Why Your Wedding Chairs and Seating Matter
You might not realize it if you have never planned a wedding before, but there are certain small elements that make BIG impacts - one, in particular, that should not be overlooked: chairs.
Having photographed every style of wedding imaginable, I’m here to say that chairs can greatly influence the aesthetic of not only the event, but your photos as well. Of course, you can easily drop a fortune on chair rentals the same way you could to have extravagant florals or a fairytale venue, but there are easy ways to elevate the sophistication of your more common and affordable chair rentals.
Let’s call this segment:
HIGH IMPACT PLANNING
(I have a section in my Wedding Experience catalog about this too!)
First, it is important to consider the overall design and style of both your wedding vision and the venue or location. You likely wouldn’t want a bunch of bean bag chairs outside of your family chapel or wooden rocking chairs at an industrial loft. And often times, wedding venues provide or offer chairs they have onsite though I would suggest viewing these yourself to ensure they fit with the aesthetic of your vision - plastic folding chairs don’t exactly translate well in photos. For example, ghost chairs are fantastic options if you want the focus to be on the full environment of the ceremony or reception location. Since ghost chairs are transparent, they do a great job of blending in with their surroundings. Spend some time actually looking at the chairs on your moodboards as they can easily be overlooked when browsing Pinterest. Put together a selection you love and your planner and designer can help you source them.
If bespoke custom chairs are not in the budget, there are easy ways to elevate your more common chair rentals like the Cross-Back, Bentwood, or Chiavari chairs: fabric. That’s it. Wrap material around the chairs. You can use flowy chiffon, linen, silk, lace, velvet. It can be translucent or opaque and colorful. Personally, I’m a fan of neutrals and long flowing fabric for ultimate romance. I’ve included examples below! This is an easy and affordable option to really elevate the elegance of the event!
On the other hand, if there is room to splurge a bit, consider premium seating options for your head table and complimentary but cost-effective seating for the rest of the tables. Your head table is what your wedding photographer will likely zero in on when capturing your reception details. This is where you can really show off your design. Modern white and gold low-back chairs, leather butterfly chairs, or wicker boho chairs can make that impactful statement you’re looking for without breaking the bank!
It might not seem like much, but it is truly the small details that make the big picture. And ultimately, you want it to be a damn good picture.
Browse the inspiration down below, and get in touch if you’d like to more tips on getting the best wedding photos ever.
This wedding at Long Hollow Gardens took place in a working garden nursery. The bistro chairs enhanced the patio nature of the wedding reception while also mimicking the wood slat design of the nursery itself.
Image Sources: Greg Finck; Floral Style
The Provence patio chair lends to the backyard character with stunning florals situated at each row. While ghost chairs were used for this garden wedding where the couple wanted the full emphasis on their beautiful florals.
Traditional cross-back chairs are slight in size allowing for more guests per row.
Image sources: Lenny Pellico; Josh & Dana Fernandez
Wicker chairs bring this boho vision to life in Italy, while these white and gold frame chairs make a modern statement for this courtyard wedding.
Image sources: Muravnik; Babb Photo
Mismatched chairs can make a statement all in themselves! A mix of common rentals including Cross-back, Bentwood, and Louis XVI chairs. This design works well due to the light-coloring of the wood and chairs. On the right, is a more eclectic mix of common dining chairs! You could easily source these from your own family and friends, thrift stores, yard sales, and neighbors!
Image sources: Tianran Zhang Photography; Katie Grant Photography; Sweet Pea Photography
Tulle was laced through these Chiavari chairs, while soft flowing fabric was draped and tied to the Cross-back chairs, and in the last photo, an Origami-inspired design was affixed to these Fishback chairs.
Image by Katie Grant Photography. See more of this wedding here. Cross-backed chairs go from “seen it before” to Wow! factor with simple drapery wrapped around the frame. We had to share this one again - it’s just so beautiful!
Image: Erich McVey
This transparent fabric catches the light so beautifully being tightly fastened around the Bentwood chairs.
Image: Katie Grant Photography
Delicate fabric is draped gently over the Chiavaris to catch the movement of the wind.
On the left, this wedding took place in a mountain lodge. To keep with the lodge design, the couple chose these rustic wooden chairs. On the right, this ceremony was parkside. The couple’s emphasis was their family and friends and they opted for bench seating to compliment the family-style of the wedding.
Image sources: Soil and Stem; Blue Rose Photography
Director’s chairs are both stylish and comfortable. They draped fur to further emphasize the Nordic styling. While on the right, these Rattan chairs perfectly compliment the color scheme and allow the luxurious table linen to be fully appreciated.
Image by Kartsie Photography via Junebug Weddings
Color for the win with both of these designs! The soft rose pink flatters the tropical greens.
Image by Moose Studio.
These modern orange velvet chairs make an impactful and fun style statement!
