chair covers or budget options for chairs?

TheVincentes

I am having a wedding of about 100 people so far, and cannot find it in me to rent chairs for $200.00 for this event, so I looked up using the venues chairs which are ugly metal chairs blue and grey and thought chair covers would be cheap, well turns out the cheapest chair covers I could find are $1.79 that's still $200.00 just for seating. Any ideas or alternative options for seating?

NYCMercedes

Knottie84381853 said:

I am having a wedding of about 100 people so far, and cannot find it in me to rent chairs for $200.00 for this event, so I looked up using the venues chairs which are ugly metal chairs blue and grey and thought chair covers would be cheap, well turns out the cheapest chair covers I could find are $1.79 that's still $200.00 just for seating. Any ideas or alternative options for seating?

Question: do you remember the chairs of the last wedding you went to? Or even, any wedding chairs?

Knottie34559892

Do you know of a church or fire department around you that would donate nicer chairs to you or even let you rent them for cheaper than 200?

I know here in North Carolina, they will donate chairs as long as you bring them back in a timely order.

Something to look into.

[Deleted User]

NYCMercedes said:

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Knottie84381853 said:

I am having a wedding of about 100 people so far, and cannot find it in me to rent chairs for $200.00 for this event, so I looked up using the venues chairs which are ugly metal chairs blue and grey and thought chair covers would be cheap, well turns out the cheapest chair covers I could find are $1.79 that's still $200.00 just for seating. Any ideas or alternative options for seating?

Question: do you remember the chairs of the last wedding you went to? Or even, any wedding chairs?

I couldn't agree with the bolded more. We're going with the cheapest chairs we can rent, and I don't think anyone who attends our wedding is going to be upset that there isn't any fabric or ribbon to make the chair look "pretty."  

kmmssg

The one and only reason I remember the chairs from the last wedding is because my DD was the bride.  The weddings prior to that - couldn't tell you.  What I CAN remember is the wedding that didn't have enough chairs and table space for everyone.  I do not remember that fondly.

Your guests will be thrilled to have chairs and don't give a flying frog's fanny what they look like.  Another place you might check for chairs is local funeral homes.  I have heard that some will rent them out cheaply!  Skip the chair covers all together!

Maggie0829

Do the chairs that are provided work?  Are they in one piece and are not falling apart?  Then use them and put the money you would use renting prettier ones on adding an additional appetizer because your guests would be far happier with more food (or booze) then they would on sitting in a pretty chair.

JCbride2015

The chairs at my venue are pretty ugly, too.  We decided not to cover them.  The only time you'll see them is when the room is empty.  Once your guests sit in them (as long as the chairs are sturdy and reasonably comfortable) nobody will notice the chairs!

ShesSoCold

I don't even remember the chairs at my own wedding.

ElcaB

The chairs for our ceremony space were brownish-gray folding metal chairs. They are not pretty. No one cared. 

Save your money. 

SBmini

NYCMercedes said:

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Knottie84381853 said:

I am having a wedding of about 100 people so far, and cannot find it in me to rent chairs for $200.00 for this event, so I looked up using the venues chairs which are ugly metal chairs blue and grey and thought chair covers would be cheap, well turns out the cheapest chair covers I could find are $1.79 that's still $200.00 just for seating. Any ideas or alternative options for seating?

Question: do you remember the chairs of the last wedding you went to? Or even, any wedding chairs?

Sorry, but yes. The venue we almost went with had those folding wooden chairs. I thought they were fine. Until I went to an event that had them. I couldn't sit in those chairs for more than half an hour they were so uncomfortable. I would happily spend $200 for my guests and my comfort on upgraded chairs. Especially if it is a longish wedding/reception.

emmiejayne

SBmini said:

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NYCMercedes said:

Knottie84381853 said:

I am having a wedding of about 100 people so far, and cannot find it in me to rent chairs for $200.00 for this event, so I looked up using the venues chairs which are ugly metal chairs blue and grey and thought chair covers would be cheap, well turns out the cheapest chair covers I could find are $1.79 that's still $200.00 just for seating. Any ideas or alternative options for seating?

Question: do you remember the chairs of the last wedding you went to? Or even, any wedding chairs?

Sorry, but yes. The venue we almost went with had those folding wooden chairs. I thought they were fine. Until I went to an event that had them. I couldn't sit in those chairs for more than half an hour they were so uncomfortable. I would happily spend $200 for my guests and my comfort on upgraded chairs. Especially if it is a longish wedding/reception.

I think the general consensus is - as long as they're vaguely comfortable, they're fine.  I can't remember any chairs I sat on.  It's not about what they look like, it's about if they're comfy.  Covers won't solve that problem!

Maggie0829

emmiejayne said:

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SBmini said:

NYCMercedes said:

Knottie84381853 said:

I am having a wedding of about 100 people so far, and cannot find it in me to rent chairs for $200.00 for this event, so I looked up using the venues chairs which are ugly metal chairs blue and grey and thought chair covers would be cheap, well turns out the cheapest chair covers I could find are $1.79 that's still $200.00 just for seating. Any ideas or alternative options for seating?

Question: do you remember the chairs of the last wedding you went to? Or even, any wedding chairs?

Sorry, but yes. The venue we almost went with had those folding wooden chairs. I thought they were fine. Until I went to an event that had them. I couldn't sit in those chairs for more than half an hour they were so uncomfortable. I would happily spend $200 for my guests and my comfort on upgraded chairs. Especially if it is a longish wedding/reception.

I think the general consensus is - as long as they're vaguely comfortable, they're fine.  I can't remember any chairs I sat on.  It's not about what they look like, it's about if they're comfy.  Covers won't solve that problem!

This.  I have sat on padded chairs that weren't all that comfortable either.  So unless you plan on renting a laz-y-boy recliner for every single guest at your wedding then the chances of picking a chair that is super comfortable for all is pretty much zero.

If you have a chair that works and is not falling apart (no sharp edges, no rust) then that is all that matters (oh and that you have one for every butt).

TheVincentes

thanks everyone for your replies except I dont care if my guest care this is one thing about my wedding I am particular in I CARE about the chairs and I refuse to walk through my ceremony with ugly gray and blue and brown metal chairs I know it may sound ridiculous but the overall image has to be right and these chairs do not fill my image for my wedding. I will check with local places to see if they donate chairs I actually have chairs at my work that may donate for my event, never thought of that thanks for the help everyone!

thepassionblend

Knottie84381853 said:

thanks everyone for your replies except I dont care if my guest care this is one thing about my wedding I am particular in I CARE about the chairs and I refuse to walk through my ceremony with ugly gray and blue and brown metal chairs I know it may sound ridiculous but the overall image has to be right and these chairs do not fill my image for my wedding. I will check with local places to see if they donate chairs I actually have chairs at my work that may donate for my event, never thought of that thanks for the help everyone!

Congrats soon-to be bride! 

I couldn't disagree more with those who are telling you that you shouldn't care what the chairs look like because they won't matter to your guests. In some cases, it just depends on the kind of people your guests are. The cheapest alternative for sprucing up chairs would be fabric and making your own chair cover or beautiful chair decor. This is where you can stick to your budget and also get a bit creative while ensuring getting exactly what you want. There are multiple places where such as crafts and fabric stores that are always having sales on fabric. Especially Hancock Fabric. 

I would opt for a light lace or sheer fabric such as chiffon. Some things you can add in case you want to go the extra mile are ribbon, flowers, tulle, or wedding pompoms such as these that are made out of paper. 

Being on a budget doesn't have to mean settling for shabby chairs. If you have any more questions I can answer, feel free to email me! 

Maggie0829

Knottie84381853 said:

thanks everyone for your replies except I dont care if my guest care this is one thing about my wedding I am particular in I CARE about the chairs and I refuse to walk through my ceremony with ugly gray and blue and brown metal chairs I know it may sound ridiculous but the overall image has to be right and these chairs do not fill my image for my wedding. I will check with local places to see if they donate chairs I actually have chairs at my work that may donate for my event, never thought of that thanks for the help everyone!

Look I understand begin concerned about a certain thing.  But really, the chairs don't matter.  They will hardly be photographed (if at all) and once people are sitting in them, a jacket flung over the back, a shawl draped over the back and a purse hanging on one side then these "hideous" chairs will not be seen.  Many brides get caught up in one tiny detail and then once the day is over with they have to laugh at themselves for worrying over something that in the end didn't matter nor did they really notice.  Been there, done that.

And I don't think you are going to find chairs for much less then what you have already found.  So either fork over the $200 and get your pretty chairs or embrace the "ugly" chairs and move on.

TheVincentes

Thanks Maggie for your kind? words. These chairs are also going to be used in the ceremony so they will be a big deal for the overall look of the ceremony it being an outdoor ceremony and all. Thanks for everyone's input as well I got some great ideas for what to do and think I will either shell out the money or find some that can be donated that all match. Also, anyone reading this, benches may be able to be rented from party stores that are easy to decorate so I may go that route, anyone else have any ideas for alternate options please let me know other than saying, just deal with it. Thanks again!

Maggie0829

Knottie84381853 said:

Thanks Maggie for your kind? words. These chairs are also going to be used in the ceremony so they will be a big deal for the overall look of the ceremony it being an outdoor ceremony and all. Thanks for everyone's input as well I got some great ideas for what to do and think I will either shell out the money or find some that can be donated that all match. Also, anyone reading this, benches may be able to be rented from party stores that are easy to decorate so I may go that route, anyone else have any ideas for alternate options please let me know other than saying, just deal with it. Thanks again!

I am just trying to show you that tiny details that you are focused on and think are huge deals really aren't.  Guests just want a place to sit, whether that be on a metal chair or on a fancy throne. When they think back on your wedding day they won't say "oh that wedding would have been perfect if only it weren't for those chairs."  They will be thinking about the food, the music and if they had a great time with their family and friends.  Same with you.  When you look back on your wedding photos a year from now or 20 years from now I doubt you will be wishing you had rented those chairs.  You will be too busy looking at everyone's faces and remembering how happy you were that day.I don't blame you for wanting a pretty event. Everyone wants a pretty event.  I know I did.  But you have to focus on what really matters and that isn't what the chairs look like.

If you do the benches would you need to rent chairs for the reception?  If so, then I would only spend money once on rental chairs rather then twice on benches and chairs.

TheVincentes

good idea Maggie, taking that into consideration about the benches. If I got benches, I would have to use those ugly chairs inside for the reception and I would be back at step one hating them, I may just shell the money out and call it good because I know up till my wedding day I will stress on those ugly chairs! looking for a better solution because I know I will not be happy and am not happy with those ugly chairs : /

Maggie0829

Knottie84381853 said:

good idea Maggie, taking that into consideration about the benches. If I got benches, I would have to use those ugly chairs inside for the reception and I would be back at step one hating them, I may just shell the money out and call it good because I know up till my wedding day I will stress on those ugly chairs! looking for a better solution because I know I will not be happy and am not happy with those ugly chairs : /

Really $200 is not a bad price at all for chairs (especially when they will be doing double duty). And if you feel that it is worth the money for your sanity level then rent them.

tammym1001

Maggie0829 said:

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Knottie84381853 said:

good idea Maggie, taking that into consideration about the benches. If I got benches, I would have to use those ugly chairs inside for the reception and I would be back at step one hating them, I may just shell the money out and call it good because I know up till my wedding day I will stress on those ugly chairs! looking for a better solution because I know I will not be happy and am not happy with those ugly chairs : /

Really $200 is not a bad price at all for chairs (especially when they will be doing double duty). And if you feel that it is worth the money for your sanity level then rent them.

I agree with this. I think that's a great price especially if you can use them at the ceremony and reception. I would definitely rent chairs rather than chair covers with the price being so close. I'm not a fan of how chair covers look and they usually end up all messed up and sloppy looking once people start sitting on them.

hellopig

OP, if you can't find another solution for chairs and want to cover the ones you have, consider buying chair covers rather than renting. I did this for my wedding. The chairs at my venue were this horrible maroon and green upholstered mess that I couldn't deal with. Would've rather had plain metal chairs, really. But anyway, I bought my own chair covers on ebay and then sold them after the wedding. So in the end, it cost me nothing.

TheVincentes

That's a great idea spend the $200 on chair covers and then resell after the wedding, maybe I will get black or better yet red ones that wont stain like the white ones. THANK  YOU so  much for your comment this is a great solution.