How to Decorate Chairs for a Wedding

Use chair decorations to reflect your wedding colors and style.

There are many options for decorating chairs for a wedding, and they provide the flexibility to personalize the look of your wedding. Chair decorations vary by style and budget; options include slipcovers, sashes, ribbon accents, fabric accents, hanging signs, floral arrangements, or bold embellishments. You can modify these items to the type of chairs at your wedding, as well as create a look that is unique to your celebration.

Things You'll Need

• Slipcovers
• Chair pads
• Fabric sashes
• Ribbon
• Card stock
• Hole punch
• Glitter or fabric scraps
• Flowers and greenery
• Wooden letters or photographs
• Embellishments (crystal adornments, feathers, seashells, strung beads, brooches)

Instructions

1. 

   Tie a slipcover with a sash of the same or a contrasting color.

   Use traditional slipcovers. Purchase or sew slipcovers in coordinating colors using sturdy material. This option is quite versatile because it can be used on any kind of chair. For contemporary styles, use slipcovers that have clean lines and are close-fitting. Otherwise, use a ribbon sash to hold the slipcover snug and tie an elegant bow on the back of the chair.

2. Use partial slipcovers. Purchase or sew slipcovers that cover only the back-supporting part of the chair. When using chiavari or other chairs with only upper back support, use slipcovers in coordinating fabric(s) that cover only this top portion.

3. Tie sashes onto the backs of chairs. Tie them vertically on chairs with only upper back support, or tie them horizontally on any style of chair. Form the sash ends into a bow or loose knot.

4. 

   Use ribbon around chair backs and/or legs to create a bright, modern look.

   Use ribbon to create accents on chair backs and/or legs. Weave ribbon between the vertical bars of chiavari chairs. Use extra-wide ribbon to create a band across the chair back. Crisscross ribbon along the chair legs.

5. 

   Chair pads can provide comfort and style.

   Use chair pads featuring solid prints or patterns that match your wedding style.

6. 

   Chair labels are an easy method of do-it-yourself chair decoration.

   Make card-stock chair hanging labels. Choose a design that coordinates with your invitations and other wedding stationery. Print directly onto large card stock or print on regular paper and then adhere the labels to card stock. Embellish the signs with materials such as glitter or bits of fabric. Punch two holes near the top of the signs for stringing. You can use satin ribbon, tulle, or even twine, depending on your wedding style.

7. Use natural or artificial flowers and greenery. Create a bouquet to center on the back of the chair, hang a small arrangement or pomander from one or both sides, drape a garland diagonally across the back of the chair, or hang a garland along the top.

8. Create different decorations for the couple's chairs. Use wooden letters painted in the wedding colors to print the couple's first names, "Bride" and "Groom" or "Mr." and "Mrs.," or use photographs of the bride and groom on hanging labels. You can also use the same decoration as the other chairs and add bright accents on them.

9. 

   Add boldness to your chair decor with crystals or other embellishments.

   Attach creative embellishments to the chairs, such as crystal adornments, strung beads, brooches, feathers, or seashells.

10. 

    Combine your favorite decor elements to produce a look that is unique to your celebration.

    Combine different techniques. Hang floral arrangements over fabric bands or sashes, either centered or on the chair sides. Wrap vines or other floral arrangements around the hanging material of the chair labels. Add embellishments onto ribbon, fabric, or flowers. Use small, coordinating decorations for a simple look, or layer multiple designs for a lavish design.

References

• DIY Reception Chair Labels
• Wedding Chair Covers
• Creative Chair Decorations
• Chair Socks
• Wedding Chair Decorations

Resources

• The Knot