How to Cut Costs on Wedding Table and Chair Rentals with Alternative Seating Options

After budgeting in the caterer, the flowers, and the location fees, a great deal of brides and grooms forget the tremendous impact that table and chair rental costs can have on their wedding funds. That's not to mention linens, centerpieces, and formal chair coverings. Can't imagine seating being a problem? Ask yourself when the last time was that you were forced to stand while eating at a wedding. We've all done it, and we've all complained about it later. Some couples find themselves being forced to actually ask all guests, regardless of how many attend, to stand during the reception due to the cost of table and chair rentals. Instead of going the uncomfortable route of asking guests to understand the limitations on your budget, prevent a seating shortage and ease the pain on your wallet with the following tips on how to cut costs on wedding table and chair rentals with alternative seating options.

Seating Alternative #1: For a fall wedding, consider covered hay bales. Indoors or out, a hay bale covered with fresh linens or even a cute blanket is a fun and quaint way to not only save on seating costs, but also to add a touch of seasonal flair to your wedding. Of course, this options works best for less formal weddings. If wildflowers and spiced apple cider are included in your wedding plans, this option may work well for your fall wedding theme.

Seating Alternative #2: Walls lined with church benches. If your wedding reception will be held in a church, ask your minister about church benches that may be in storage or out of use. While most churches today have cloth covered pews that might look inappropriate in a wedding hall, some older facilities still store away antique, formal, wooden benches with tall backs that were commonly used just a few generations ago. Lined against the walls of your reception hall, these benches will be a regal and cost effective way to add seating, possibly without adding any additional costs. This is also a great option if a large entertaining floor is needed and a space saving seating arrangement is called for. If your church doesn't have benches at your disposal, call around. It's likely you'll find at least one older community chapel that does.

Seating Alternative #3: Plush floor cushions. If you are seeking seating options for a themed wedding, floor cushions may be an alternative for you. Grouped in circles, cushions arranged to match an oriental theme are an exotic touch. However, do be sure to have appropriate accommodations in place for guests that may not be comfortable seated on the ground, such as the elderly or the disabled.

Seating Alternative #4: Create a children's section. A fun way to cut costs and give children their own special memories on your big day is to create a children's section for their seating needs. Small, child-size tables and chairs can often be borrowed from church facilities, especially if your reception is to take place in your place of worship. However, you may be able to find a benevolent lender in the form of a church that will either offer free or low cost children's seating stations. Cover tables with small colorful linens and set up wooden children's chairs (or find chairs in colors that match the linens you will use to cover the tables). Consider placing alternative favors at each child's seat that are tailored for their age groups to add a festive touch.

Seating Alternative #5: Large decorative ottomans. Oversized ottomans in luscious colors and fabrics are a great way to pamper guests in a more relaxed wedding reception setting. While they aren't likely to address all of your seating needs, a few well placed ottomans can seat up to four people each rather comfortably and can be used in less traditional reception halls. Consider borrowing a few from friends and family that can be slip-covered in your wedding colors and more luxurious fabrics for your big day, and scatter them around for a fun effect. Do be sure, should you choose to use this option, that the ottomans of your choice are not small "footstools," of course, but rather large furniture pieces actually used for seating in homes.

Seating Alternative #6: For garden weddings, utilize outdoor furniture. Patio tables, swings, garden benches, wraparound tree benches, and other traditional outdoor furnishings offer a garden tea party feel for outdoor wedding receptions. If your wedding venue offers outdoor seating, make use of it! If it doesn't, ask around for wrought iron bistro sets, wooden benches, and other romantic pieces with which to accommodate your guests.

Keep in mind that the options above are meant to aid in cutting back on the table and chair rental budget for your wedding, not to completely replace it. Remember when using any alternative seating options that all guests utilizing them will need to be made to feel a part of the group. Be sure to arrange alternative seating close to any tables and chairs that are rented. Keep rented seating reserved for members of the bridal party and family, and consider leaving alternative seating for those not quite as close to the couple (with the exception being children's alternative seating). You might also consider adding special favors to your alternative seating sections (such as extra mementos) to give them a more special feel. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that the alternative seating options you choose add an element of surprise, decadence, style, and ambiance that guests will be pleased to take part in. Hiding the fact that these steps were taken to save money is key. Instead, let your guests focus on the interesting and exciting atmosphere that your thoughtful seating arrangements have provided.