Transforming Unattractive Chairs Into Wedding-Worthy Seats

There are many ways to make ugly chairs look good for a wedding. Firstly, you could rent chair covers to hide the chairs' imperfections and transform them into something elegant. Chair covers are available in various colours, styles, fabrics, and designs, so you can easily find ones that match your wedding theme and preferences. Alternatively, you could paint the chairs, add cushions, or tie beautiful sashes or ribbons to them. If you're looking for a more natural option, consider decorating the chairs with fresh flowers or baby's breath. These options can help enhance the beauty of your chairs and create a subtle, elegant look for your wedding.

Rent chair covers

If you're working with a tight budget, it might be worth reconsidering renting chair covers, as many people suggest that guests won't notice the appearance of chairs. However, if you're determined to disguise the chairs at your wedding, renting chair covers is a great option.

Rent My Wedding offers spandex chair covers for $2 per chair, with free shipping both ways. They come in a universal size, which fits most banquet chairs and folding chairs. You can choose between black or white fabric colours. They also offer sashes and rhinestone buckles for $0.50 each.

Platinum Designs Seattle is another company that offers chair cover rentals. They have a variety of colours and styles, with over 50 different colours of chair sashes. They also offer table linens, overlays, and runners.

If you're looking for something more affordable, websites such as linentablecloths.com offer basic chair covers and sashes for as little as $0.50 per sash and $1 per chair cover. You can also buy chair covers online and donate them to a local charity afterward.

Decorate chairs with flowers or baby's breath

If you're looking to decorate your wedding chairs with flowers or baby's breath, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, it's important to note that most people won't pay much attention to the chairs, so if you're on a tight budget, it might be best to allocate your resources elsewhere. However, if you're keen to have beautifully decorated chairs, there are some cost-effective ways to achieve this.

One option is to use baby's breath, a versatile, budget-friendly flower that symbolizes everlasting and undying love, family bonds, and new beginnings. You can create small bouquets or single flowers with greenery that matches your overall floral scheme. Cut a length of floral wire, bind it around the base of the bouquet, and carefully loop the remaining wire around the chair's frame, such as the top corners or armrests. You can also hide the mechanics by wrapping ribbon around the chair and arrangement, tying it off with a bow for added decoration.

Another option is to use flowers of your choice. Create small, manageable bouquets or single flowers, and attach them to the chairs using floral wire or pre-made floral picks. You can also use decorative ribbon to tie the flowers to the chairs, adding a pop of color.

If you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, consider using tulle or fabric. Wrap tulle or fabric around the chair backs, or drape it through the holes at the top of the chair backs to cover the cushions. This can be a simple and inexpensive way to disguise ugly chairs.

Remember, the key is to work within your budget and get creative! With a bit of imagination, you can transform your wedding chairs into something beautiful without breaking the bank.

Paint chairs

Painting chairs is a great way to transform them from drab to fab for your wedding. It is one of the easiest ways to enhance the beauty of your chairs. If you own the chairs, you can paint them to make them look new and hide their imperfections. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders and is a simple, affordable, and quick fix.

Before painting, ensure that the chairs are clean and dry. Choose a paint that is suitable for the material of the chair, whether it be wood, metal, or plastic. You may need to prime the chairs first, especially if they have a glossy finish or if you are painting over a dark colour. Use a primer that is suitable for the material of the chair. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting.

When selecting a paint colour, consider your wedding colour palette and theme. You may want the chairs to stand out or blend in with the decor. If you are painting metal or wooden chairs, a spray paint designed for these surfaces will give the best finish. Follow the instructions on the paint can and apply several light coats, rather than one heavy coat, for a smooth and even finish.

For plastic chairs, you can use a paint designed for plastic surfaces, such as a spray paint or a paint specifically formulated for plastic. Ensure the paint is suitable for indoor use if your wedding is indoors. As with metal and wooden chairs, apply several light coats for the best finish.

Allow the paint to dry completely before touching or using the chairs. You can add further decoration to the chairs, such as ribbons or flowers, to tie in with your wedding theme. Cushions are also a great way to add comfort and style to the chairs.

By painting the chairs, you can create a cohesive and beautiful look for your wedding, without breaking the bank.

Tie chair sashes or ribbons

If you're looking to improve the appearance of chairs at your wedding, one option is to tie chair sashes or ribbons. This can be a budget-friendly way to add a decorative touch to your wedding chairs. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Fabric and Colour:

Chair sashes and ribbons come in various fabrics, colours, and sizes. Popular materials include organza, satin, l'amour, and spandex. Organza is a sheer, mesh-like fabric, while satin has a shiny, silky-smooth finish and is generally more expensive. Spandex chair bands are often used with spandex chair covers and are easy to care for as they don't require ironing. The width and length of the sashes or ribbons will also vary, with standard lengths around 108 inches and widths of 6 or 8 inches.

Measure Your Chairs:

Before purchasing or cutting your ribbons, measure the size of your chairs to determine the appropriate length and width of the sashes or ribbons. Contact your rental company to get accurate measurements.

Decide on a Style:

You can choose between a bow or a knot for your chair sashes. Bows may require more ribbon than a simple knot. For example, for a particular chair, you may need 1.5 yards of ribbon for a knot and 2 yards for a bow.

Cut Your Ribbons:

Calculate the number of chairs you will need based on your guest count. Use a ruler or measuring tape to cut the ribbons to the appropriate size. You can tie the ribbons around the back of the chairs, creating a pretty sash that adds colour to your wedding setup.

Get Creative:

There are endless ways to customise the look of your chair sashes. Choose a colour and material that complements your wedding aesthetic. You can also experiment with different types of bows or knots. For an extra touch, consider adding a faux flower stem or a broach to the centre of the bow.

Remember, you don't have to decorate every chair. Even adding sashes to the chairs down the centre aisle can create a lovely effect. This project is a simple and affordable way to enhance the overall look of your wedding ceremony or reception.

Rent better chairs

If you're unhappy with the chairs provided by your wedding venue, you can always rent better ones. The cost of renting chairs depends on the type of chair, the location of the wedding, the number of chairs needed, and the rental duration. Basic folding chairs are the most affordable option, while unique or elaborate designs like Chiavari chairs, ghost chairs, or vintage-inspired pieces are priced higher.

Chiavari chairs, for example, are popular for their elegance and typically cost between $5 to $10 per unit. Folding chairs are a budget-friendly option and can be found for around $1 to $3 each. Ghost chairs, which offer a modern and sleek look, usually range from $7 to $15 per chair. Cross-back chairs, ideal for rustic-themed weddings, are priced between $5 to $10 each. Bamboo chairs, perfect for tropical or beach weddings, can be rented for approximately $5 to $10 per piece. Banquet chairs, which are more comfortable with padding, are a bit pricier at around $4 to $10 each.

When renting chairs, it's advisable to compare styles and prices across various rental companies to ensure you get the best deal within your budget. Additionally, consider package deals for both tables and chairs, as these can often be more cost-effective than renting them separately.

If you're looking for specific styles, here are some popular options:

• Acrylic chairs: These add a modern edge to any space while also blending in with the surrounding environment.
• Bamboo folding chairs: Perfect for a destination wedding or adding a natural element to any table setting.
• French bistro cafe chairs: Undeniably chic and versatile, these chairs will make you feel like you're sitting in a bistro in Paris.
• Metal chairs: Industrial-style metal chairs can add the perfect touch to any wedding, whether it's in a warehouse or a garden.
• Black metal chairs: Simple yet statement-making, these chairs can elevate any wedding reception.
• Leather chairs: Ideal for a boho-meets-western celebration, but they work best in a lounge setup as they're wider than average chairs.
• Bentwood cafe chairs: These wooden chairs, with their round backs and comfortable seating, add a touch of European elegance to your wedding decor.
• Rattan peacock chairs: Making a comeback, these throne-like chairs are perfect for a sweetheart table or lounge area at your wedding.
• Copper chairs: For copper lovers, these chairs are a stylish choice with their sleek lines and metallic perfection.

Frequently asked questions