There are so many reasons why banquet table seating can make your event special. One, it makes for a striking visual. In addition, the arrangement puts your guests closer together, stimulating conversation and invoking a sense of community. A rectangular table also allows for the option of a tablerunner (as in the above picture). Furthermore, it can make you feel like royalty entertaining your guests! (Did you catch the banquet tables in The Queen and other films about the English monarchy?)
However, banquet style seating may not work if you have a very large guest list. I tend to think that banquet seating is best when there is only one table. Alternately, you could also do two connected tables in a L shape, or 3 connected table in a U shape, or 4 table connected into a rectangle. Otherwise, it can look cramped and awkward.
When choosing a venue, ask whether banquet style seating is an option at that venue. Even after you've chosen the venue, ask if it is a possibility if this is something you'd like to do.
