Date: 19th November 2024

Posted by: Daniel Lay Team

How to Elevate Your Event with the Right Outdoor Seating

The seating arrangement at an event is a crucial element of its success. A cosy and secure seating plan contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for the guests. Apart from seating, selecting the correct type of seating furniture is crucial for the success of your event, whether it’s a dinner party or a gathering. Here are a few suggestions to help you select the appropriate outdoor seating for your upcoming event.

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Seating: What to Consider

Before getting into the seating options for an outdoor event, here are some things you should consider when choosing outdoor seating:

Purpose and Use

First and foremost, you must determine the purpose for which you need seating. To identify this, ask yourself what type of event I am hosting. Is it an outdoor wedding, a birthday party, or a pool party? Once you have pinned down your event, you will be able to choose appropriate seating.

Theme and Style

The next step is to narrow down the style of seating. The theme of your event will guide the style of seating. Depending on the theme of your event and your preference for traditional or personalised fun, you can explore banquet chairs, simple folding chairs, and other options. For example, if you are hosting a barnyard wedding, rustic furniture would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if your wedding is whimsical, clear acrylic chairs would strengthen your décor.

Size of the Event and Venue

Once you have figured out the event’s theme and style, the next question is of size and space. How many people will attend your event, and how much space do you have? The size and number of guests will impact the choice of furniture. If you have a small outdoor space and the number of guests is on the higher end, choose compact and lightweight seating that can seat more people and can be rearranged easily.

Comfortable and Safe

If your guests feel at ease, they are more likely to relax and have a good time at the event. Cushioned seating is a better option for long events like concerts, corporate events, weddings, etc. Bean bags will be suitable for casual events like movie marathons where attendees are likely to lounge rather than sit. If you are hosting a party where children are expected, consider renting high chairs.

Consider Weather

When organising an outdoor event, make sure to select seating that can shield your guests from any kind of extreme weather, such as intense heat, wind, or rain. Select a seating choice that comes with a canopy or parasol for shade and comfort.

Note: You can’t have it all! Every host has their own priorities. For some hosts, the cost will be the main deciding factor, while others will prioritise style, comfort, or weatherproofing. Determine your criteria, weigh each option, and then choose the option that best meets your seating criteria!

Seating Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Event

There are numerous options for incorporating unique outdoor seating at your event that can impress your guests. Let us guide you about unique seating options, ranging from benches to deck chairs to unconventional ideas that will make your outdoor event stand out.

1. Choose a Contemporary Look

If you want something different but not too out of the ordinary, consider swapping traditional chairs for your event for something more contemporary. Eclectic vintage dining chairs, such as the King Louis XVI chairs, Queen Anne chairs, Windsor chairs, and Chippendale chairs have been utilised in outdoor seating areas and event spaces with great success for years. While still unconventional, they are guaranteed to impress your guests with minimal effort.

2. Folding Chairs for the Win

For an outdoor event like an open-air theatre show, you could opt for a chair cart filled with steel or padded folding chairs. However, for a more distinctive touch, you could select from rattan, wicker, slotted, or wooden folding lawn chairs. This option is both fashionable and offers the same benefits as conventional event chairs. They’re simple to clean and store, versatile, and effortless to transport. These neutral outdoor chairs are perfect for any outdoor event theme!

Folding Chairs for the Win

3. Add Seating Covers to Uplift the Look

Chair covers are frequently utilised at various events; however, this doesn’t limit your ability to be innovative. If you desire to combine different styles, fabrics, colours, or chair arrangements, there are a lot of options available for you to experiment with.

Add Seating Covers to Uplift the Look

Chair covers can complement any outdoor theme. When you’re uncertain about which option to choose, you can always rely on classic black or white covers, as they look elegant, whether plain or adorned with ribbon bows, artificial or real flowers, or any other décor of your choice.

4. Bistro Chairs for a Stylish Garden Party

Cafe-style bistro chairs are the perfect fit for your outdoor event if you want a lightweight, aesthetic, vintage look. You can achieve the perfect outdoor garden party look with classic choices like cross-back chairs, English garden chairs, and French bistro chairs. Pair these timeless beauties with complementary cafe tables to complete the look!

5. Substitute Chairs for Benches

From a casual outdoor wedding to a lively family picnic, rows of garden benches and pews with cushions provide a unique option for outdoor seating. These are readily available, reasonably priced, and have no requirement for coordination.

Substitute Chairs for Benches

The best thing about wooden pews and benches is that they can function as an alternative outdoor seating option for any outdoor event. You can also choose trendy picnic benches for an ideal picnic wedding, spring fair, or food festival.

6. Get Really Casual and Comfy

Another way to arrange seating for a casual outdoor event is by placing picnic blankets, rugs, outdoor seat cushions, rustic pallet wood cube seats, or colourful bean bags on the ground for a casual outdoor seating option. This easy and relaxed seating is a fantastic way to elevate any outdoor seating area without the need for heavy lifting or complex planning and is also relatively inexpensive.

Final Thoughts

Are you motivated by our outdoor event seating ideas? We sure hope so! Whether you decide on renting garden furniture or opt for foldable chairs, setting up your event seating in rows or a spiral, we wish you success in finding the ideal seating choice for your event. For further motivation, log on to Daniel Lay Events and check out our collection of furniture hires.