To Chair Cover or Not to Chair Cover - That is the Question!

Chair covers can be a tricky issue when planning a wedding. A lot of couples look at them as an unnecessary expense and it is true, chair covers are completely optional.

However, it is my personal opinion as a wedding planner that if you have the funds you should cover those darn ballroom chairs!!! Or even better, bring in some beautiful Chiavari chairs.

When creating your event design, it is important to remember that although the ballroom chairs are probably in good shape and functional, the room will look fantastic if you cover them.

Why? Well, for one, most ballroom chairs have burgundy or brown upholstery. Sometimes there is even a small pattern on them. This can clash with the color scheme of your wedding. Chair covers give a much softer look to the room overall. In addition, you can easily match them to your color scheme either by using a colored sash or a colored chair cover.

They also come in a huge variety. You can get damask, bold geographic prints, or solid colors. Chair covers definitely finish the room and helps the event design look uniform. It is really classy to walk into an event and see a beautifully set table with fantastic floral arrangements and chairs that match perfectly with the overall theme.

The other option that always works well is renting Chiavari chairs. These chairs are very classic and they come in a wide variety of colors. You are also able to match the chair pad to your color scheme. I find that they work well as ceremony chairs and then can be reused at the reception if you are hosting your wedding at the same venue. This is definitely the route to go if you want to have a uniform look at your wedding, but think that chair covers are too feminine.

Now, this doesn't mean that if your are not able to have chair covers or Chiavari chairs that your wedding ceremony or reception won't be beautiful. I'm just advocating this option if you have room in your budget, or if you could move some numbers around to make room in your budget.

I think I've answered the question fairly. Are chair covers optional? Yes. Should they be included in the event design? Absolutely, if you can afford it.