If you’re looking for a way to make your wedding ceremony feel fresh and memorable, consider one of the first things your guests will see once they arrive: their ceremony seats. Instead of the expected straight rows of fold-out chairs, why not switch up your ceremony seating plan?
“A unique layout can often add an additional layer of detail to your ceremony site,” says Mindy Rice, a California-based floral and event designer. “A meandering path, a side entrance, or even multiple aisles will give your guests a little surprise, a twist on tradition!” Further, rearranging the chairs into interesting shapes—like squares, semi-circles, and even spirals—can make your ceremony feel more intimate and inclusive. You can really mix things up by using unexpected seats, like benches or picnic blankets.
Meet the Expert
Mindy Rice is a California-based floral and event designer with nearly three decades of experience. Her background in fine art and fashion informs her work with clients around the globe through her namesake firm, Mindy Rice Floral and Event Design.
Before you decide on an unusual arrangement, there are a few things you should consider. “Be mindful of floral and prop placement,” says Rice. “Make sure the guests seated along the aisle don’t have to adjust the décor. You want them to focus on the ceremony celebration, not the lit candles at their hemline.” You’ll also want to ensure your guests have easy access to their seats. If the rows are too long, they may not be able to fill each one with ease. “It’s difficult to crab-walk down 20 chairs in a formal dress.”
Be sure to leave enough space for your wedding party at the altar so they don’t get lost in a sea of chairs or hover over guests.
The upside is that you can experiment with your ceremony seating regardless of your venue. “There really isn’t a ‘best setting,'” says Rice. “You can apply your creative ideas to absolutely any setting.” As long as you’ve accounted for the number of guests and made certain that everyone has a good view of the proceedings at the altar, anything goes!
Below, find unique ceremony seating arrangements we love.