Alternative "Lounge" Seating Idea

Fun idea! I think it depends on the type of meal you are serving whether people will be bothered not having banquet-type seating. If you are planning a more casual quick meal it may be less necessary to have sit-down tables for all guests. One thing I found though is that "lounge" furniture rentals in my area were pretty pricey- for example a love seat rental was at least $150. So from a cost saving perspective it appeared to be more expensive than rental regular tables.

Lots of my venues do this for cocktail hour, and it can work if you're doing an entirely cocktail style wedding, but it's not cheap to rent the pieces.

It depends on the food. If there is anything that has to be cut it would be inconvenient to sit on a couch.

You need a seat for every butt. But other than that sounds fun.

If this is actually executed it could be okay. My cousin was under the impression that she was getting a similar vibe for her cocktail wedding, however they set the reception room with 10 person tables, and everyone had to awkwardly find a seat.

It sounds more expensive and a lot harder to eat - definitely better for a cocktail hour than a full reception

As a guest I would hate this as it wouldn't be likely for me to get one of the comfy couch seats (unless you have enough couch seats for everyone- then go for it!) I hate standing (particularly while trying to eat and drink), and lots of guests physically can't stand for long, so I'd rethink it.

I'd be so jealous of who got to sit on the couch and focus all my energy on that instead of your wedding. Chairs don't have to be fancy, but there should be a chair for every guest. Your guests will greatly appreciate that more than the "look" of lounge furniture!

P.S. A good DJ/band will get guests up and dancing and having fun more than lounge seating will. It will just make guests leave early without a place to sit.

I don't think it's going to be cheaper to rent a bunch of sofas and benches over a bunch of chairs. Quite the opposite, really.

I agree with @Del it sounds like this will be more expensive. Honestly, I totally get not wanting to stick with traditional wedding ideas and trying to incorporate you two. To be blunt, If I am picturing this right, I dont see it working at an evening reception. Not to compare, but to get an idea, think about people who prefer tables at a restaurent. Typically, it is because they find it more comfortable and can easily get up and down. Some people may not get up to dance in fear they will loose their seats. You said music is important to you both. I am not sure if you have your venue yet. Why not keep your idea for cocktail hour and have music start during it? Then for main course have traditional seating but keep lounge area opened. This way you have the best of both worlds.

As long as i'm not attempting to eat on my lap and I have a seat i would be fine

I think you'll find it quite pricey to rent all the furniture you're wanting. Also, are you feeding your guests? I hope so and if you are, you definitely need more traditional seating for that.

I think it definitely depends on the type of food you serve, and you should still have plenty of tables and seats in general so that if everybody wants to sit at one time they can. But I love the idea of having a "lounge area" for people to go and sit and socialize!