According to the article “10 Secrets to a Fun Reception” currently on the front page of the Knot, one of the well thought out idea for livening up your wedding reception is to add a lounge area. As a wedding planner, I think this is a fantastic idea because it gives your guest an opportunity to mingle and chat in an easy-going manner. Sitting at a formally set dinner table, as beautiful as it is, can get a little stuffy after a whole evening, and guests would love nothing more than to relax in a comfy area with a couple drinks.

Consider renting some plush looking sofas and ottomans, high cocktail tables and then dressing them up with fluffy pillows and dressy linens in your wedding colours! Here’s some inspiration for indoor and outdoor lounges:

I love this mix of modern, sleek furniture with a lush, landscaped yard…

The Knot

I like how they don’t use white furniture here…

The Knot

This is a great idea for a cool rooftop or terrace cocktails area:


I’m really into the ultra-modern furniture used here to create cocktail tables and seating — could be a great idea for a lounge or for a laid-back, outdoors cocktails and hors d’oeuvres wedding reception!


For indoor lounges, think of draping and uplighting or LED lighting for major impact! This orange lounge is tres chic and a great burst of colour to liven up the event.

Grace Ormonde via Alta Moda

…or keep it cool and clean, with an uplit bar…

Grace Ormonde via Alta Moda

If draping and lighting is out of your budget, then try a more affordable option that still makes impact, like using an outrageous rug to accent the lounge area…

The Knot

While creating a lounge area can add to your overall spendings, I think it’s a great option to consider because of the extra entertainment value added for your guests. Not everyone is a “dancer”, and if you know that your crowd isn’t the dancing type, a lounge area can really add that extra level to make your wedding a smash!