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Be Sure To Include Everyone Comfortably For Your Backyard Wedding With These Seating Ideas
When it comes to planning a backyard wedding, the topic of seating is very important while planning! Most of the time, the number one choice for seating on the lawn. However, not everyone has enough space in their backyard to accommodate an entire wedding party and guests. Or perhaps renting dozens of chairs doesn’t seem reasonable. You must also keep in mind ceremony and reception seating. There are many different and unique options when it comes to accommodating seating while also staying stylish. In this article, we will provide you with ten creative and useful seating ideas for your backyard wedding!
When should you start planning seating arrangements?
When planning a backyard wedding, start thinking about seating ideas early on. You want to make sure that you’re able to accommodate all of your guests and plan accordingly. This is especially important when trying to keep things simple but stylish. Before deciding on seating arrangements, finalize your guest count. After you have a good idea of the number of guests attending, take an inventory of both the ceremony and reception area. Determine what size and shape of seating you can include and begin planning! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your space! Pinterest also has many great ideas for transforming these ideas below into reality! Click here to see some of the top photos!
The earlier you plan for seating, the better! Be creative, have fun, stay organized, and create outdoor seating your guest will love!
01. Lawn Seating
The most obvious option for seating for your backyard wedding is on the lawn. The downside to this is that it can get very hot and possibly uncomfortable during the summer months. This can lead to guests leaving or not attending your wedding altogether. Depending on the guest size and seating layout, you will also need a lot of space. However, the upside to this is that it’s not an expensive option and allows guests to mingle easily with one another after entering the reception area.
02. Covered patio
There is no better way to recreate the traditional feel of a wedding ceremony in a backyard than by setting up a covered patio. With this option, guests can enjoy the ambiance and still stay protected from light rain or other elements that could make for an uncomfortable outdoor wedding. It will also keep guests off of your lawn and allow you to use it for additional seating or decorating purposes. You’ll also have plenty of room on the patio to set up tables, chairs, and flowers without worrying about taking up too much space.
03.Gazebo
A gazebo is a very popular and elegant choice for seating, particularly in the late spring and summer. A gazebo can help create a romantic ambiance in your backyard, as well as provide shade during a hot day. Gazebos are also easy to set up and take down, which makes them ideal for outdoor events. If you want to be able to see the ceremony, but don’t want your guests standing on your lawn, consider building a raised platform or stage that people can stand on while watching the ceremony. Keep in mind gazebo seating works best for a smaller guest count.
04. Church benches
Church benches can be used as part of the ceremony or reception. These are low-cost and are a great way to accommodate many people in one area rather than individual seating. They can also provide an extra layer to your theme or overall vibe of the day. Ask around local Facebook groups to see if there are any available to rent, borrow or purchase. And if you do purchase church benches, keep in mind you can always sell them after your wedding.
05. Outdoor dining area
An outdoor dining area is one of the best and most strategic seating options for a backyard wedding. With this option, your guests sit at the tables and chairs set up for the reception, to view the actual ceremony. This option offers plenty of space for guests to comfortably seat themselves. It also provides an elegant and stylish look. This option is a bit more modern and unique. If this option appeals to you, be sure to create an aisle to walk down, to keep a traditional feel!
06. Hay bales
A hay bale is a great option for seating for a backyard wedding. If not for all seating, for accent seating solutions! Hay bales can also be used for the reception as well and add to the decor of the day. You can attach multiple hay bales together, creating a unique seating arrangement. Hay bales are very lightweight and easy to move, making them perfect for transporting while on the go! Hay bales are more of a rustic and bohemian decor seating option.
07. Interior Furniture
One of the most unique options for seating is using interior furniture. Interior furniture can be used to create a beautiful and modern ambiance without needing too many pieces or taking up too much space. For example, you could use eloquent couches and chairs complimenting your wedding colors for guests to sit in. Interior furniture can also work well with a backyard wedding theme and provide easily hidden storage underneath. Another option for interior furniture would be to use a coffee table and arrange chairs around it for guests to relax around during your wedding reception.
08. aisle long benches
Aisle long benches make for a great seating option for a backyard wedding. They are not only stylish but also portable and easy to move into different areas of the yard. These benches go from one side of the aisle to another so you won’t need as many. Plus, after the ceremony, they are easy to relocate and turn into reception seating. You can create aisle benches yourself or rent some that match your backyard wedding aesthetic.
09. Rental Chairs
When it comes to rentals, you want to make sure there is a variety of colors and sizes for guests. You need to be sure that the chairs will last throughout the night as well. When you rent chairs, you’ll have the choice to rent these chairs for one day or an entire weekend. Renting them for the whole weekend will save money in the long run. If you are renting a chair per person for your backyard wedding, be sure to have a vendor help move the chairs immediately after the ceremony to help free up lawn space!
10. Overflow area
If your backyard isn’t large enough to fit everyone on the RSVP list, don’t sweat it! You can create overflow areas for people to either sit or stand to watch the ceremony. This can be your back porch, behind seated guests, or around the sides of your ceremony setup. If your wedding ceremony isn’t longer than 30 minutes, having an overflow area will be completely fine for those guests who showed up a little later.
Choosing The Right Seating For Your Big Day
Choosing the right seating for your backyard wedding is important because it can impact the overall ambiance. Plus, it’s a detail you don’t want to look over! Note individual seating will be much more important for the ceremony and dinner. During your reception, remember that not everyone will be seated at once. Include a few fun and intimate seating arrangements for your reception, and you’ll be golden! Plus, you can most likely repurpose seating from earlier in the day! Seating ideas for your backyard wedding can be fun and creative! Choose solutions that work best for your big day and your guests.
Want to brainstorm some seating ideas and keep it all organized? Download our free Backyard Wedding Notion Board template! Streamline your planning process by keeping all the important details, like seating, in front of you!
