Table Skirting for Head Tables and Buffets: Sizes and Styles

A buffet looks tidy or messy depending on what is under it. A skirt turns a folding banquet table into a finished piece and hides the boxes, chafing fuel and extension cords that sit below. For the head table and the cake table, it provides a front panel that photographs cleanly. Here is how to size and style skirting for Chicago-area weddings and banquets.

Which sides to skirt

• Against a wall: front plus the two ends.
• Freestanding buffet: all four sides, but a back panel can be plain if the caterer works behind it.
• Head table: usually the guest-facing front and sides only.
• Cake table: usually all around, since guests circle it.

How much skirting do you need?

Skirt length is the perimeter you cover. Pleated skirts also use extra fabric for the pleats, so suppliers cut and price them differently. The finished perimeter is simple arithmetic.

Many suppliers stock skirts in set lengths, so you may be given a longer one. Confirm what you will receive and how it is fastened.

Skirt length and drop

The drop should match the table height: about 29 inches for a standard 30-inch table, just brushing the floor. A skirt that is too long gets stepped on; one that is too short shows a gap. Ask for the table height your supplier uses.

Styles

Box pleat

Evenly spaced flat folds. Tailored and formal. The usual head table style.

Shirred or gathered

Soft, full ruffles. Romantic and less structured.

Flat or swag

Smooth panels with fabric swags at the top. Traditional, banquet-hall style.

Spandex and stretch skirts

A fitted, modern look without pleats. See spandex covers for the same idea on tall tables.

How skirting attaches

Ask who attaches skirts. Some rental companies include it, others deliver it flat for a crew to fit. A pleated skirt takes noticeably longer to set up than a floor-length cloth.

Skirt or floor-length cloth?

A floor-length cloth is simpler and fine for most guest tables. Choose a skirt when:

• You want texture or pleats at the head table
• The cloth would puddle or show seams
• You need to open and close the table front for storage
• The buffet is long and you want a clean line

Choose a cloth when guests sit on all sides, setup time is short or the budget is tight. Our tablecloth size chart lists floor-length sizes.

Head tables, buffets, cakes

• Head table. Skirt the guest-facing front and ends. If you want a layered look, add a runner. See sweetheart table chair ideas for the seating side.
• Buffet. Skirt the front and any exposed ends. Leave room under the table for supplies, and ask your caterer where they need access.
• Cake table. A small round skirted table is classic. Add a topper in a contrast color.

Chicago venue notes

Hotel ballrooms and banquet halls often have skirting in house stock. If you bring your own, ask whether they will attach it. Tents on grass may need a ground cover or a floor so the skirt does not soak up moisture. Check how your caterer sets up buffets so your skirt works with their equipment.

Plan the whole head table

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help list head, buffet and cake tables with chairs and linens, or request a quote.