The short version
Set the reservation limit and waitlist limit separately. Check that suitable tables exist for the party sizes you accept, and give larger groups a clear way to contact you.
“We welcome groups of eight” can mean several things: they can book ahead, join the waitlist, or call to arrange seating. Guests need to know which one you mean.
A clear party-size policy connects the booking controls, the actual room and the wording guests see. This is a practical way to put those pieces together.
1. Decide what each rule means
Start with the service you can provide. Which groups can you confidently promise a table to in advance? Which can wait for suitable seating? Which need a conversation about timing or table arrangements?
On a small screen, swipe to see all columns.
| Guest action | Example rule | Larger groups |
|---|---|---|
| Make a reservation | 1–6 guests | Contact the restaurant |
| Join the waitlist | 1–8 guests | Speak with the host |
This example allows a group of eight to wait for an appropriate table without promising that table at a particular future time. Your own limits should reflect your room and operating plan.
2. Set reservation and waitlist limits separately
In yourturn, go to Settings → Reservations. Review Minimum reservation party size and Maximum reservation party size.
These limits apply to online and staff-created reservations. They are separate from the minimum and maximum party sizes under Settings → Waitlist. Changing the waitlist limit does not set the reservation limit.
A blank reservation maximum means there is no maximum from that particular rule. It does not mean every party size has available seating; table capacity still controls availability. Set an explicit maximum when that is the policy you want the team to follow.
Brief staff on the same rule. If larger groups need a separate arrangement, decide who handles the request instead of asking a host to bypass the ordinary booking process.
3. Check the actual tables
A permitted party size and an available table are different checks. A group of six may be within your reservation limit, while the only six-seat table is already committed to another booking.
Review the relevant tables and table sets in yourturn’s reservation setup, including their capacity and whether they are offered online. Only combine tables in the plan if your team can use that arrangement in the real room.
For the example above, check a party of six at the dates and times you expect to offer. If there are no suitable times, review the table setup and existing commitments before assuming the party-size limit is broken.
4. Explain the next step before guests arrive
Put the larger-group instructions where guests make the decision: on the booking page and wherever you invite them to reserve. Keep the group size, requested action and contact route in the same message.
Booking message to adapt
Online reservations are available for 1–6 guests. For groups of 7 or more, please call the restaurant so we can discuss seating.
Waitlist message to adapt
Groups of up to 8 can join the waitlist. Seating depends on a suitable table becoming available. For larger groups, please speak with the host.
Use your actual limits and contact details. “Large parties welcome” alone does not tell guests whether to book, wait or call.
Check that your team gives the same answer by phone. A guest should not be told the limit is six online and eight for a reservation when they call unless that is an intentional, clearly handled exception.
5. Check the boundaries of the policy
Preview the guest booking page and waitlist page separately. For each one, check the smallest permitted party, the maximum and a party just above it. Confirm that the visible choices match the intended rule.
Also review a staff-created reservation without saving an unnecessary booking. Staff should understand when to use the ordinary reservation flow and when to refer a larger-group inquiry to the person arranging it.
If you change the limits later, update the wording and brief the team at the same time. A correctly configured control cannot fix an old caption that still promises something different.