Crafting Wedding Chair Sashes: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Chair sashes can be a great way to elevate the decor of your wedding. They can transform ordinary chairs into extraordinary pieces, adding a pop of colour and texture to your wedding venue. Making your own chair sashes can be a budget-friendly way to decorate your wedding chairs. You can use different types of fabric such as satin, taffeta, organza, chiffon, spandex, polyester, velvet, burlap, lace, or tulle. To make your own chair sashes, you'll need to measure your chairs to determine the length and width of fabric needed, cut the fabric to size, and possibly hem the edges to prevent fraying. You can tie the sashes in a variety of ways, such as a simple knot or a bow. By making your own chair sashes, you can save money and add a personalised touch to your wedding decor.

Choosing the right fabric

The fabric you choose for your chair sashes will depend on the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as the impression you want to create. Here are some popular fabric options to consider:

Satin & Taffeta

Satin and taffeta chair sashes offer a luxurious and elegant look and feel. The smooth and glossy finish of satin adds a touch of elegance, making it ideal for weddings and formal events. Taffeta, on the other hand, offers a rich texture that's perfect for creating a sophisticated and refined look. These fabrics are excellent choices if you want to achieve a classy and chic aesthetic for your wedding.

Spandex

Spandex chair sashes are a popular choice for modern weddings and corporate events. They provide a sleek, clean, and contemporary aesthetic. Their stretchy nature allows them to fit snugly over chair backs, making them a versatile option for various chair sizes and styles. Spandex is a practical choice if you're looking for a simple yet stylish way to dress up your chairs.

Organza & Chiffon

Organza and chiffon sashes bring a soft, romantic, and ethereal vibe to your wedding decor. The sheer fabric of organza and chiffon allows light to pass through, creating a beautiful, glowing effect. These fabrics are perfect for outdoor weddings or garden parties, adding a delicate and airy touch to your chair decor. If you want a lightweight and dreamy atmosphere at your wedding, these fabrics are an excellent choice.

Glittering Sequin

Sequin chair sashes are all about glamour and sparkle. They are perfect for New Year's Eve weddings, glamorous galas, or any event where you want to make a statement. The sequins catch the light, creating a dazzling and luxurious effect. If you want your wedding decor to shine and impress your guests, glittering sequin sashes are the way to go.

Polyester

Polyester chair sashes are a durable and versatile option, available in a wide range of colors. This fabric is easy to care for and resistant to wrinkles, making it ideal for long events or weddings with extended celebrations. Polyester is a reliable choice if you're looking for a stylish and low-maintenance fabric for your chair sashes.

Jute, Burlap, Cheesecloth & Lace

For a rustic or vintage-themed wedding, burlap, jute, cheesecloth, and lace chair sashes are a perfect choice. These natural, earthy materials bring warmth and authenticity to your wedding decor. Combining burlap with lace or cheesecloth creates a charming, homespun look, ideal for barn weddings or country-themed events. This fabric combination adds a unique, rustic elegance to your special day.

Velvet & Flocking

Velvet and flocking sashes offer a luxurious and opulent touch to your wedding chairs. Their rich texture and deep colors make them a popular choice for winter weddings or holiday-themed celebrations. The soft, plush feel of velvet provides a sense of elegance and sophistication. If you want to add a touch of luxury and warmth to your wedding decor, velvet and flocking fabrics are an excellent option.

When choosing the right fabric for your chair sashes, consider the style, theme, and overall atmosphere you want to create at your wedding. Each fabric has its unique qualities and effects, so selecting the right one will help tie your wedding decor together seamlessly.

Measuring your chairs

Before you start making your chair sashes, it's important to measure your chairs to ensure that your sashes fit well and achieve the look you want. Here are some tips for measuring your chairs:

Chair Height

The height of your chairs, particularly the backrest, will determine the length of fabric you need for your chair sashes. If you want your sashes to reach the floor, measure the height of the chair backrest and select a sash length that will achieve this. For a more elaborate drape, choose a fabric length that exceeds the height of the chair back.

Chair Width

The width of the chair backs is another important measurement. If you plan to use a fitted chair band, measure the width of the chair back and consider the stretch or extending capability of the fabric. This will ensure that the band fits snugly around the chair.

Chair Style

Different chair styles may call for different sash lengths. For example, banquet chairs with taller backs may require longer sashes, while folding chairs, being less bulky, may need slightly shorter sashes. For Chiavari chairs, which are slim and elegant, a shorter sash length of around 72 inches can neatly wrap around the chair back, highlighting its delicate profile.

Event Theme and Style

The style and theme of your event can also guide your sash length choice. Longer sashes can create a luxurious and formal ambiance, perfect for weddings or galas. On the other hand, shorter sashes tend to suit casual events, complementing the relaxed vibe.

Tying Technique

Consider the tying style you want to use for your chair sashes. Different techniques may require varying amounts of fabric. For example, a simple cascade down the chair back will use less fabric than a more complex drape with multiple twists and loops. Ensure you have ample fabric to achieve your desired look.

Personal Preference

Lastly, don't forget to factor in your personal style and preference. Choose a sash length that aligns with your overall event vision and decor. Whether you prefer a sleek and fitted look or a cascading drape, select a length that suits your taste.

By following these tips and considering the measurements and characteristics of your chairs, you can ensure that your chair sashes are the perfect fit and create a refined and elegant atmosphere at your wedding.

Cutting the fabric

• Measuring the Chairs: Before cutting the fabric, it's important to determine the size of your chairs. Contact your rental company and ask them to provide measurements for the chair's width and height where you plan to tie the sashes. This will ensure that your sashes fit perfectly.
• Decide on the Ribbon Style: The next step is to choose whether you want to create a bow or a knot with your fabric. This decision will impact the length of fabric required for each sash. For a simple knot, you'll need approximately 1.5 yards of fabric, while a bow will require around 2 yards.
• Calculating Fabric Needs: Calculate the total number of chairs you'll be decorating based on your expected guest count. This will help you determine the total amount of fabric needed. It's always a good idea to purchase a little extra fabric to account for any mistakes or last-minute changes.
• Cutting the Ribbons: Using a ruler or a measuring tape, carefully cut the fabric into strips of the desired length. Ensure that each strip is cut to a consistent size to maintain uniformity among the sashes.
• Sealing the Edges: Depending on the type of fabric you choose, you might need to seal the edges to prevent fraying. A simple way to do this is by using a lighter to carefully seal the ribbon ends. This step will ensure that your sashes remain neat and tidy.
• Testing and Adjusting: Before cutting all the fabric, it's a good idea to test a few strips on the chairs. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to the length or style. It's better to test on a few chairs rather than cutting all the fabric and realizing later that adjustments are needed.
• Hemming (Optional): If you're using a fabric that is prone to fraying and doesn't seal well with a lighter, consider hemming the edges. This will give your sashes a more polished look and ensure they last longer.

By following these steps, you'll be able to cut the fabric for your chair sashes accurately and efficiently. Remember to take your time and measure twice to avoid any mistakes. Happy crafting!

Tying the sashes

Tying the perfect chair sash bow is an art, and there are several ways to go about it. The most popular styles are the bow tie, the criss-cross bow tie, and the double cross bow tie. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a beautiful and elegant look for your wedding:

Measuring Your Chairs:

First, you need to measure the size of the chairs to determine the length and width of the sashes. Contact your rental company or venue to get the exact measurements. This step is crucial to ensure the sashes fit securely around the chairs without being too tight or loose.

Choosing the Right Fabric:

The type of fabric you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your wedding decor. Popular options include satin, taffeta, organza, chiffon, spandex, polyester, velvet, and burlap. Consider the theme and colour palette of your wedding when selecting the fabric. For instance, satin and taffeta provide a luxurious feel, while organza and chiffon create a soft, romantic vibe.

Deciding on the Ribbon Style:

You can opt for a simple knot or a more elaborate bow. A knot is typically shorter, requiring about 1.5 yards of ribbon, while a bow is fuller and requires around 2 yards. If you want a more intricate design, consider adding a faux flower stem or a brooch to the centre of the bow.

Cutting the Ribbons:

Calculate the number of chairs you need sashes for, based on your guest count. Then, using a ruler or measuring tape, cut the ribbons to the required size. It's important to be precise to ensure uniformity across all the chairs.

Tying the Sashes:

Now comes the fun part – tying the sashes! If you're using a simple knot, place the ribbon around the back of the chair and tie it securely, ensuring the ends are of equal length. For a bow, you'll create loops and then tie them together. Adjust the loops and tails to achieve the desired look.

Adding Embellishments:

To elevate your chair sashes, consider adding embellishments such as flowers, brooches, buckles, or clip-on pins. These accessories can be placed at the centre of the bow or knot to create a focal point. They add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your wedding decor.

Final Touches:

Once all the sashes are tied, take a step back and admire your handiwork! Ensure the sashes are evenly distributed and that the chairs look cohesive. If needed, adjust the bows or knots to create a uniform look.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create elegant and beautiful chair sashes that will impress your wedding guests and elevate the overall ambiance of your special day.

Adding extra details

If you want to get creative, you can add even more details to your chair sashes! Try including a faux flower stem or a brooch in the bow when you tie it for an extra punch. You can also add a pop of colour with your chair sashes. Using them in contrasting colours will allow you to synchronise your colour scheme and exude chic flamboyance. For instance, glam up your chairs with silver or gold chair sashes for a gleaming appeal.

If you are going for a romantic décor, accenting your white chair covers with a red chair sash will give a charming and dramatic allure to your chair decorations. You can also add texture and design to your chair sashes. Intricately designed embroidered chair sashes are a great choice to add striking texture to your party décor. Simply tie them to your chair backs to turn your plain covers or bare chairs into exquisite decorative chairs, accentuating your overall aesthetics.

If you want to harmonise your table and chair decorations, choose complementing chair sashes to decorate your chairs and give a graceful cohesive look to your party decorations. For instance, dress your party tables with white tablecloths, accenting them with gorgeous organza table runners, and adorn organza chair sashes on your chairs to impart a mesmerising allure.

Frequently asked questions