Photograph: Keith Cephus

Remember to Consider the Chairs When Choosing Your Venue!

When searching for your ceremony location and reception venue, be sure to look not only at the overall aesthetics of the room, but also  the chairs that are provided by the facility.  Unfortunately, in many instances, the chairs are not pleasing to the eye. Or, even more so, you may find the chairs to be beautiful in their own right, but the color of  the chair will never work with your color scheme.  This is something to be considered seriously when choosing your ceremony and reception venues.  If you are not in love with the style or color of the banquet or ceremony chairs provided, the cost to cover the chairs or change out the chairs completely can be a hefty expense.  This is due the volume of chairs needing replaced or covered.   Of course  no offense is meant to the reception venues.  Dark colored durable material is a must when seating the masses.  But, for elegant wedding decor, the dark colors and durable material aren’t always the perfect match.  

Chairs with a Flair…

So, the contract is signed and the deposits have been made.  It’s official… the reception and ceremony venue are booked.  But, the banquet chairs provided with the location are a thorn in your decorative side.  What to do?  Not to worry, there are several options.

Considering your options…

I encourage my brides to consider their options wisely when the chairs at either the ceremony or receptionlocation are not to their liking.  Not just any chair will do.  The chair you pick will make an impact on the overall look and feel of your wedding day.  You want a chair that is made of good quality materials, is pleasing in color,  and adds an element of flair to your event.  This can be done by the style of the chair you choose, the types of material you choose to cover the chair in, or both! You can have the most beautifully decorated tables and gorgeous centerpieces in town, but if the tables are surrounded by less than pleasing banquet chairs, your overall “look” of your event will be diminished. 

The traditonally covered banquet chair…

The “oldie but goody” that comes to the forefront of every bride’s mind is the slip chair cover with an accompanying colored sash.  Tried and true, this look will add elegance to any banquet chair.  And, there are some companies in the area that make this option very cost effective.   An updated approach to this concept is the scuba chair cover which provides a tight fitting sleek look and a bit of shimmer to the chair.

Photography: Dave O’Dell  Event Design: Jennifer La Londe Events

The wood or “wood like” folding chair…

   Wood, or “made to look like wood” chairs are becoming more and more popular.  They come in a variety of colors; white, natural, and black.  These chairs look pretty as a stand alone or dressed.  And, prove to be cost effective, coming in just under what it would cost to rent a seat cover and sash.  Depending upon the setting, these chairs are appropriate to be used for both your ceremony and reception.        

Photography: Aaron Dussault and Nate Kinnison

The chiavari or “ballroom” chair…

More and more I see brides work into their budget a specific type of chair they wish to use for their ceremony and reception.  The “top of the line” chair in our area is the chiavari chair.  This is a beautifully elegant chair that is very ornate in its construction.  Coming in many different colors, gold, silver, natural, black, white, fruit wood, and  “ice” or “crystal” (clear), the chiavari chair adds color and elegance to your overall design.  The color of the seat cushion can also be changed out to add another dimension to your decorative elements.  This chair  is beautiful as a stand alone or can be dressed.  Its use is appropriate for both the ceremony and the reception.  While these chairs are the most costly to use in our area, with out a doubt, they are worth every penny.  If my client  is able to work them in to their design budget, I encourage them to do so.  And, if your location allows you to use them for the ceremony, then change them over for use during the reception, they are a sensible investment. 

Some of the newest chairs to the group…

There are a few relatively “new kids” on the block in the world of event chairs.  They are not stocked locally, but available through distribution.  One of my favorites is the relatively new ”chameleon chair”.  This is a phenomenal looking chair.  It is gorgeous as a stand alone or dressed.  You are able to cover just the back oe the back and legs both.  The seat cover comes in almost every color under the sun.  Also a new look over the past few years is the “ghost chair”.  This is a perfect selection if your style is more contemporary, metropolitan, or you just want to avoid the chairs taking away from the overall look of the table-scape.   While both chairs would be considered a luxury design item for your wedding, they would certainly be one your guests would be talking about for years to come!

Chairs with a Flair… Spring 2010 Design Plans from Jennifer La Londe Events

With 14 weddings on the books already for 2010, we have been busy designing wedding ceremony and reception looks for our clients.  We at Jennifer La Londe Events pride ourselves on providing our clients the traditional elements they long for but with a  creative “twist” that makes our clients’ weddings unique and different. ” Chairs with a Flair” are one of the many unique ways we are able to achieve that.  Please excuse the photographic eye below, mine, but I wanted share a few things we have on the design table for 2010… enjoy!

  Pink Daisy Theme

  Feathers and Ice Theme

  Sandbridge Beach Wedding

        Shabby Chic/Love Bird Theme

  Peacock Feather Design Element

Resources to consider when shopping for chair decor: Atlantic Event Rentals, Classy Covers, Distinctive Event Rentals, The Chair Cover Girl, and The Chameleon Chair.