expectations.

Be open about what matters most to you, while also being receptive to their desire to feel involved. It may involve a little extra planning or compromise. If they are eager to contribute, suggest other options, like hosting a brunch, taking you to a celebratory dinner, or throwing an engagement party. If you want to enjoy these activities with your parents separately, great! There’s a way to allow your parents to participate in a way that feels special, without asking you to sacrifice your dream wedding or the events leading up to it. 

The post How to Navigate Divorced Parents at Your Wedding appeared first on Burgh Brides - A Pittsburgh Wedding Blog.