March 23rd

Photo Credit: Alicia Q. Photography

Tip of the Day: Be a team throughout the entire wedding-planning process. No matter how well-intentioned, friends and family will undoubtedly lend advice, opinions, and even objections to your decisions. It's easy for you two to become divided. But in the end, this is a celebration of your love and future together, and so every choice should be yours alone. Keep your focus on what matters most, forget what you think you should or shouldn't do, and go with your heart. If you keep you two at the center of every decision, it will be the most memorable day of your life.

Get more great wedding-planning advice from newlyweds!

Inside the New Issue

In our May/June 2016 issue, you’ll find fabulous fashions, inspiring reception ideas, expert planning advice, and the dreamiest honeymoons.

bridal guide may june 2016 issue

It’s your big day and your time to shine. What better way to do so than in a sparkling, glittering gown that will take you from ceremony to reception in true party style?

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25 Creative Lounge Areas

One of the hottest growing wedding trends, lounge seating provides not only a spot for guests to mingle away from the chaos of the crowd or to gather and comfortably sip on drinks during cocktail hour but also serves as a way for you to accentuate your wedding theme. Play up your color palette, mix and match pillows, or find a new function for your furniture. Whether your reception is outdoors or indoors, these original lounge areas will serve up a dose of inspiration.

By: Hillary Hoffower

Enter Slideshow
  • Barnyard Flair

    Barnyard Flair

    These hay bale seats are ideal for a shabby chic barn wedding, romanticized by string lighting, a chandelier, and scattered lanterns.

    Photo Credit: Adriana Klas Photography

  • Alcove

    Alcove

    Curtain off an alcove to create a private place for guests to step away from the chaos of the dance floor. Glowing candles and deep burgundy hues give off a sultry and mysterious mood.

    Related: 25 Ways to Transform Your Wedding With Lighting

    Photo Credit: Tay Kaune

  • Regal Russian

    Regal Russian

    This Russian-inspired festive setting is rich in colors, prints, and details. The gold emblazoned furniture offers a regal feel, while string lighting and birdcages add a dash of eccentricity.

    Related: 200+ Color Combinations for Your Wedding

    Photo Credit: Yaroslav & Jenny Photography

  • Pretty In Pink

    Pretty In Pink

    A blush, neutral, and white palette accented with delicate greenery offers a refined feminine style, complete with minimalist furniture for a crisp, clean, and modern feel.

    Related: 50 Ideas for a Modern Wedding

    Photo Credit: Ashlee Taylor / Stylist: Jessie Thomson

  • Picturesque Setting

    Picturesque Setting

    The natural elements of wicker couches, wooden wine barrels, and single white flowers pop against the green landscape in a beautifully bucolic lounge area.

    Photo Credit: Kate and Bill Holland of Holland Photo Arts

  • Paris Inspired

    Paris Inspired

    A pink and black color theme, mirrored end tables, and preppy striped settee are utterly Parisian chic.

    Photo Credit: Kristen Taylor & Co.

  • Off to the Side

    Off to the Side

    This fifty-shades-of-beige seating lines the room’s perimeter, giving guests the perfect spot to watch the dance floor.

    Related: The Prettiest Wedding Dance Floors We've Ever Seen

    Photo Credit: Liz Banfield

  • Leather Details

    Leather Details

    An antique trunk, plush leather with ornate trim, and monogrammed cushions take a step back in time.

    Related: Creative Ways to Use Your Monogram

    Photo Credit: Paige Winn Photo

  • Gold Shimmer

    Gold Shimmer

    With a twinkling backdrop, gold colors, sequin accents, and illuminated candles, this eye-catching lounge area sparkles and shimmers in all its grandeur.

    Related: All That Glitters: Metallic Wedding Inspiration

    Photo Credit: Diana M. Lott Photography

  • Garden Theme

    Garden Theme

    This colorful garden-inspired lounge area is full of quirky flair. Incorporate personal elements, such as vintage armchairs and globes, for your own personal touch. 

    Related: 101 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding

    Photo Credit: Jessica Bordner Photography

  • Formal Lounge

    Formal Lounge

    From a plush rug and gold hues to a settee and recamier, this formal lounge seating is gorgeously extravagant.

    Photo Credit: Abby Jiu

  • Focal Point

    Focal Point

    Frame your lounge seating around a focal centerpiece, such as this bouquet of roses whose vibrant pink and orange colors are mimicked by damask and ikat cushions.

    Photo Credit: Paige Winn Photo

  • Drapes

    Drapes

    Sheer white drapes are curtained off to shield slender couches in a column-style seating arrangement, protecting guests from the sun and creating a dreamy look.

    Related: 25 Tips for a Great Summer Wedding

    Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

  • Circus Fun

    Circus Fun

    This circus-inspired lounge area is just plain fun, complete with beanbag seating, splashes of bold colors, and playful streamers and tassels.

    Related: 25+ of the Most Unique Wedding Themes We've Ever Seen

    Photo Credit: Chrisman Studios

  • Cabanas

    Cabanas

    Luxurious cabanas are simple and elegant, providing your guests with a space to slip away.

    Photo Credit: Ira Lippke Studios

  • Boho Vibes

    Boho Vibes

    Reminiscent of a teepee, this canvas sleeping tent holds a bohemian wonderland. Details mix patterns and colors, from floor pillows, poufs, and vintage rugs to Moroccan lanterns and leather Mexican couches.

    Related: 50 Dreamy Dresses for Boho Brides

    Photo Credit: Feather Love Photography

  • Benches

    Benches

    Opt for benches instead of couches for a different look; it's even better if they provide a scenic landscape view, like at this stunning vineyard.

    Photo Credit: Tim Halberg

  • Beach Setting

    Beach Setting

    Bring indoor furniture out. White couches mimic the soft sand and pop against azure skies and seas, while glowing lanterns perfect the beach's dreamy atmosphere.

    Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings

    Photo Credit: Jenelle Kappe

  • White Vintage

    White Vintage

    Round seating, a curtained backdrop, and antique coffee table add a quaint charm to this vintage setting.

    Related: 50 Ideas for a Vintage-Inspired Wedding

    Photo Credit: Esther Sun

  • Whimsy Pastels

    Whimsy Pastels

    Stylish armchairs, photo frames, and a streamer backdrop, all in a pastel palette, combine for a whimsical effect. We love how the mirror reflects the reception seating.

    Photo Credit: Jesslan Lee Photography

  • Waterfront Views

    Waterfront Views

    Seat your lounge space overlooking the water for a stunning view and cool breeze. With a tree as your centerpiece, providing a roof of decadent greenery and mix of crystal chandeliers, your space will be nothing short of magical and romantic.

    Photo Credit: Aaron Delesie

  • Tree Stumps

    Tree Stumps

    Let nature do the talking. A cozy fire pit lounge made with tree stumps makes the most of a woodland wedding.

    Photo Credit: Braedon Photography

  • The Luxe Look

    The Luxe Look

    Quilted pods, metallic chairs, and colorful uplighting create a luxe and polished vibe with a more refined take on a nightclub ambiance.

    Photo Credit: Binaryflips Photography

  • Swing

    Swing

    Who needs a lounge area when you have a lounge swing to sway on? This unique seating is all relaxed elegance with a glittering chandelier to boot.

    Photo Credit: Marni Rothschild Pictures, LLC

  • Square Seating

    Square Seating

    Group your furniture in a square so your guests can better socialize. Earth tones and steel blue furniture with gold accents juxtapose against the venue’s wood paneling for rustic glam look.

    Photo Credit: Arrowood Photography / Event Planner: Julie Atwood Events

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25 Creative Lounge Areas

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