So you’re going to a wedding and you have a assigned seat. What do you do now? Covering your chair is a crucial part of etiquette at a wedding. There are a few different ways that you can cover the chair.
You can purchase an inexpensive cover from the store it with materials from home, or use fabric from your own clothing. Each option has its merits and drawbacks, so there’s no wrong answer.
This article will explore all options on How to Cover Chairs for a Wedding: The Ultimate Guide.
Deciding on a Chair Covering Strategy
There are a few factors to consider when deciding on a chair covering strategy. First, figure out where your wedding is taking place.
If the wedding is outdoors, you won’t want to use fabric chair covers, as they will get too hot in the sun. If the wedding is indoors, you can use fabric, but fabric isn’t ideal for outdoors because it can get too hot in the sun and it will be too heavy in the rain.
Next, think about the colors of the wedding and the colors of the chairs. You don’t want to use contrasting colors because it will make your chairs look weird.
Instead, try to use colors that compliment the chairs. Lastly, think about whether you want to use chair covers or chair bows.
Chair bows are great because they’re cheaper and they require less work. If you decide to use chair covers, you’ll need to buy fabric, which can be a little more expensive, but the end result will be worth it!
Renting Chair Covers
Renting chair covers is a great option for couples who don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying and storing chair covers for years to come. It’s also a great option for couples who are on a tight budget.
However, keep in mind that renting chair covers will cost you a pretty penny. You’ll have to pay for the chairs themselves plus a fee for the chair covers.
First, figure out how many chairs you’ll be needing. You’ll want to add 10% or so to that number just in case you have some extra guests.
Next, check out the rental companies in your area. Be sure to read reviews. You don’t want to end up with a bad batch of chairs.
Once you’ve chosen a rental company, you’ll need to decide on the type of chair covers you want. Many companies will let you pick your own material, but some might have a limited selections. Be sure to read the fine print.
Buying Chair Covers Online
When it comes to buying chair covers online, you’ve got two options: buying fabric chair covers or buying plastic chair covers.
With fabric chair covers, you’ll have to buy the fabric, have them hemmed and then have someone sew them onto your chairs. With plastic chair covers, you’ll just have to slide them over your chairs and you’re good to go.
First, decide whether you want fabric or plastic chair covers. Then, find a reputable company that sells the type of chair covers you want.
You’ll want to read reviews to see what people think of the products and the company itself. Keep in mind that it might take a few weeks for your chair covers to arrive once you order them.
So, keep that in mind when deciding when to buy them.
Making Your Own Chair Covers
If you want to go the route, you’ll have to buy fabric and sew your own chair covers. This is a great option if you want a specific color or pattern that you can’t find online.
You can buy fabric at any fabric store or online. You can even get it on sale at places like Joann Fabrics! First, decide what fabric you want.
Then, measure your chairs and buy enough fabric to cover them. Keep in mind that you’ll need to leave enough room to add a seam.
Once you’ve bought the fabric, you’ll need to hem it and then add a flap on the back so you can easily put it on the chairs.
Purchasing a chair cover from the store
The easiest way to cover your chair is by purchasing a chair cover from the store. There are many stores that sell these, so you’ll have no problem finding one that suits your needs.
However, this method of covering chairs for weddings has its drawbacks. The first issue is cost. Chair covers are expensive- some can be upwards of $30.
And while they are durable, you have to purchase a new one every time you go to a wedding.
More importantly, this method doesn’t allow you to better express yourself at the event. You’re not able to personalize the colors or style of the chair cover because it’s pre-made and ready to go.
First, measure the height and width of the chair. Then cut out a rectangle of fabric that is the same height by 2 times the width of the chair.
Fold in half, safety pin it securely with no gaps so that there’s a loop on each side of the front and back and it looks like an envelope flap.
Next up, tie a long piece of string onto each end where there are loops on the front and back.
Put these strings over each end of the chair and then tie them together tightly at the top or use safety pins to attach them securely to the underside of the seat as well as keep them from coming undone.
Then pull tight on both strings to close up any loose sides.
Reusing fabric from your clothes to make a chair cover
One of the most common ways to cover a chair is to use fabric from your clothing. A DIY chair cover looks nicer than one you buy in the store, and it is easier to make. All you need is a bit of time, scissors, and an old piece of clothing.
Cut the clothing into strips.
Fold the fabric in half widthwise and lay it over your chair like a curtain.
Move the fabric around until you’ve found a place for it that’s not too tight or too loose.
Put another strip of fabric on top of the first one, folding it back as well.
Continue this process until you’ve made enough strips to go all the way around your chair.
Tuck any excess fabric underneath other pieces to make sure that nothing shows through when someone sits down.
Fabric from your dress
This is the most traditional option for covering chairs. The bride and groom will likely provide a handful of tablecloths and napkins, but if you’re still in need, using fabric from your own clothing is an elegant and frugal way to cover your chair.
It’s also a good excuse to wear something pretty. But make sure it’s something you can afford to lose; you’ll be sitting on it all night.
Fabric from your coat
If you wear a coat to the wedding, you can take it off in the coat room and then use that fabric for your chair. Some people prefer to use their coats because they are already in the coat room, but others would rather not risk someone else sitting in their space during the ceremony. There are pros and cons to using fabric from your coat.
Pros: You don’t have to buy anything or pull materials from your house
Cons: You will have to find a coat room so that you can get your coat back after the ceremony
Related article: How to Protect Your Walls from Chairs.
Fabric from your scarf
The first option is to take the fabric from your scarf and use it as a cover. The scarf can tie around the back of the chair, go over the top, or just be draped over the back.
This is one of the cheaper options for covering chairs for weddings, but it does require you to have a scarf.
If you don’t have a scarf, this isn’t an option for you! But if at least one person in your party has an extra scarf, this is an easy option.
FAQS
What should you do if you don’t have any fabric?
If you want to cover your chair without any fabric, but still want a creative way to do it, there are a few options. You can purchase a pre-made cover from the store and place it over the chair. If you’re feeling crafty, there are plenty of tutorials on Pinterest for DIY chair covers that use everyday household items as materials. You can also use your clothing as material to cover the chair. This may be less formal than using fabric from the store or other sources, but it does offer an opportunity for creativity.
What if my chair is really big?
There’s no need to worry about covering a large chair! There are two ways that you can cover a larger seat. The first way is by mirroring what I said above–use your creativity and find something around the house that fits the dimensions of your seat. The second option is by folding part of the fabric over where necessary. It might not look as neat as covering it with two full pieces of fabric, but at least your guest will be able to sit down!
What do I do if the chair is in a hot spot?
If it’s outside, you can put a towel over the chair. If it’s inside, you can cover the back of the chair with a table cloth or other decorative accessory to camouflage it.
What should I do if my dress gets dirty?
There are many options for this one! You can go without anything on your chair, cover your dress with your coat, or even use an old sheet instead of buying an expensive cover!
Conclusion
When it comes to the final details of planning a wedding, many couples struggle with how to cover chairs for a wedding. It can be an intimidating task.
However, with the right research and preparation, it doesn’t have to be as challenging as you may think. There are a few factors to consider when deciding on a chair covering strategy.
You’ll want to figure out where your wedding is taking place, think about the colors of the wedding and the colors of the chairs, and think about whether you want to use chair covers or chair bows.
Once you’ve determined the type of chair covering you want, you’ll need to decide whether you want to rent chair covers or buy chair covers online, or make your own chair covers.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be well on your way to covering chairs for a wedding that’s as flawless as the day itself.
