Metal Chairs For A Wedding: A Guide To Making Them Shine

Metal folding chairs are a popular choice for weddings as they are budget-friendly, easy to set up and take down, and versatile. However, they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option and can look out of place if left undecorated. Luckily, there are numerous ways to make metal chairs look nice for a wedding. From chair covers and ties to floral decorations and signage, a little creativity can go a long way in transforming these chairs into something special.

Chair covers

When choosing chair covers, it is important to first measure the chairs and identify their style to ensure a proper fit. Then, select the material and colour that best suits your wedding theme and style. Chair covers can be purchased or rented, with prices varying depending on the material and quantity. For example, renting metal folding chairs typically costs around $1.50 per chair, while chair covers can range from $1 to $3 per chair.

Chair ties and sashes

When choosing chair ties and sashes, consider the fabric type and colour to ensure they align with your wedding theme and colour palette. For a budget-friendly option, choose fabrics like satin, cotton, or polyester. If you're aiming for a more elegant look, consider chiffon or matte satin. For a rustic wedding, burlap fabric is a perfect choice.

There are several popular styles for chair ties and sashes:

• The Chiavari Style Sash: The fabric is secured at the top of the chair and drapes down the back to the ground.
• The Ladder Weave Sash: The fabric is woven through the chair's back, creating a stylish stair-stepped effect.
• The Side Sash: The fabric is wrapped around the top of the chair and draped over the side, elegantly touching the floor.
• Knot Tie or Bow Tie: A timeless look where the fabric is wrapped horizontally around the chair's mid-point and tied into a round ball at the back.
• Curly Tie Sash: A chic and elegant design where the fabric is wrapped around the chair and cinched under the wrap, creating a dramatic flair.

Floral decorations

Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate metal chairs for a wedding, adding colour and texture to the plain metal chairs. Here are some ideas for floral decorations:

Firstly, consider using artificial flowers. Real flowers are stunning, but they may get damaged by guests brushing past them or touching them. Artificial flowers are a more durable and affordable option. You can create your own floral arrangements using artificial flowers, or buy pre-made designer flower boxes.

If you want to create your own, you will need floral foam, mesh wire, and cable ties to attach the flowers to the chair. Cut the floral foam into blocks, wrap them in mesh wire, and attach them to the legs of the chair. You can then add flowers, using the lighter shades first, followed by darker shades, to create a vibrant and organic display.

There are several ways to attach flowers to the chairs:

• Tie or pin flowers to the outer top corner of the chair
• Pin flowers to a sash or chair tie
• Create a garland of flowers cascading down the back or sides of the chair
• Attach flowers to a wreath secured to the chair

You can also combine flowers with other decorations, such as ribbons or sashes. For example, you could thread flowers through a sash or weave them through the chair decorations.

Flowers are a great way to add a touch of nature to your wedding and can be used to match your wedding bouquet or theme.

Signage and silhouettes

Signage

Add signage to the seat, front, or back of each chair to create a personalised reservation or add a special message. This could be a simple "thank you for celebrating with us" or a warm welcome to the wedding. You can also get creative with the design and incorporate it into the overall wedding theme. Consider using elegant calligraphy or a fun font that reflects the joy of the occasion.

Silhouettes

Silhouettes are an elegant way to decorate the bride and groom's chairs, creating a unique and sophisticated look. You can create silhouettes of the happy couple by using small cut-outs or cardboard hangings. These can be placed on the back of the chairs or on the ground, adding a whimsical touch to the wedding decor. Consider using silhouette versions of regular photos, or go for an animated or cartoon style for added fun.

Additionally, you can combine signage and silhouettes by adding a small silhouette cut-out to a sign, creating a charming and personalised reservation for each guest. This combination will surely impress your guests and elevate the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

Removable decals

When selecting your decals, consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. For a rustic wedding, choose decals with a burlap or vine design. For a modern or elegant wedding, opt for decals with sleek lines or chic floral patterns. If you're having a bohemian or beach wedding, consider macrame-inspired decals.

To save money, look for removable decals that can be purchased in bulk or as part of a set. This will ensure you have enough to decorate all the chairs, and it may also reduce the cost per decal.

When applying the decals, ensure the chairs are clean and dry. Carefully peel the backing off the decal and position it smoothly onto the chair, avoiding any air bubbles. If needed, use a credit card or similar tool to smooth out the decal and remove any air bubbles.

Frequently asked questions