The Reception Lounge Phenomenon
(Transform your cocktail pre-reception and wedding reception into an intimate lounge)
A Special Thanks to: Kevin Covey, Event Designer
for assistance in sharing photos and in the design of this article!
It’s a very busy time in the event world, as engaged couples are excitedly starting to plan their weddings. When it comes to the trends and ideas in the wedding design world, one is really standing out: Reception Lounges. The Reception Lounge Phenomenon has taken wedding design by storm. Everyone wants a chic cool place to casually seat people for cocktails and lounging more comfortably at the reception.
Image Provided by: Revelry Event Designers
Sonia Sharma Events | Photo by: Sanaz Photography | Celios Design
Image Provided by: Revelry Event Designers
Reception Lounge | Sherwood Country Club Ventura County, Southern California
As caterers, coordinators/planners and event designers prepare for all of the wonderful events to be had, they are keeping their eyes on the horizon for the new trends engaged couples will be looking for.
Photo Courtesy: Anaheim Hills Golf Course Clubhouse
One that we are especially excited about is the upcoming trend of hosting a reception lounge at your event. Renting lounge and reception furniture and creating seating vignettes isn’t new, but it’s grown phenomenally!
Image Provided by: Revelry Event Designers
Photography by: Andrena Photography
Image Provided by: Revelry Event Design, Los Angeles
This modern lounge was inspired from the LA Club scene, creating an intimate VIP feel where guests feel that they can relax in style & chit chat, grab a quick breather as they dance the night away. Photo and lounge design provided by Kevin Covey Event Design
Far from just seating, a reception lounge is now a second environment separate from the rest of the event. A lounge is a great area for your guests to mingle and catch up without bobbing around centerpieces, and the perfect place to take a break from busting out all of their sweet moves on the dance floor.
Reception Lounge | Sherwood Country Club Ventura County, Southern California
Indoors you can take advantage of the structure of your building and add lighting, pipe and drape, and installations of décor to really make an elegant setting. But these lounges are definitely popping up outdoors as well which makes it even more cool!
This posh and sophisticated lounge offers guests a glamorous seating area as they overlook the coastal view.
Create a Dramatic Scene
With all of the amazing things going on in the tenting world, a lack of structure is not going to stop anyone from creating a dramatic scene for their guests to enjoy! Taking this area of your reception to the next level is what will really make your event significant from the past. Adding a signature cocktail station (drink luge) or entertainment in this spot will really wow your guests.
To add extra visual interest to a wedding, ice sculptures offer the couple a way to create an interactive experience for guests. Ice has always been a fun, modern way to show your guests your creative edge, such as an ice bar or a cool sculpture with your monogram. I would however recommend saying goodbye to the 1985 doves & swan sculpture, go for a stylish and architectural design that creates interest.
Some couples decide they love the lounge idea so much that they want to create a complete environment for their guests and have an after party. This is a continuation of the wedding, but in a more casual & fun way to spend time with your guests.
To really have fun with this, go beyond the typical candy station and consider a cigar-rolling station, or a beer tasting mini-bar set up by your local brewery. This is a whole new element of fun for your wedding. A digestive and a petite dessert served couch side is a luxurious addition to any lounge.
This is also a prime opportunity to have fun with the theme of your wedding, if it’s Gatsby style be sure to have some 20’s cocktails and candy cigarettes. Or even better have The Typewriter Guy set up and delight everyone with 30 second stories typed out on a vintage typewriter! In reality the possibilities are endless. So have fun creating this part of your wedding!
There are no traditions for lounges that you have to follow, it’s just whatever you and your fiance’ desire it to be. Embrace it, and your guests will not forget this experience.
Create a lounge that compliments the season such as this winter design using modern lanterns, with fur rug & pillows that gives that comfy & cozy feel. Consider also providing blankets or pashmina scarves as a little warm up on cold evening.
This setting showcases a baroque feel with a modern twist by using current accessories and textures in toss pillow you can change the style to make it current.
If you have a particular themed why not reflect that in your lounge setting such as this Miami nightclub look. Have fun with the décor such as using props like the silver Pelican.
Not every wedding desires a modern look so lounge furniture is available in all styles depending if your event needs.
Creating a lounge space that is as unique as your personality, by personalizing the design by creating a more residential feel with lamps, rugs and props.
In creating the perfect lounge setting sometimes you need to create an environment to lounge in. For instance draping the space to provide an intimate feeling and in this case choosing the pop of color on just the sofas which intensifies the look.
This is an eclectic holiday look using mix & match vintage furniture with traditional plaid throws, old books accented with candles and fresh greens.
Don’t be afraid of colorful toss pillows this is an easy way to change up the space and add color.
PHOTO & DESIGN CONTRIBUTIONS:
Special Thanks to: Kevin Covey Event Designs
Lucero Photography
Studio EMP
Miss Darcy Photography
Invisible Touch Decor Lighting
Photojenic-PhotographybyJen.com
KarenFrenchPhotography.com
Frank Salas.com
Next Exit Photography