Crafting Chair Covers For Your Dream Wedding Reception

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to decorations. One way to elevate the look of your wedding reception is by adding chair covers. Chair covers can be a great way to add a touch of elegance or glamour to your wedding décor, and they can be made from various materials such as polyester, spandex, or satin. You can buy chair covers online or rent them, depending on your budget and preferences. If you're crafty, you could even make your own!

Using pillowcases and sashes

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to create chair covers for your wedding reception, consider using pillowcases and sashes. This method requires minimal sewing and can be adapted to fit your wedding theme and colours.

To get started, you'll need to measure the chairs. Measure the width of the chair and the length, from the front top to the front legs, and from the back top to the back legs. Add three inches to the width measurement to allow for securing the material.

Next, source your pillowcases. You can buy these in bulk and choose a colour or pattern that suits your theme. Place the pillowcase over the chair, ensuring it covers the entire seat. If you need to, you can stitch or pin the loose ends of the material together at the back of the chair.

Now it's time to add the sash. Cut strips of tulle or taffeta to double the length of the width of the chair's backrest. Wrap the sash around the backrest and tie it into a neat knot or bow. You can use tulle, ribbon, or fabric for the sash, choosing a colour that complements your pillowcases.

To finish, you can add a personal touch such as a silk or fresh flower pinned to the centre of the knot. This will give your chair covers an elegant and classy look.

Renting covers

Renting chair covers for your wedding reception is a great way to save money and ensure a professional finish. Here are some tips and things to consider when renting chair covers:

Cost

Chair cover rental companies often charge per chair, and prices can vary depending on the style and fabric of the cover. On average, you can expect to pay between $1.55 and $2 per chair for rental. This price may include delivery and collection, or you may need to factor in an additional cost for shipping. Some companies offer free shipping, so it is worth shopping around.

Style and Fabric

The style and fabric of the chair covers you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve and the style of your wedding. Spandex chair covers are a popular choice for weddings as they create a modern, fitted look and are available in a range of colours, including white and black. Spandex is also a good choice as it is wrinkle-free and doesn't require ironing. Other fabric options include polyester, lycra, and satin. If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider waterproof chair covers to protect the chairs from any unexpected rain showers.

Sashes and Decorations

Chair covers can be further enhanced with the addition of sashes or bands. These are commonly used as an extra decorative touch and are available in a wide range of colours and fabrics, such as satin, organza, or spandex. Sashes can be left plain or decorated with rhinestone buckles, flowers, or other embellishments. If you're looking for a more natural look, consider adorning the chairs with foliage or hessian drapes.

Size and Fit

Most rental companies offer chair covers in a universal size, which fits most standard banquet and folding chairs. However, it is always a good idea to check with the rental company to ensure the covers will fit your chosen chairs. Some companies may also offer custom-sized chair covers for a more tailored look.

Setup and Takedown

Renting chair covers usually means you'll be responsible for setting them up and taking them down. Fortunately, this process is typically straightforward. All you need to do is stretch the cover over the chair and insert the chair legs into the fabric foot pockets. This can be done by one person but is often quicker with a helper.

Rental Process

The rental process is usually straightforward. First, you'll need to place your order online or directly with the rental company. Be sure to provide the correct date and location of your wedding, as well as the number of chairs you need to cover. The rental company will then deliver the chair covers to you, and you can set them up yourself or with the help of your wedding party or venue staff. After the event, you'll need to remove the chair covers and return them to the rental company in the provided packaging.

Renting chair covers is a cost-effective and convenient way to transform the look of your wedding reception chairs. With a little planning and coordination, you can ensure your chairs look elegant and stylish for your special day.

Buying fabric and sewing them yourself

Making your own chair covers for a wedding reception is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide to buying fabric and sewing chair covers yourself:

Buying the Fabric

First, you need to measure the chairs. Measure from the bottom of the back of the chair, up and around, and down to the front. Then, measure the width and height of the back of the chair from the top to the seat. These measurements will give you an idea of how much fabric you need. Remember to add a few extra inches to the measurements to allow for seams and hems.

When choosing the fabric, consider the colour and pattern. Opt for fabric in your wedding colours or a pattern that complements your theme. You can use almost any fabric, but for wedding chair covers, lightweight and flowy fabrics like tulle or chiffon are popular choices. Don't forget to buy matching thread, preferably heavy-duty if you're using upholstery fabric.

Cutting the Fabric

Before cutting the fabric, create a simple pattern based on your chair measurements. Mark the measurements on the back of the fabric with a pencil or chalk. If your fabric has a pattern, ensure that the lines match up at the seams. Leave a couple of inches at the bottom of the chair for the hem.

Now, cut out your fabric pieces, adding about an inch around each edge for the seam allowance. You will need two pieces of fabric for each chair cover.

Sewing the Chair Covers

Lay the two fabric pieces for each chair cover on top of each other, with the right sides together. Sew a seam along the top and two sides, about a half-inch from the edge. Then, turn the cover right side out and fold the bottom edge inwards, creating a hem. Sew along the hem, close to the fold.

Final Touches

Slide the cover over the back of the chair and adjust as needed. You can secure the bottom of the cover by tucking it in or adding elastic or ties. If you want to add more decoration, consider attaching tulle or ribbon to drape over the back of the chair. Cut a length of tulle or ribbon, wrap it around the chair back, and tie it in a knot or bow.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and personalised chair covers for your wedding reception. It's a simple project that can add a special touch to your big day.

Using bows or sashes instead of full covers

If you're looking for a way to dress up the chairs at your wedding reception without using full covers, bows or sashes are a great alternative. They can add a pop of colour and a touch of elegance or glamour to your décor, and are an inexpensive way to make a big impact.

When choosing your bows or sashes, consider the style and theme of your wedding. For example, silky satin sashes will give your chairs a luxe finish, while chiffon or organza sashes are perfect for a lighter, more sheer look. If your wedding has a vintage theme, consider using miniature bunting or floral fabric for a cute, rustic feel.

You can also use bows or sashes to harmonise your table and chair decorations. Choose complementary colours and fabrics to tie your chairs and tables together, such as white tablecloths with organza table runners and organza chair sashes, or polyester or satin sashes to add a sleek, modern edge.

When it comes to tying your bows or sashes, there are several popular options to choose from. The classic bow tie is a convenient and easy-to-untie option, created in the same way you tie shoelaces. The flip tie is a modern twist on the classic bow, and works particularly well with satin sashes. For a more unique look, try the side bow, where the bow is placed on the side of the chair backrest instead of centred, or the double wrap knot, which gives a larger swatch of colour and is created by wrapping the sash around the backrest twice.

Whatever style you choose, bows or sashes are a simple and effective way to decorate your wedding chairs without the need for full covers.

Checking eBay for second-hand covers

If you're looking for second-hand chair covers for a wedding reception, eBay is a great place to check. You can find a variety of new and used chair covers on the site, including those made from stretch spandex, elastic, and waterproof materials.

When it comes to second-hand options, eBay has a range of pre-owned and refurbished chair covers available. These covers are typically listed as "pre-owned" or "refurbished" in the title or description. It's important to read the descriptions carefully, as some sellers may offer chair covers that are slightly used but still in good condition.

When browsing eBay for second-hand chair covers, you may find a variety of materials, styles, and colours to choose from. Stretch spandex chair covers are a popular option, as they can be stretched to fit most chair sizes. You can also find elastic chair covers, which have an elastic edge to keep the cover in place. If you're looking for something more durable, waterproof chair covers are also available. These covers are easy to wipe down and can protect your chairs from spills and stains.

In terms of colour, eBay offers a wide range of options, including white, ivory, black, and coloured chair covers. You can also find chair covers with different patterns and designs, such as floral or striped. It's important to note that the availability of specific colours and styles may vary depending on your location and the time of your search.

When purchasing second-hand chair covers from eBay, be sure to check the measurements provided in the listing to ensure they will fit your chairs properly. Additionally, read the seller's feedback and return policy before making a purchase to ensure a smooth transaction.

With its variety of options, eBay is a great place to find affordable and stylish second-hand chair covers for your wedding reception. By taking the time to browse the listings and read the descriptions carefully, you can find the perfect chair covers to transform your wedding venue into something extraordinary.

Frequently asked questions