Don’t laugh… yes, this is a post about chairs! More often than not, brides care a wee bit about the chairs their guests will sit on (for a mere 3 – 4 hours) at their wedding. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but in terms of aesthetics, chairs can make a difference! Here is a glossary of chair options in order of their affordability, at least in the Chicago area.
BANQUET CHAIRS
This is typically the type of chair that is included with many hotel and venue packages. Quite a tragedy in my opinion… the ones pictured below are actually halfway decent! I’ve seen some horrendous ones in my day…
Source 1, 2, 3
CHAIR COVERS
I admit, that spandex cover on the left kinda scares me! But, when done right, chair covers make the typical banquet chair a little more presentable.
Source 1, 2, 3
PADDED FOLDING CHAIR
These folding chairs are available in a variety of colors and are especially popular for outdoor ceremonies. They would work well in a rustic, more casual venue. For example, they would not look quite right in an upscale hotel, but would look perfectly at home in a loft/warehouse space.
Source 1, 2, 3
VERSAILLES CHAIR aka OPERA CHAIR
I like these chairs as much as I like the chiavari chair (see below)
Source 1, 2
CHIAVARI CHAIRS
The classic, ubiquitous wedding chair that many brides lust after (not an exaggeration in many cases, I confess I did too!). Available in many colors and sometimes two types of padding – the one on the far left is more like a harder pad versus the other two which are cushion-like. They are called different things by different companies, so be sure to check what your rental company offers.
Source 1, 2, 3
CHAMELEON CHAIR
These are sleek and sexy and would look fabulous in a more contemporary setting! Rental is costly but if you can swing it…
All chairs from CPR
GHOST CHAIR
Ahhh, the ghost chair is coveted not only for weddings, but also for home decor! I’ve never actually requested a quote for these, but I’ve heard that they rent for upwards of $50 a chair… rent! But they are spectacular…
Source 1, 2
What kind of chairs will you have for your wedding, or was it even a point of concern?
Tags: chairs, chicago wedding blog, chicago wedding coordinator, chicago wedding planner, Tips
My name is Charlene Liang, owner of Sweetchic Events, Inc. a boutique event-consulting firm in the Chicago area, specializing in full service wedding planning and month-of coordination. For more information, 
Nice post Charlene! Its cool seeing the in and outs of planning a wedding. There are so many chair options! But this allows the bride to make her wedding unique and her own. Rock on!
This is the best post ever! SO helpful! Padded folding chairs are very popular over here in the New England, especially for beach weddings =)
I LOVE the Louis XVI Ghost Chairs. So pretty, I’ve been wanting one in my house for years, they’d be so beautiful at a wedding reception! Thanks for sharing such a fabulous post.
I actually thought the Opera chairs were more comfy than the Chiavari, and I totally lusted after the Chiavari. I thought the chairs and the lighting were totally worth my money now when I look back at all the reception pictures — it just looks so put together. Thanks to my wedding planner!
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