20 Unique Reception Seating Ideas That Will Surprise and Delight Your Guests

By Chloe Gorman
July 27, 2011
Credit: Anna Delores Photography

If you're looking for something different than a standard chair, you've come to the right place.

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Credit: 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.

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Poufs

Credit: Lauren Gabrielle Photography
See jewel-toned centerpiece ideas here

These sapphire blue poufs from Borrow Rentals nod to the bohemian feel of this jewel-toned event, which was styled by A Charming Fetê.

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Metal and Mod

Credit: 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.

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Chaise

Credit: KT Merry
Should You Sit at a Sweetheart Table During Your Wedding Reception?

Situate a chaise at the head of the table so you and your new husband or wife can mingle with your guests throughout dinner.

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Unique Back

Credit: 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.

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Retro

Credit: 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.

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Couches and Chairs

Credit: Kelli Durham
Rustic Wedding Ideas That Still Feel Elevated

This lounge, which was created by Events in Bloom, feels both polished and rustic thanks to cream studded couches and wooden bistro tables.

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Cube Seats

Credit: 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.

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Vintage Couch

Credit: 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.

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Statement Seating

Credit: Michele Beckwith
4 Ideas for Organizing the Tables at Your Wedding Reception

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.

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Unique Mix

Credit: 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.

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Black Ghost Chair

Credit: Purple Tree Wedding Photography
Simple, Beautiful Black-and-White Wedding Ideas

Put a spin on the traditional ghost chair by choosing a moodier black version with an ornate back like this one from Detailz Couture.

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Patterned Poufs

Credit: 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.

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Benches and Sofas

Credit: Michael and Carina Photography
25 Luxe Velvet Wedding Ideas

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.

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Cushioned Chairs

Credit: 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!).

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Metal Stools

Credit: Amy and Jordan Photography
Ways to Add a Pop of Metallic to Your Wedding

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.

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Benches and Pillows

Credit: 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.

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Wooden Stools

Credit: Hannah Costello
See more wooden wedding ideas here

We're loving the relaxed vibe of this rustic wooden reception table with matching stools from Witty Rentals.

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Blankets

Credit: Lara Hotz Photography
Summer Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Steal

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.

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Couches

Credit: 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.

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