My name is Monika, and I am the HEAD STYLIST and CO_FOUNDER of KTV Venue Stylists. I have been a part of hundreds of weddings and dealt with many amazing couples during this time and today I will take you on the beautiful journey of alternatives to your big day and we will chat about one of the most important aspects of your wedding venue look – CHAIRS.
You've found your DREAM VENUE! It is perfectly suited to your needs, you can fit all your guests and it provides you with the backdrop you've always dreamed of! You're already thinking of how your styling will look and your eyes meet the chairs and tables you and your guests will be spending most of their time on your day and your HEART SINKS!
Ugly banquet chairs that are well used are likely to be staring back at you! Now you may be tempted to think "let's chuck a chair cover on and it'll be fine" - I am here to tell you to STOP!
Maybe in some instances, this is the right option, and I am not telling you not to use them when they are appropriate but, STOP, take a deep breath, and think about the alternatives.
I get asked all the time how to decorate for a reception. Every wedding has its own UNIQUE STYLE AND FLAIR. We have recently seen so many new types of chairs that have entered the wedding market. I know, I know… choices, choices! Here is the low down on what's available to hire and why I feel these will elevate your wedding to be the wedding of your dreams with MINIMAL EFFORT.
WHAT TYPE OF CHAIR IS AVAILABLE?
There are so many types of chairs that it can be hard to know where to start when selecting the right ones for your big day. I have put together a list of the most popular wedding chairs that you may want to consider for your big day.
UGLY BANQUET CHAIRS
Banquet chairs are often seen at formal weddings, but they can also be used at more relaxed events too like village halls and hotels. These are the ones you may be tempted to throw a cover on and hope for the best. Now these chairs can have either the well know Lycra spandex chair cover or polyester loose-fitting covers with a cotton-like feel and while they make it look better, it’s like covering a wound with a plaster - you still know what it looks like underneath! You are somewhat limited with styling however CHIFFON HOODS AND RUFFLES can help to take the focus from the "standard" look of these chairs.
STYLISH CHIAVARI CHAIRS
These chairs are becoming the staple chair of wedding venues around the world. Their popularity is only increased by the fact they are sturdy, easy to store and most importantly stylish! These beauties come in 4 colours Limewash, Ice White, Gold and Black. Perfect options to match almost any venue. Seat pads are usually part of the package when you hire these and can also come in a range of colours. The absolute gem with these chairs when it comes to styling, you have options, options, options. My favourite is CHIFFON VERTICAL DROP AND HOOD AND RUFFLE, but the choices go on.
UNIQUE FOLDING CHAIRS
If you are looking for something more unique and vintage-inspired, vintage chairs are a great option. These chairs come in all different shapes and sizes but are perfect for indoor weddings in a barn or rustic wedding venue, or outdoors for your picnic or boho-inspired wedding, The warm tones of the woods, the shapes and styles are so amazing and the benches too! (OMG!) The options are endless, and you can be creative with your seating plans.
LUXURY CHAIR OPTIONS
LOUIS CHAIRS - white glossy Faux leather with a French design- slightly wider than your standard event chair, maybe even perfect for the bridal party!
METAL CROSS BACK - beautiful, elegant design with Faux leather seat pads adding a touch of elegance and style.
DIOR STYLE - inspired by Dior, glam, leather seatback and pads - perfect for that luxurious wedding or event.
GHOST CHAIRS - clear hard plastic/acrylic give you that inspiring look for your event, clear and clean lines not imposing on your other decor styling.
Your choice of chair can really enhance your reception by providing guests with a stylish, elegant, and comfortable place to sit and relax, but they are not only for practical purposes like resting sore feet from dancing all night long, but they are also a HUUUGE part of the aesthetics of your day, or at least they should be! They can set the tone for the entire event, and most importantly they can SAVE YOU MONEY!
HEAR ME OUT – UPGRADING IS THE WAY TO GO
Now I know you think I may have gone a little mad by saying this but hear me out.
If you have plain/boring/ugly chairs at your venue, you will likely be wanting to cover them, this means a chair cover and then the styling on top, which means money. If you "UPGRADE" (for the want of a better word) your chairs and go for a style that suits your style/theme/venue you are offsetting the cost of hire against the cost of covering them. It’s a no brainer!
Chairs can set the tone for the entire event. If you have chairs that look out of place or don’t match your decor, guests will likely feel uncomfortable and out of place. Choose chairs that look harmoniously with your décor and guests will be more likely to feel at home and enjoy themselves.
If you want your reception to be classy and elegant, choose chairs with high-end details like delicate gold or silver upholstery, intricate carving, or exquisite fabrics. These details will accentuate the natural beauty of your venue and make your day look even more special. If you want your reception to have its own unique style, choose chairs with unique details that set it apart from other weddings. For example, if you have a vintage-inspired wedding, use antique armchairs as your wedding chairs instead of modern ones.
Well, my thoughts are, that if you are looking to do something different, then you should go for it!
Focus on what YOU and your guests see when you first walk in. Yes, there are the flowers and the lighting, but you cannot overlook the chairs. They are as integral as the initial colour choice you make and with some of the choices available now, I would get myself chair shopping asap!
CONTACT US TODAY
If you are planning your day and would like to chat about styling your venue whether it be about the chairs, colour palette or type of the sash, visit our website to find out how we can work together and book appointment to see if we will be a good fit!
I can’t wait to see you soon!