Cocktail reception...advice needed!

View quoted message Yeah that’s kinda what we were leaning towards and have more seating than 50% but not total labelled seating arrangements, with everything going on in the world right now that may not even be the final outcome!

View quoted message Oh this is lovely! I see what you mean. I'd probably just go with the rectangle tables as Hank said and I think you were already thinking and try to open up as much space in the middle as possible.

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This is the reception space, there isn’t really any perimeter space to put chairs (food on one wall, bar on one wall, stairs on one wall, doors to outside on the other), high tables would be an additional cost as we would have to rent them ourselves from a 3rd party vendor which we would like to avoid!

I almost did a cocktail reception. I would encourage you to have seating for at least 80% of your guests. I wouldn't do full on table seating though. Could you tell us where your venue is or a provide a picture of the reception space, because you say other scattered chairs around the perimeter would look off. That would have been my suggestion. You could also do some high cocktail tables that people can stand by and rest their food and drinks on or cocktail tables with stools perhaps?

View quoted message They are providing tables and chairs for 50% of the final guest count but other scattered chairs would definitely look off given the look of the space, that’s why we’re conflicted!

View quoted message The tables would be long rectangular style that seat 8-10 depending on how you place chairs. Lounge furniture is a great idea though I’ll definitely have to see if that is a feasible option with the venue!

Can your vendor provide a little bit of seating? Usually there’s something like a few chairs

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Ahh, sorry. When you said rustic, I automatically assumed barn or farm.

I wouldn't go full on tabled seating as that would obstruct the flow of a cocktail reception. You want people who are able to be up and about to have fun. Having some tables near the side against a wall is fine so the seniors or those with babies who are not into moving around can have a place to be grounded for the night but everyone else can scatter around.

Does the venue have long tables? They take up less space than a round and can allow for more intimate conversation since guests will be closer to one another. Lounge furniture would also work, like having couches with coffee tables etc to create a more casual fun vibe.

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The venue for the reception is indoors but their max guest count for seated dining service (which we obviously didn't choose) is 110 people. So it should be completely possible I just wasn't sure if it was going to be a really weird/not well received idea or not given that it is a cocktail style reception.

Is the venue opposed to providing a chair for your full guest count? Sounds like they're just suggesting what they typically do. I highly doubt they would push back on bringing out extra chairs scattered throughout the floor unless it causes a hazard like fire-code violation, which is highly unlikely since you're outdoors.