Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Reception Ideas 20 Unique Reception Seating Ideas That Will Surprise and Delight Your Guests By Chloe Gorman Chloe Gorman Chloe is a digital editorial assistant for Martha Stewart Weddings. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and currently resides in Connecticut. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 3, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Anna Delores Photography Believe it or not, you have a lot of options when it comes to wedding reception seating. After all, you have more to consider than just color—you also have to decide which seating type works best for both your wedding style and venue layout. For many couples, this means thinking beyond the average round-back chair (and, in some cases, chairs altogether!). If you're trying to determine the chair type that will work best for your party, we've got you covered. Ahead, you'll find inspired ideas from couples who opted for unique or alterative seating options when styling their receptions. There are a few main ways to play with this particular aspect of your space (think stools, benches, and cushioned seats). Or, for a truly unique look, try mixing and matching options, like Pretty Vintage Rentals and Rae & Moore did here. The pros chose a gray wingback chair and a vintage upholstered seat for this intimate garden wedding, which felt like a scene straight out of Alice in Wonderland. No matter the scale or style of your reception, you're bound to find a seating option that works for you in the following slides. If you're planning a rustic event, we're partial to family-style tables with bench seating. For a contemporary celebration, bookmark the photo of mod copper wire chairs, which gave off subtle industrial vibes. Does your event lean towards the bohemian? Bypass chairs completely and lay out blankets or patterned poufs. With plenty of pretty and unexpected options ahead, there's a seating option here that will make your reception stand out. 01 of 19 Poufs Lauren Gabrielle Photography These sapphire blue poufs from Borrow Rentals nod to the bohemian feel of this jewel-toned event, which was styled by A Charming Fetê. See jewel-toned centerpiece ideas here 02 of 19 Metal and Mod Anastasia Dudka Looking for the perfect chairs for your modern event? You've found them in these contemporary copper wire iterations from Le Coeur Bohème. 03 of 19 Chaise KT Merry Situate a chaise at the head of the table so you and your new husband or wife can mingle with your guests throughout dinner. Should You Sit at a Sweetheart Table During Your Wedding Reception? 04 of 19 Unique Back Kayla Lynn Photography Searching for a unique way to seat your guests, but don't want to forgo chairs completely? Try something like these copper painted chairs with eye-catching backs. This setup was executed by Bling Out Parties. 05 of 19 Retro Kayla Snell The curved shape of these West Elm seats give off a retro feel; they look even prettier against a salmon-hued tablecloth and modern floral arrangements by Whim Hospitality and Bows and Arrows. 06 of 19 Couches and Chairs Kelli Durham This lounge, which was created by Events in Bloom, feels both polished and rustic thanks to cream studded couches and wooden bistro tables. Rustic Wedding Ideas That Still Feel Elevated 07 of 19 Cube Seats Leslee Mitchell Your seats don't necessarily have to be brightly colored or dramatically shaped to stand out. These simple canvas-covered cubes definitely make a cozy impact. M. Elizabeth Events brought the space to life. 08 of 19 Vintage Couch Love Is a Bird Make like Love Is a Bird and use an elongated couch (like this French-inspired one from The Dana Powers House) to seat your attendees at one end of the table. 09 of 19 Statement Seating Michele Beckwith Who says seating has to be uniform? Amorology, Folklore Vintage Rentals, Hostess Haven, and Bright Event Rentals mixed things up at this reception by working in a few low tables with cushions alongside the more classic, chair-studded tables in the round. 4 Ideas for Organizing the Tables at Your Wedding Reception 10 of 19 Unique Mix Mon Soleil Thanks to their vintage style, this couch, bench, and chair from Pure Vintage Rentals still feel cohesive. A brightly colored flower garland by Pistil & Stamen completes the tabletop, which was designed by Brooke Casey Weddings. 11 of 19 Black Ghost Chair Purple Tree Wedding Photography Put a spin on the traditional ghost chair by choosing a moodier black version with an ornate back like this one from Detailz Couture. Simple, Beautiful Black-and-White Wedding Ideas 12 of 19 Patterned Poufs Thanos Asfis Photography The bold, mismatched patterns of these poufs from Style Box Furniture add a colorful element to this rooftop destination reception—which was The 12 Events' exact intention. 13 of 19 Benches and Sofas Michael and Carina Photography These velvet emerald sofas from Ooh! Events bring a luxe feel to a dining area full of wooden farm tables and cushioned iron benches. The space was designed and executed by Meagan Warren Weddings. 25 Luxe Velvet Wedding Ideas 14 of 19 Cushioned Chairs Lara Hotz Photography Opting for cushioned seats means your attendees will be comfortable throughout your reception (they'll definitely come in handy when they need to take a break from the dance floor!). 15 of 19 Metal Stools Amy and Jordan Photography For tables located near the back of the dining area, use stools—like these provided by Classic Party Rentals and Tremaine Ranch—to elevate attendees so that they'll have a view of the dances, speeches, and performances to come. Ways to Add a Pop of Metallic to Your Wedding 16 of 19 Benches and Pillows Audra Wrisley Photography Elevate your bench seating by using pillows that echo your wedding's color palette. Hari Indah did just that by adding pink cushions (that matched the table's blush centerpieces by Bloomz!) to each attendee's spot. 17 of 19 Wooden Stools Hannah Costello We're loving the relaxed vibe of this rustic wooden reception table with matching stools from Witty Rentals. See more wooden wedding ideas here 18 of 19 Blankets Lara Hotz Photography Throwing a summer celebration? Make like this couple and take advantage of the weather by laying down blankets on the grass for an outdoor performance. Summer Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Steal 19 of 19 Couches Aaron Delesie Take notes from Belle Destination Events and create an intimate and casual vibe in your reception space by facing two couches towards each other. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit