Creative Wedding Ceremony Seating Ideas for Your Big Day
Make a statement and give your guests a great view.
Ceremony seating in the round at the Logan hotel / Photograph by AGP Collective
You’ve likely attended many weddings that keep ceremony seating traditional, in rows facing forward with an aisle down the middle, particularly if they took place in a church. But if you’re saying “I do” outside, don’t have a wedding party or simply want to make a statement, why not change it up? Kristin Phalines of Kyle Michelle Weddings & Events shares her thoughts on a trio of alternatives, including the ones that offer the best views.
Runway
Viewpoint: Your guests will get a fab view of you as you walk down the aisle, but this seating style loses its practicality during the ceremony: Everyone is facing sideways, not toward the front.
Where it works: A narrow venue — like an estate with a long garden or Fitler Club’s courtyard — is best, with a smaller guest list and only two to three rows arranged on each side.
Lasting impression: “Is it practical? No,” says Phalines. “Grandma will hate it. But it is cool-looking.”
In the Round
Viewpoint: If you don’t have a bridal party or they’re seated, this can be a nice approach. Your guests have more opportunity to see you because they surround you. “It’s more intimate.”
Where it works: Somewhere open, like a beach, is ideal, because this creates intimacy where it doesn’t exist. You’ll want a squarer space and a larger guest count to form the full circle.
Lasting impression: “I love in-the-rounds,” says Phalines. “They work well for Jewish ceremonies that have a big chuppah, with the bridal party seated.”
Serpentine
Viewpoint: This option gives the bride more of a moment, since it forms a longer aisle. Flowers will help it make sense: “The chairs will zigzag among the flowers.”
Where it works: You’ll need an outdoor setting where you can design an aisle. A smaller guest count is ideal: Your serpent will look “blobby” with too many people.
Lasting impression: You’ll need to have the budget for lots of flowers to pull off a meandering aisle, though many couples repurpose these florals at the reception.
Want more great wedding content? Head to our Local Wedding Guides for everything you need to plan your Big Day.
Published as “Expert Advice” in the Winter/Spring 2024 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
