Wedding Chair Covers - A Necessary Evil?

Wedding Chair Covers – A Necessary Evil?

January 5, 2009 by Mrs. 12k | Filed in: Reception

Let me just start off by saying that I don’t like chair covers and that chiavari chairs cost way too much too rent.

So the chairs at our venue are not the most attractive. They are upholstered with a dark burgundy cloth and have black iron around the seat and back. But, they’re free.

I looked around at chair covers and decided that the ones I could most tolerate don’t have a sash but the cover itself ties in the back in a knot. Apparently this is called a pillowcase cover.

A friend of mine works at a linen place so I went in to get an estimate. These bad boys rent for $3 each + a $0.50 installation fee + a $75 rental fee! Do the math for 200 people and you’re over $700. For chair covers. Right.

And if i rent chair covers, they probably won’t look right with the tablecloths the venue is providing (which I need to double-check by the way), because the chair covers are satin and the table cloths are cotton. And I didn’t really want white.

I thought about just renting more attractive chairs instead of going with chair covers. Problem is any chairs I rent will likely not have the padded seats, which are essential, especially when you have older people who already have joint issues attending.

So I looked around some more last night and found some covers that seem to be a little cheaper but they’ll probably have to be the kind with sashes, which I don’t really like. I did happen upon one site that had them for $2 each including installation and delivery ( I think) and they were pillowcase style. The website didn’t specify but they looked to be cotton. That might actually work, but that still comes to at least $400. For chair covers. Right.

That’s a hard pill for me to swallow when I don’t want to pay a red dime for this.

This is turning into a much bigger issue than I’d like it to be. I want to just decide something and keep it moving.

What do you guys think I should do?

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Technorati Tags: Chair Covers, Cheap, Inexpensive, Reception, rental

22 Comments so far
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I feel your pain! I don’t want chair covers either, the chairs at my venue are similar to yours. When I toured Greektown the other day I found out they offer free chair covers. (Who woulda thought!) They’re they tailored ones that don’t need a sash. I think their vendor charges 50 cents – $1 a chair cover. I forget who they’re vendor is, but they’re located in Detroit… I can find out who tomorrow if you’re interested???

Oh, and I can send you a picture that I took if you want…

OH MY GOD! I JUST had this conversation with a coworker yesterday.
I HATE HATE HATE chair covers. I think they are horrid and overly expensive.

I hate chair covers. Honestly, if I were you, I’d skip them all together, and maybe see if there’s a way to put a nice bow around the chair or something instead, or if not, just go with it. Think about it – the whole room will be decorated, tables done up, the lights will be low, really, I don’t think the chairs will be a big deal. That’s a good chunk of change that could be well-spent elsewhere.

I do think they look nice – but I don’t think they are necessary. Honestly, people put their jackets over the back of chairs, purses, etc. No one will really notice…unless you have the satin ones and they slip off – meaning the person, not the cover! I think it is a waste of money. I was thinking about having them, too, because my chairs look like the ones you have. But really, if someone says we have ugly chairs then they need to get their priorities straight!

I would skip the cover. They are extreamly expensive and just like DCK stated they will have coats or bodies covering them. I was torn like you because I thought they looked nice but my MOH attended a wedding and the cover where more annoying than anything because of people tripping over them.

I too don’t think chair covers are necessary! I battled it out with my mom and said NO. But then we found out they were included. If I don’t like the look, good-bye chair cover. And, really, do people even notice or remember??? If you can’t get a steal, it’s not worth it!

Uggggg, of all the things we brides think about! It eventually boils down to chair covers. The last anonymous comment stuck in my mind, will people even notice or care??

OK…if it was my decision, I would just spend the $700 on a LOT more candles and keep the lights really low. Then no one will even notice the chairs.

But if you don’t mind another DIY project, I found this chair wrap. It’s almost a sash, but since it’s toole, it would be cheap and would cover more of the chair than just a simple ribbon.

Weird, the link didn’t come through.
http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/showProject/projectId/27/categoryId/109/

I just saw Brandi’s post about the DIY back & I love it! The last example is using our flower & it looks beautiful!

I’ve been quoted $600 NZ to hire chair covers. As this the same price as my wedding dress, it’s just not going to happen. If my guests don’t enjoy themselves at our wedding because of the lack of chair covers, they can…{insert profanity here}.

I was worried about this when my best friend got married and opted for no chair covers. However, at the end of her wedding when we looked at her photo’s you really could not tell the difference as there are people sitting in the chairs which greatly detracts from the lack of cover on the chair. I say skip ‘em!

You can find those pillowcase seat covers on eBay for like $2.5 per seat. Maybe your coordinator or family members can put them on for you. After you are done, you can sell them.

i had the same problem, in that chair covers don’t really go with the ‘look’ i wanted for my reception, but the chairs themselves are ugly. sooo, i’m renting plain old white chair covers (cheaper than pillowcase) and foregoing the sash altogether. instead i’m purchasing bulk ribbon (extra wide, like at least 3″ ribbon) in a color that matches my theme and having them tied (in a knot…no bows!) around the chair. simpler and more casual than the sash.

I love that idea! Especially because I could get a friend or family to put on the covers since they don’t require the skill needed to tie the pillowcase covers. The ribbon could be purchased with 20% off coupon(s) at Michael’s or Joann’s. Hmmmm….

Hadn’t thought of that. Seems to be a little cheaper than renting. Thanks for the suggestion.

I found a great site for my chair covers. The chairs at my venue aren’t the most attractive and being the frugal bride that I am, I was able to save $ in other areas of my wedding budget to get covers. They are $1.75 per cover including sash, installation and take down as well.

Here’s the link to her site. Stephanie is really nice and will work with you and doesn’t require a hefty deposit like other places.

http://www.stephaniesweddingcreations.com

I say skip them. The funny thing is that like you, my FI was adamant about chaircovers. I compromised and rented nicer chairs, which was cheaper than the covers – and no hassle!

@Syreta – That would be the ideal compromise – find nicer chairs to rent that cost less than the chair covers. But I can’t find any. Suggestions are welcome!

It should be about YOUR taste. It should be about walking into that hall and feeling special. I know its only one day, but man it’s a doozey!

When the guests arrive, they are looking around and feeling the ambiance, later in years, they will most likely NOT remember the decor, but YOU certainly will. Do what you feel!
I do think the chair covers are over priced for rental. but man I think they sure bring a WOW factor!

i like it too.. i have it white colors with pink ribbons.wow so fashionable..the n i puts socks on its four legs..try it yours..u can make your own design.i made it in my home.University Clothing
Chair Covers

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