Next to your ceremony, your reception is HANDS DOWN the most important part of your wedding. Guests expect a lot - yummy food, strong cocktails and good music. Since you and your guests expect to stay and mingle for a while, it's important to give them a place to sit, relax and enjoy themselves. So, where do you start? We've compiled a short list of tips + picks to help you navigate the rabbit hole of styling and create the most rad wedding lounge!
Define Your Style
If you're at the point where you're considering a lounge or two for your reception, you may have already defined the style of your wedding. If not, this is a great starting point! One key thing to keep in mind is the style and vibe of your venue or reception location. Ideally, your wedding style should be cohesive with your venue style, although incorporating a few funky and surprising pieces can totally work, too. Another thing to consider would be your wedding colors, but if you're a neutral bride, don't be afraid to incorporate some color, texture or pattern into your lounge spaces. Whatever style you are drawn to, whether it be refined, traditional, modern, rustic or bohemian, stay true to what you gravitate toward and it will all come together.
Amber Verdugo Photography
Kelli Avila Photography
Ellie Koleen Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
Toni g Photography
2. Pick an Anchor
If you've been to our warehouse, you've probably heard this one before. 9 out of 10 brides view our Picker warehouse and immediately feel overwhelmed - it's A LOT to take in! It's also full of endless opportunity and design options, which can leave some brides not knowing where to start. If you're struggling with what pieces to pair, start by picking one that stands out to you. The one that screams your name and you cannot live without, if you will. We like to call this your anchor! From there, you can build and pair complimenting pieces and accents to create a cohesive look. Many times this is a chair or sofa, but don't hesitate to start with a smaller piece, like an end table, coffee table or even a rug!
C'anna Rix Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
3. Intended Use
Where you place your lounge and what you intend it to be used for is so important! Consider areas like your cocktail lounge, dance floor and bar. You want your lounge to be an inviting place that your guests fully embrace. Positioning is everything. If your wedding guests like to get down, consider placing your lounge near your bar and in eye sight the dance floor! Get a little wild and even place in ON the dance floor! This prime location will entice people who want to be near the party, but may not want to boogie the night away. (People watching is one of the best parts of a reception, am I right?) If your guests tend to be more reserved, place your lounge in an area farther from the music where people can quietly relax and chit-chat.
If you want to get super creative, consider ways that you can utilize the space for more than one purpose - think photo booth, cigar lounge or a late night snack. These areas are all the rage! Guests totally appreciate their hosts creating an exclusive and unique experience for them, too.
You'll also want to chat with your photographer about personal and detail shots! Set aside time to capture some intimate photos of just the two of you or include your entire wedding party and family in on the fun. Oh, and don't forget your bouquet! Your bouquet is a major focal point and you'll want to remember it in all of its glory. Utilize your rental pieces as an opportunity to get those super creative and artistic shots of your blooms!
Matlyn May Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
Kaycee Maye Photography
Aleson and Devin Photography
Megan Helm Photography
Miller Imagery
Toni G Photography
Ellie Koleen Photography
4. Consider the Size
The number of guests will determine the size and quantity. Not every guest will use the lounge, but if you're having, for example, a 250 person wedding, consider doing more than one space if budget allows. When thinking about lounges, most people initially envision a sofa, two chairs and a coffee table. We encourage clients to get creative and think outside the box! If space allows, incorporating smaller vignettes throughout your reception is a great way to allow guests to spread out and enjoy themselves. Something as simple as a chair or two with a small end table or one sofa and a coffee table is plenty of seating. Lounges don't have to be huge to have an impact!
Kelli Avila Photography
Elli Koleen Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
Ellie Koleen Photography
Lfed Photography
5. The Fluff
Now that you have the bones for your lounge, it's time to add the fluff, the pretties, the pizzaz! For rentals, we always suggest incorporating pieces like rugs, end tables and pillows in varying textures and patterns as these are a way to add color and dimension for an overall cohesive look. You can always add in lighting or a statement piece, such as a bar cart or a fireplace mantle, for a more dynamic look. If you have a larger personal family heirloom or decor item, this is a great space to incorporate that as well!
Floral is always a must in any lounge and completely transforms any space! You can keep it simple with smaller arrangements or go big and trust your florist to get creative with larger scale pieces. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and go a little crazy! It can totally pay off in the end!
Devyn Elise Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
Toni G Photography
Watermelon Sugar Photography
C'anna Rix Photography
Toni G Photography
PHOTOGRAPHERS: AMBER VERDUGO // TONI G PHOTOGRAPHY // KELLI AVILA PHOTOGRAPHY // ELLIE KOLEEN PHOTOGRAPHY // C'ANNA RIX PHOTOGRAPHY // MICHELLE DAILY // MATLYN MAY PHOTOGRAPHY // KAYCEE MAYE PHOTOGRAPHY // ALESON AND DEVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // MEGAN HELM PHOTOGRAPHY // LFED PHOTOGRAPHY // VITAE WEDDINGS // MILLER IMAGERY // DEVYN ELISE PHOTOGRAPHY // WATERMELON SUGAR PHOTOGRAPHY