Creative Outdoor Reception Seating Arrangements

Weddings are all about showcasing your personal style and translating your unique personality into the reception details. From wearing non-traditional wedding dresses and selecting out-of-the-box wedding venues, to exchanging personalized wedding vows and going for handmade wedding gift ideas instead of traditional ones, creating a wedding reception style that says "me and him" is the newest wedding trend of this generation! For instance, one of the easiest ways to transform your wedding is getting started with the planning of your wedding décor. As it is said that your choice of wedding décor is the manifestation of your love and visual proof of your wedding celebration, which will ultimately go to tie the energy of the couple together in a tangible way. From small items like planning the design of your sweetheart table to pulling out your Pandora's box of Pinterest-inspired wedding ideas for styling up your wedding on a budget, every big and little wedding details come together to communicate the joy of you being together. 

 

In the past, reception styling ideas were considered to be more of a cookie-cutter concept where brides plan everything in all-white wedding details and there are very less expectations of change for everybody in attendance. But in contemporary times, couple-focussed reception ideas and wedding details are coming into play, where we see the same old wedding details but with more artistic interpretations and customization along with a striking focus on social media. For instance, instead of traditional spring wedding details, we are seeing more eclectic detailed versions like cherry blossom wedding ideas, which not only nod to classic spring wedding ideas but also represent a modern take on the couple's refined tastes.

 

Whether you want to take the maximalist way of hosting a traditional ballroom wedding with over-the-top wedding décor ideas or want to take the route of low-budget small backyard wedding ideas with intimate details, there are certain elements that you will want to consider while planning the overall look of your big day. Planning the overall wedding décor designs and ideas does not have any hard rules but should always be according to your wants, tastes, wedding budget, and sense of personal style. Follow your wedding décor checklist, don't forget to check trending wedding ideas, stick to the original wedding budget, and prioritize what's important. Since the reception is where your guests will spend most of the time, it is important that you spend most of your time and budget planning the reception décor and details. From why you should have a sweetheart table at your wedding to determine the kind of reception centerpiece you would want, there is a lot of ground to cover while planning your reception.

 

While planning your reception, you will also most likely plan your wedding reception seating. This is one area where you have to take a lot of consideration- from finding out the best reception seating type according to your venue layout and wedding style to finding the one that fits the guest count in a comfortable way. This directly translates to thinking beyond the average round table reception seating with Chiavari chairs. If you are trying to determine the kind of reception seating option that will suit the best for your wedding, we have you covered to host an epic party! You can also find inspirational alternative reception seating options from couples who went the unconventional route of finding stools, benches, and cushioned seats instead of traditional reception seating options. There are a lot of ways to play with this particular aspect of your reception space, as you can try mixing and matching different options. For instance, you can go for wedding rentals that offer unique looks, choose a more modern reception seating option like wingback chairs, choose metal benches for an eclectic country look, or opt for new wedding aesthetics like vintage couches for creating a scene straight out of Alice in Wonderland! These are some of our favorite ideas for setting up wedding reception seating for your guests while elevating the space to be worthy of the exchange of wedding vows and unwinding during the reception, whether you are celebrating your big day outdoors or using the same wedding venue for your ceremony and reception.

 

Amazing Reception Seating Options For Outdoor Weddings:

 

Poufs

 

One of our favorite wedding reception seating trends is the use of comfortable furniture to create residential-style spaces for guests to unwind during the party. Choose upholstered lounge furniture like poufs with a chic and tufted look to instantly make guests feel at ease and create a luxurious and glam style for your wedding. Comfortable reception seating options for cocktail hour provide a comfortable place for guests to relax and mingle before the reception, while comfortable reception poufs provide a place for guests to rest in between dances. Another popular wedding trend among modern couples is to throw an after-party for guests who want to party all night. Plush lounge areas are essential for these types of parties, as guests will need a stylish and comfortable place to kick their heels after a night of revelry.

 

Marais Chairs 

 

Marais is a type of armchair which was first designed in 1956. Marais reception chairs are additions to the original 1934 design and will look great for your modern industrial chic wedding style. Surface abrasions and minor surface markings are typical of the material and part of its industrial aesthetic. The manufacturers of these chairs keep them mostly hand-finished, which makes each one of them completely unique. These chic steel reception chairs will add an industrial touch to your wedding. They look great with rustic tables for a farmhouse-meets-modern vibe, but they are also great with streamlined furniture for a more modern vibe. The most common metallic finishes for Marais chairs are silver, rose gold, and bronze, and they come in a variety of heights.

 

Chaise 

 

Long couches with armrests on one side of the couch are known as chaise lounges. These elegant couches are designed to be sat on, with the armrest serving as a support or headrest when you sit down. This type of reclining chair has been around since the Egyptians, but it was also popular among the Greeks and Romans. Reception chaise lounges are ideal for use as guest beds or as a relaxing spot to enjoy the cocktail hour. An elegant chaise lounge sofa will add serious style to your reception space. Place a chaise at the head of the table so that you and your new husband or wife can mingle with your dinner guests. This statement reception furniture is a comfortable alternative to traditional sofas and chairs. From barn wedding settings to breezy garden wedding venues, reception chaises work well in a variety of settings. There are a variety of chaise lounge chairs to choose from in a variety of fabrics so that you can pick the one that suits your wedding style and overall reception ambiance.

 

Peacock Chairs 

 

Peacock chairs are a show-stopping reception seating option that is a must-have for any boho wedding! Peacock chairs for receptions are mostly made of rattan or white wicker and have a dramatic, highly arched back that fans out like a peacock's tail, hence the name! You can use two of these next to each other at your head table or in a wedding lounge area. Reception peacock chairs are frequently used in a Bohemian-styled setting, but they also look great in more casual outdoor reception settings like tropical, coastal, and beach-themed weddings. The bride and groom, as well as the guests of honor, can be easily seated in the peacock chairs at a wedding reception. Peacock reception chairs appear to be more casual and laid back, but they can easily be transformed into a more formal setting if necessary. These chairs are ideal for all kinds of wedding types and styles.

 

Modern Velvet Chairs 

 

Finding the right one-of-a-kind reception chairs for your wedding events can sometimes entail scouring antiques for ideas. In art deco, modern, vintage-inspired, and even transitional design schemes, velvet is a luxurious material that looks like a million bucks. A variety of modern velvet reception chair options can be found in wedding rentals in a wide range of colors. The eclectic modern velvet reception chairs are the obvious choice when you want your reception to look luxurious. These opulent velvet reception chairs are a stunning addition to the lounge area or a cocktail hour. For a variety of event looks, these statement pieces are easy to mix and match. For instance, you can match the upholstery with your choice of wedding colors or go for a wide assortment of different colors to give a more laid-back and casual look to your reception.

 

Vintage Couches 

 

If you are looking to create a cozy space for the lounge area of your reception, vintage couches are the way to go! Vintage reception couches can create a luxurious and cozy space for your guests to relax and mingle. A relaxed lounge bar setup can be achieved by laying out clusters of couches- where guests can take a load off during the cocktail hour, or hang out for a respite from all the action on the dancefloor. You can DIY the wedding space by bringing in your own personal elements. For instance, the couches can be in your choice of wedding colors or go for a more seasonal aesthetic, like having floral prints for a spring season wedding. If you are thinking of forgoing formal dining set-ups entirely, you can opt for setting up a lounge area with vintage couches and bringing in a buffet, BBQ, or canapé catering.

 

Ghost Reception Chairs 

 

Reception ghost chairs are entirely made of acrylic or lucite. Ghost chairs typically have rounded backs, but they can also be found with square backs for a more contemporary look. If you want to go bold for your special event, look for a colored ghost chair option. They are typically used in a clear finish for a sleek, minimalist effect, but if you want to go bold for your special event, look for a colored ghost chair option like opaque black, translucent gray, pink, blue, green, or orange. That totally depends on the kind of wedding style you are planning for yourself. Chic and simple ghost chairs look great in any setting. These transparent beauties will blend in with any décor, whether it's modern or rustic. It comes in a variety of styles and is a versatile, elegant, and contemporary seating option for your guests. It also works well in both traditional and contemporary outdoor wedding venues, thanks to its classic yet modern aesthetic. Ghost reception chairs have always been known to blend in with your setup without interfering with the theme or decoration. You don't have to be concerned about your chairs at all, especially if your wedding is planned around a color theme and you haven't found the time to plan the kind of reception chairs you want.

 

Wishbone Chairs 

 

Wishbone chairs are becoming a popular addition to the Scandinavian designs, which are again becoming increasingly popular in wedding venues around the world! Undoubtedly one of the main reasons behind the popularity and likeability of this mid-century classic is that it helps to create an ideal wedding environment, irrespective of the style and aesthetic. The natural wood finish adds a warm and inviting look to your wedding décor as the minimalistic wedding chair style is inspired by midcentury modern design. With a twist on the traditional wishbone, there are also modern wishbone chairs that are sure to make a statement in your lounge with their beautiful wood frame, contoured back, round legs, and bright and cheerful jacquard print upholstered seat. These modern wishbone reception chairs are known for being super comfortable with a boho and mid-century vibe, which again goes well with all kinds of wedding themes.

 

Simple Wooden Benches 

 

Instead of individual chairs, use long wooden benches to keep things casual and relaxed. Simple wooden bench seating is a great way to host a casual wedding ceremony seating plan which is known to be both inexpensive and quick to set up. For a minimalist wedding, decorate the aisle end of the benches with flowers, lanterns, foliage, or fabric, or leave them as is. For a modern rustic vibe at your wedding reception, pair dark brown benches with farm tables, or look for repurposed church pews from vintage event rental companies if you want an eclectic or shabby chic wedding aesthetic.

 

Cane Back Chairs

 

Okay, hear us out! We love cane back chairs for a tropical destination wedding! The caned back, which is typically woven from strands of dried grasses, palms, or bamboo, is the signature of this antique-inspired reception chair style. During the height of the French colonial period, cane back chairs were very popular. They are a popular choice for Old World weddings these days, with neutral color schemes and linen, velvet, or satin cushions. These bohemian reception chairs can be used in a variety of settings, including a poolside tent reception or a laid-back garden wedding, as they add a natural element to any table.

 

While assigning a wedding seating chart is not at all mandatory, most couples of two create it because it suits their wedding vision. For instance, a couple might want to have a sit-down reception dinner on family-style benches so that everybody can take a trip down to the nostalgia lane and reconnect with their family like good old times. Deciding on the reception guests' seating arrangements can seem a little overwhelming at first, but once you get into the swing of things, it can be a fun experience as well. This however does not have to be an expensive endeavor. A warm welcome and the right tone for your guests to witness your union can be created by a creative and clever wedding ceremony seating arrangement. 

 

Irrespective of the scale and style of your wedding reception, you are most likely going to find a reception seating idea that works perfectly for you in the above-mentioned concepts. Whether you are planning a rustic wedding event in the countryside or going for a picnic-style intimate wedding where you want to emphasize family-style bench seatings, choose a layout that will compliment your overall wedding aesthetic and style. For instance, copper wire chairs for the reception can give a strikingly chic industrial wedding look, and similarly, layout blankets and patterned poufs can be one of the best ways to bring in bohemian wedding aesthetics to play. The pretty reception seating concepts can be great for all types of wedding affairs.