Creating experiences for guests is a top priority for today’s engaged couples. Think about how you can transform your reception space into an interactive event where your friends and family can create memories. Below we go through a few wedding space trends that you can infuse into your day featuring chic furniture pieces from Haven & Gather.
When it comes to your wedding vibe, think about the gathering place you want to create for your guests. The best memories are always made when friends and family gather. It seems as if every family or friendship has a favorite gathering place. In some families, it might be the kitchen. In your friendships, it might be a cozy corner coffee shop. No matter where or what that place is, it is an important piece of creating those special moments and memories that last a lifetime.
Think of your venue as the ultimate gathering place where those closest to you will come together to celebrate you and your love. Your guest list is unique to you and your fiancé, so your space for the celebration should be unique as well! It is key to think about how you can best utilize your reception space to create an interactive area for your guests to create their own memories. “Gather” won’t mean the same thing for all your guests. For your grandparents, it might mean a relaxed lounge in a quiet area of the room. Yet, your younger guests might gravitate towards a collection of high-top tables near the fabulous customized bar, above.
And, who doesn’t love to party? Yet “party” means something different to everyone. Since weddings have become so diverse, the sit-down dinner and dance are being replaced by a more immersive setting. This has transformed the elements of what was considered “the standard” reception, and the introduction of a more designed environment has had an impact. We’re seeing these intricate details transfer into your soirée, no matter the size.
We like to get inspiration for reception design from our favorite gathering places. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, the lobby of a special hotel, or something that reminds you of home, you can always pull inspiration from these meaningful spaces and incorporate them into your wedding design. These thoughtful choices will transform your wedding into a complete, interactive experience.
Creating several lounge options in various locations allows your guests to choose the kind of party they prefer. A lounge generally starts with developing an environment. Dividing the space into multiple areas will make the overall reception feel more intimate. Set off an architectural feature like stunning windows by flanking with whimsical wood cocktail tables and rich velvet sofas.
Providing varying nooks allows guests the chance to enjoy each other’s company. People naturally like to form conversation groups, and combining furnishings in clusters and pods of seating allows them to do this effortlessly.
The curved sofa, below, provides a cozy pod for guests to congregate for a fun evening. Adding accent pillows allows you to customize the look of rental pieces.
Lauren B Photography
Mix and match unique design elements that flow with your style to take your day to a whole new level. A large round coffee table provides guests a place to set their drinks and the perfect spot to add additional accessories, candles, and floral accents. Consider adding side tables to your furniture groupings as well. These little additions round out the look and create a cohesive lounge.
Lounges can easily be added around your dance floor for people to enjoy the entertainment. They can also be created in quieter surroundings where guests can have intimate conversations. Some designs can be very elaborate, and some quite simple. It all depends on the room you are working in, your design aesthetic, and your vision of how your guests will enjoy their evening.
Instead of the cocktail hour with high-top tables and passed hors d’oeuvres, we suggest creating a varied landscape with a built-out bar. Include soft seating with furniture to define an environment that feels more relaxed for your guests. Simply dimming the overhead lighting and using uplighting can signal that the hurried activities of the busy wedding day have mellowed, and now it is time to kick back, relax and enjoy a cocktail.
For more inspiration like this, get your copy of the Wedding Trends Look Book here OR receive a free copy at one of our wedding shows.
