Choosing furniture for a cocktail wedding isn’t quite as straightforward as a sit-down reception. With so many different furniture styles to choose from, it can feel overwhelming trying to piece everything together!
So when it comes to mixing and matching high bars and stools with lounges, sofa packages and textiles, how do you make sure everything works well together on the day? We recommend figuring out your wedding vision first, then thinking about the kind of colours, textures and furniture styles that best reflect this. The key to a beautiful cocktail wedding is choosing pieces that compliment each other while also working harmoniously with your venue surroundings and overall theme.
To show you what this looks like in action, keep reading as we share furniture combinations for 5 different styling concepts. From garden party vibes to bohemian and coastal luxe, scroll on for some furniture inspiration for a seamless cocktail wedding.
Image via Ephemeral Creative for GC Hitched
A sophisticated “garden party” vibe is ideal for cocktail weddings in a lush outdoor location. Think relaxed elegance, timeless colours and classic, romantic decor.
Use these colours and materials: Crisp whites, creams, taupes, soft greys and timbers, pastel tones like peach and blush, lots of fresh greenery
With this furniture: A classic mix of timber dry bars, linen lounges and ottomans, wine barrels, bentwood stools, market umbrellas and a statement outdoor bar.
At these venues: Anywhere with beautiful lawns, natural surroundings and a lush green backdrop. See our top picks for garden wedding venues here.
Image via Figtree Pictures
Image via E.L Simpson Photography
Image via Lucas & Co Photography
FRENCH LINEN SOFA PACKAGE
Create the perfect coastal cocktail party using natural textures and neutral colours inspired by the ocean. Keep things simple and refined with subtle nautical accents to tie the look together.
Use these colours and materials: Crisp whites, sands, bamboo, seagrass, pale timbers, soft pastels and gold accents
With this furniture: Anything from our Dune and Bahamas collection – we love our Dune lounges, seagrass umbrellas, bamboo dry bars and clam shells. Or for something more luxe, incorporate our Soho wire dry bars and stools in white and gold.
At these venues: Beachfront venues with a coastal backdrop and ocean views. This look also works beautifully in a white Sperry tent or clear marquee. See our top picks for coastal wedding venues here.
Image 1: Figtree Pictures / Image 2: Janneke Storm
Image via Grace Wriggles
Image via Bushturkey Studios
Images via The Events Lounge
Image via Lucas & Co, Styled by The Events Lounge
Image 1: Figtree Pictures / Image 2: The Events Co
Image via Figtree Pictures
Image 1: Lucas & Co + The Events Lounge / Image 2: Janneke Storm + The Events Co
WHITE MARBLE ICELANDIC DRY BAR
Create a modern luxe feel using high-end finishes like marble, velvet and wire. Keep things sleek and sophisticated with a bold pop of colour and plenty of metallic accents.
Use these colours and materials: White, gold, bronze, blush, magenta and anything marble or velvet!
With this furniture: Pair our blush velvet lounges and donut ottomans with our Icelandic marble dry bars and wire stools for a sleek and sophisticated look.
At these venues: Perfect for clear marquees at any location, sophisticated hinterland homes, or any “blank canvas” indoor space.
Image via Lucas & Co for GC Hitched
Image 1: Kate Robinson / Image 2: Ivy Road Photography
ICELANDIC WHITE MARBLE ROUND DRY BAR TABLE
GOLD ICELANDIC COFFEE TABLE
Create a modern bohemian vibe with earthy colours, mixed textures and eclectic styling details. Perfect for festival-inspired weddings surrounded by nature.
Use these colours and materials: Timbers, rattans, terracotta, burnt orange, dusty pink, burgundy, plum, gold and bronze
With this furniture: Mix and match our Indie velvet lounges with patterned rugs, cushions, timber dry bars, Indie bar stools, low coffee tables and timber service bars.
At these venues: Lush outdoor spaces in the hinterland, anywhere with a tipi or tent. See our top tips for planning a tipi wedding here.
Image by Ivy Road Photography / Styled by Event Stylist & Co
Image 1: Ryder Evans / Image 2: The Events Lounge
Image via Jamie Murcutt / Styled by The Events Lounge
Image via Lisa Danielle
Image via Byron Loves Fawn
SILVER DRUM SIDE TABLE
Don’t be afraid to use black in your wedding styling for something contemporary and sophisticated! Keep things monochromatic with dark tones and a pop of moody colour.
Use these colours and materials: Black, timber, luxe metallics with a hint of moody colour like emerald or plum.
With this furniture: Our black Hamptons lounges, Indie bar stools, Icelandic marble dry bars and a statement wire backdrop.
At these venues: Industrial-inspired indoor spaces – think polished concrete floors and exposed rafters.
Image via Tom Judson / Styled by Arctic Fox Weddings
Image 1: Shane Shepherd + The Events Lounge / Image 2: Tom Judson
HAMPTONS BLACK 3-SEATER SOFA
ICELANDIC BLACK MARBLE ROUND DRY BAR
BLACK ICELANDIC LONG RECTANGLE DRY BAR
GOLD ICELANDIC COFFEE TABLE
Pro tip: We always recommend organising enough cocktail seating for between 50-70% of your guests, and using a mix of both high and low furniture. Mood boards are another great tool to ensure your chosen pieces work harmoniously together without any clashing elements! Our friendly team are experts at creating custom furniture plans to suit your wedding vision. Get in touch for a copy of our latest hire catalogue – we’d love to hear your big ideas.
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