Shivani Singh, 07 Oct 2022
If you’re looking for a way to make your wedding reception feel fresh and memorable, consider one of the first things your guests will see once they arrive: their ceremony seats.
Seating arrangements have moved past simple chairs and couches. We're all about the vibrant and unique ones now. Instead of the expected straight rows of fold-out chairs, why not switch up your ceremony seating plan? A unique seating layout for your wedding reception can often add a layer of detail to your ceremony. Furthermore, rearranging the chairs into interesting shapes like squares, semi-circles and even spirals, can make your reception feel more intimate and inclusive.
Nevertheless, it's always handy to have a few visual representations of such ideas. So, scroll down and check out our favourite seating ideas for reception ceremonies!
There's nothing like a glamorous reception party, sporting retro decor. When you're planning a wedding reception decked up in beauty, sparkles and extravagance, then plan your seating arrangements in a way where you can incorporate formal seating with more casual arrangements full of couches and plush cushions!
Do you know what's more fun than a day wedding? A day reception! And when you've chosen to hold a daytime reception, let's just say we'd always lean towards muted colours like white juxtaposed against vibrant ones like neon pink. Stir up your seating chart by mixing simple chairs with long benches and decorating them with mixed cushions to create a surreal and fun vibe!
Also Check: Top 100+ Wedding Planners in India
Formal events demand formal decor that should stand apart from the regular stuff. For an evening event, plan your seating arrangement around the concept of mini socialising spaces and seating across the bar. We love how this decorator took it a step further by adding a sheet of fairy lights above the seating area. The black and white seats are a bonus that steals attention for all the right reasons.
The power of a well-lit, colourful, sit-down venue, power-packed with the essential elements can never be underestimated. An example of such is the set-up shown below, mixing bold colours like rain pink, dark blue and gold to create a luxurious vibe. Furthermore, such seating arrangements for receptions can be enhanced by the use of bougainvillaea in a rich pink shade, unlike anything you've ever seen before.
Check Out : Wedding Planners in Delhi NCR
We're in love with floor seating ideas at receptions and weddings! And when that seating plan is done in the oh-so-pretty lavender, let's just say we're floored (get it? Floored!) After making its way into our beloved brides' hearts (& some of their bridal trousseau), this feminine and elegant hue has slowly & gradually taken over the wedding decor scene and we're all for it.
Also Read: Here is How Clear Tents are a Blessing for Your Outdoor Weddings
Pool-side receptions aren't rare. Every once in a while, we'll come across a couple who wish to enjoy this final hurrah with their friends and family at a poolside venue. There are so many ways to a decorate poolside location, and one such includes arranging your seating along the pool on both sides, with lights uplifting the canopy that covers the pool most whimsically and majestically possible.
If you're planning a daytime reception, with limited close people attending, having a single, long table for dining is a great idea. Take cues from the idea below, where the decorator has played with the colour pink and mixed it with white to create a stunning display, all complete with matching napkins with the crockery and cutlery set up. Plus, the draped canopy surrounding the seating arrangement is the ultimate cherry on top.
Also Check : Top Wedding Planners in Mumbai
When you have a large guest count, it's best to stick to traditional designs of seating that aren't too over the top, but just exquisite enough to catch the onlooker's attention. An age-old colour combination is of red and gold, with drapes and table linen being adorned with red, while the chairs and other decor are gold. To add some extra glam, you can always use foliage as table runners and some pretty tea lights!
One of the best seating ideas for receptions is to use a venue's natural infrastructure to your advantage. One such example is shown below, where the organisers chose to line already present step seating with comfy cushions so that people could sit and enjoy the view and the conversation with one another.
Whenever we speak of OTT seating decor, THIS is what we mean (among a few other things, of course). While the tables are lined with artistic linen with frill borders, and the chairs are covered in soft velvet fabric. Adding some extra extravagance is the huge pampas grass canopy above the tables lined with roses and foliage, giving a very 'enchanted forest' vibe!
Also See: Best Wedding Planners in Bangalore
Let's add some zest to your celebration! This lemon-themed, vibrant seating arrangement idea is for the keeps. If you choose to go with something like this, make sure your chairs and tables are white, as they'll make the yellow and green pop and have their moment. Similarly, you can always replace lemons with oranges if you wish to play with that hue!
Often, in our endeavour to do something out of the box, our ideas get convoluted by all the inspiration around us. That's why, for couples who aren't sure what to do with their decor, we suggest choosing a simple seating arrangement that can house their guests comfortably. And like the one shown below, the only element of glam you need is a mirrored aisle that leads to the stage!
While many couples prefer yellow to adorn their haldi or mehndi decor, we say there's nothing wrong with it lighting up your reception. If you're planning a brunch affair, then this yellow seating decor will go a long way.
Check More : Top 100+ Wedding Planners in Chennai
Rustic barn decor is a common concept in American & English weddings. However, we've recently seen many couples adopt this kind of seating arrangement for their receptions in India as well! It requires less effort than your regular reception set-up and is the ideal setup for a limited gathering!
Also Read: We Have Found The Ultimate Boho Mandaps on Pinterest & You Have to Check Them Out!
We love how this decorator mixes the low-key elegant lavender with bright gold! From the chair's body to the gotapatti on the linen, the gold helps bring out all the good qualities of the lavender. Furthermore, this set-up looks regal in the most sophisticated manner that's hard not to love.
Don't you just love it when a colour is allowed to pop and have its moment? Well, when you're looking for something that isn't too flashy or too much effort, then choose to keep things simple with your seating, but then go ahead with bright table linen! The genda mala on the back of each chair makes it delightful!
Know More: Best 50+ Wedding Planners in Hyderabad
Often Christian weddings in India are very sophisticated and simple affairs. And when you're holding a reception that isn't too loud, then go for a seating setup that requires very less effort. Choose white as your central colour and add green foliage as centrepieces to enhance the look!
There are always wedding receptions where the couple chooses to utilise traditional elements close to their culture in the decor. If you have such elements, we encourage you to incorporate them into your decor theme without a second thought!
Check Out More : Wedding Planners in Lucknow
Extravagant and dreamy are the words best suited to describe a seating arrangement like this! The overall amber-hued decor and lighting make this seating arrangement ideal for a nighttime reception ceremony.
Who doesn't love a reception seating area laden with tons of enchanting flowers? Honestly, the dreamlike aesthetic is giving us very 'Alice in Wonderland' vibes and we're here for it!
A classic staple in the world of blooms - baby’s breath lends magic wherever they go! And when they're paired with white seating arrangements, let's just say that the result looks like it's straight out of a fairytale.
Also See: Best 50+ Wedding Planners in Patna
Whenever in doubt, decorate your chairs! It's one of the best ways to enhance your seating decor at the reception! We love how these chairs have been decorated with pink drapes in two tones. The only other thing that stands out here is the printed table linen and the small table centrepieces. But the draped chairs steal the show.
Many couples love the neverending charm of muted colours like white, beige and brown. Such coloured seating arrangements can further be augmented with gorgeous flowers in similar colour schemes.
Let your decor radiate pure beauty with the use of lights. Lights not only spark joy in the onlooker's eyes, but also add a dreamy effect to the seating decor that has an unparalleled charm.
See More: Wedding Planners in Pune
One of the best ways to celebrate your reception during winter is to hold a daytime function, preferably a brunch. Use colours like ivory and beige for the larger elements and add cushions and very little florals to add a pop of colour. Such arrangements look best with couches and benches, rather than singular chairs.
Also Read: New & Exciting Table Decor Ideas For Your Wedding This Year!
Yeah, we know how yellow isn't the first choice for an evening function. But the colour's splendour doesn't wan despite the time of day. For evenings, go with golden yellow and enhance the decor with warm lights and the use of gold accents. When the decor around the seating arrangements is done, you won't need to do much on the tables or chairs, making it easier for you!
Often people avoid very large centrepieces on the tables during their reception. But my, do we love the idea of them! When your centrepieces are so wild and behemoth sized, all glimmery and shining, then you don't have to put too much effort into anything else. Just make sure that the tables you choose for this kind of decor are long and slightly wider than your regular tables.
Check More : Top Wedding Planners in Jaipur
Rustic florals as suspended decor above your seating arrangements are neither new nor boring. They are everything a winter wedding wonderland affair requires! With oodles of flowers not just hanging above them but also lining the table as the centrepieces, let's just say the entire aesthetic of the seating idea is uplifted.
Speaking of wonderous and whimsical decor, let's talk about seating decor inspired by the enchanted forest aesthetic. The whole concept of foliage-covered canopies and fairy lights that almost resemble giant fireflies gives us butterflies in our stomachs. When you've chosen an aesthetic like this, it's best to keep your seating arrangement simple and uncomplicated. You can even name tables based on the characters from fairytales as an added feature!
There's no rule set in stone that dictates that intimate wedding receptions have to be minimal. You can have a classy affair with just as much opulence. The use of purple in various forms here is truly inspiring. And the velvet chair covers? Just wow!
And finally, let's talk about the more indulgent and simpler things in life. Some wedding receptions don't require too much hard work. The general celebratory vibe of the function is so great that you can go with a straightforward arrangement with just a few elements to add some glam.
Checkout More : Wedding planners in Indore
Before you decide on a seating arrangement for your reception celebration, there are a few things you should consider.
1. Be mindful of floral and prop placement. You don't want things getting knocked over or your guests struggling to sit comfortably because of the decor props.
2. Make sure that the guests seated along the aisle don't have to adjust the décor. You want them to focus on the ceremony celebration, not the lit candles at their hemline!
3. Ensure that your guests have easy access to their seats. If the rows are too long, they may not be able to fill each one with ease.
4. When you're planning to go with circular table arrangements, make sure you have enough space to seat all your guests and even a few extra spots, just in case.
5. Make sure the chair decor doesn't weigh the chair down. It will make it easier for them to lose their centre of gravity and topple.
6. Planning to create a seating chart and designate spots for people? Well, make sure you think about the guests while making the reserved seating chart.
7. Decide on table shapes based on the number of guests you have. Longer, aisle-like tables are best for larger gatherings, whereas circular tables are best suited for smaller gatherings. However, if you're holding an intimate function with let's say 20 people, then a single long table would be great as well!
While wedding reception seating can sometimes feel like a complicated game of Tetris, it is typically more straightforward. What’s even better? As with most aspects of a modern wedding reception, there’s no one right way to do it! It all depends on the number of guests you have, your own aesthetic and the people you want to be seated near you, plus many other factors. Ultimately, it's best to keep things simple and not complicate the arrangements with multiple ideas. Choose one idea and stick to it!
Author, WeddingBazaar
Similar Blogs
More Ideas & Blogs
Get such ideas in your inbox!
Next Read...
Decorating Ideas
Fresh, Whimsical & Chic! 65+ Mehendi Seating Arrangement Ideas For 2020!
Shivani Singh, 30 Jan 2020
© Copyright 2017 WeddingBazaar
(Matrimony.com Group) - All Rights Reserved