Wedding Floor Plan: Where Do the Dance Floor, DJ and Buffet Go?
Before a single name lands on a table, the room should be settled. The dance floor, DJ, buffet and bar need their place, and their position determines which tables are good and which are less so.
The dance floor belongs in the middle of the action
A dance floor in the farthest corner stays empty. It should be clearly visible from the head table and reachable from as many tables as possible without having to cross half the hall. Often it lies directly in front of the head table or centrally between the groups of tables.
If the room is rearranged after the meal, plan for that. Some venues clear away two or three tables to make space. The guests at those tables then need a new place to leave glasses and bags.
DJ or band right at the dance floor
The DJ has to see whether people are dancing. So at the edge of the dance floor, facing it. Speakers point at the dance floor, not at the tables. The tables right next to the speakers are the loudest in the room. That is where friends who want to dance anyway should sit, not the grandparents.
The DJ and band need outlets. Find out early where they are. Cables across an aisle are a tripping hazard.
The buffet with room to queue
Set up the buffet so the line does not form between the tables. Ideal is a wall with space in front, ideally accessible from two sides. With more than 80 guests, a double-sided buffet or two stations are worthwhile. Call the tables up one after another, and there will be no jam.
Bar and drinks away from the dance floor
People talk at the bar. If it stands right at the dance floor, it gets crowded there. A bit off to the side but within sight is better. The drinks reception and coffee can run at the same station.
Three typical layouts
The long, narrow hall: head table at one end, the dance floor at the opposite end. The tables stand in two rows in between. So that nobody sits with their back to the dance floor, long tables across the room work well here. Buffet and bar along the long walls.
The square hall: dance floor in the middle, tables all around, head table on one side facing the dance floor. This layout brings the most guests close to the action.
Two rooms: dinner in one, dancing in the other. That is often the most pleasant solution, because nobody has to shout. But clarify when the switch happens, and have the DJ play quiet music in the dance room beforehand so guests find their way over.
Fixed points that are easily forgotten
- Gift table near the entrance
- Cake table with room around it for photos
- Photo booth with some distance from the dance floor
- Coat check and a kids' corner
- Keep emergency exits clear
Draw all the fixed points into the floor plan first, then the tables. Only once the room is settled do you distribute guests. More on space requirements in the article Space per guest.
Frequently asked questions
How big should the dance floor be?
For 80 guests, 15 to 20 m² is usually enough. Better a bit too small than too big.
Where does the couple sit in relation to the dance floor?
Facing it, but not directly beside it. Otherwise it is too loud during the meal.
A floor plan with all the stations
Drag the dance floor, buffet, DJ and bar into the room as elements.