4. Cocktail Party
If you want your reception to have a laid-back feel, then cocktail party seating may be your best bet. Cocktail parties typically don't have assigned seating, and they encourage guests to mingle with one another. Provide high tables and stools in case your loved ones want an option to sit while enjoying food and drinks. However, top planners typically don't recommend cocktail party seating for elderly guests who may not want to stand or would find bar stools uncomfortable, so it depends on the breakdown of your particular crowd.
5. Family-Style Seating
Rather than going for round or square tables, consider family-style seating, which utilizes long tables that can seat anywhere from 20 to 40 people. This style of seating creates a very stylized look, yet has surprising flexibility. One long table can work well for an intimate outdoor wedding while several family-style tables can fill a large ballroom, creating a grand ambiance for your wedding reception.
