Unique Seating Styles for Wedding Receptions

From benches to tufted settees, discover unique ways to seat your guests for dinner.

From grand ballroom affairs to simple rustic events, there is a plethora of creative ways to set up place settings for your revelers.

By Megan Simpson

wedding-reception-at-the-mar-a-lago-club-white-rose-centerpiece-floating-candle-and-candelabra
Photo: Alain Martinez Photography

When you sit down for your wedding dinner with your new spouse and guests, you finally get a chance to gaze out over the space set up specifically for you nuptials and take it all in. As your eyes fall on the smiles of friends and family, you feel a sense of warmth and maybe a sense of accomplishment – you’ve married the love of your life and thrown an amazing reception celebration to thank your attendees for witnessing your marriage. Isn’t it fun to see the concept you’ve been working months, maybe years, on finally come together? 

Staring out at the crowd, we hope you notice happiness and comfort in the faces of your nearest and dearest – one of the best ways to ensure this contentment is to provide a comfortable and innovative seating design. From grand ballroom affairs to simple rustic events, there is a plethora of creative ways to set up place settings for your revelers. Stuck on what to do? Browse the photos below from real weddings for ideas, and click on each picture for further inspiration!

U shape wood table for rehearsal dinner with benches and cushions

Photo by Jessica Claire Photography

Tufted bench at outdoor wedding reception table

Photo by EDLT Photo

White picnic benches at wedding reception rehearsal dinner on sand beach

Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography

High back settee with flowers decorations at wedding reception

Photo by KLK Photography

Reception table with banquette seating curtains

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Consulting by Linda Howard Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

Red wedding reception tufted banquette bench for dinner table

Photo by John Solano Photography; Consulting by Levine Fox Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

See how to incorporate tree stumps and small candles into your wedding décor, and view elegant indoor ceremony and reception sites in low lighting. 

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