Wedding Cocktail Hour Lounge Ideas

Why cocktail hour needs lounges

Cocktail hour is often the longest stretch of a wedding where guests stand. Many have just come from a ceremony. Some are in heels, some are older relatives, and some just want to sit with a drink and catch up. A cocktail space with only hi-tops leaves those guests looking for a chair.

Our rule of thumb is to seat 50 to 60 percent of guests in lounge seating. At cocktail hour, a mix of lounges and hi-tops gets you there while keeping the room open for mingling.

Where to put the lounges

We place lounges in three spots:

• By the bars. Guests gather near drinks, so seating beside a bar fills first.
• In dead space. Corners, alcoves and the edges of a terrace or foyer are perfect for a small grouping.
• Near the action. If the cocktail space opens onto the dance floor later, a lounge at its edge does double duty.

Smaller groupings of a sofa, a pair of ottomans and a table work better than one long run. They give guests places to talk without blocking traffic.

Choose a style

Romantic and classic. The DaVinci ornate sofa is white and tufted, with a carved, scrolling frame and curved arms. Placed in pairs before draped backdrops, it suits lounges and sweetheart areas. Add white draping behind it for a soft setting.

Clean and modern. The white West Side sofas and loveseats have button-tufted cushions in a chrome tube frame. Set them in rows under a tent or around lit tables.

Soft and sculptural. The blue velvet sofa curves like a crescent in deep navy with a gold band at the base. Pair two across glowing cube tables for a waterfront lounge or a modern reception.

Flexible. Soho ottomans come in petal and serpentine shapes. They form flowing lounges and can be rearranged into circles or waves to suit the room.

The bar and the tables

The bar sets the tone of cocktail hour. The 8-foot mirror bar from the Manhattan Collection is clad in mirror panels in gold or silver that pick up candlelight and drapery. It works against a draped wall indoors or on a lawn for a garden cocktail hour. For a softer look, the tufted leather bar is fronted in white diamond tufting.

Mix in hi-tops for guests who prefer to stand. The 30-inch clear acrylic hi-top adds sparkle without visual weight, and ghost stools keep the space feeling open.

A spot for photos

Guests take a lot of pictures at cocktail hour. A flower wall in blush, white or white with greenery makes a ready-made backdrop. A champagne wall at the entrance turns the welcome drink into a moment.

Outdoor cocktail hours

For a lawn, terrace or Hamptons backyard, look at outdoor collections. The curved white wicker lounge sweeps into a half-circle around a round wicker table. Add bistro string lights for when the sun goes down.

Request a quote

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