Musical Chairs | How To Pick the Perfect Chair Rental for Your Wedding

Wedding planning can be stressful, especially when choosing the right seating to create a flawless and beautiful event. Renting chairs ensures every guest has a comfortable place to sit while being budget-friendly. But where and what kind of chairs should you rent? Here's a closer look at the different types of rental chair options.

Where to Use Rental Chairs

Rental chairs can be used throughout your wedding. While your first thought may be just the reception, there are other options, including your cocktail hour and reception. Each of these event components requires different seating for your guests.

Ceremony

The ceremony is where the happy couple exchange their vows and say, "I do." You have multiple rental chair options for your ceremony, including:

• Benches. Benches are a great way to make your ceremony comfortable and intimate.
• Chiavari Chairs. These classic wedding rentals boast elegant lines and come in different colors—from white to gold leaf—that will fit into any wedding theme.
• Folding Chairs. Folding chairs are a simple, understated ceremony option, lending a casual vibe to a modern farmhouse wedding.

Keep in mind that each seating option will have drapery in your colors and your chosen flowers added, so keep these factors in mind as you choose ceremony chairs

Cocktail Hour

Typically held during the brief interlude between the ceremony and reception, cocktail hour is the time for guests to mingle and relax over drinks and light hors d'oeuvres. Guests move around more frequently during cocktail hour, so a variety of seating types need to be provided, such as: 

• Bar stools. Bar stools are perfect for cocktail hours, as they can easily fit around high-top tables and create a comfortable atmosphere.
• Lounge seating. Lounge furniture adds an air of sophistication to any wedding event. Consider renting couches, armchairs, ottomans, and coffee tables and creating a lounge area for guests with ample areas to relax and socialize while sipping drinks.

Look for cocktail hour seating in neutrals that pair well with your wedding colors if you cannot find lounge seating in the colors themselves.

Reception

The most extended portion of a wedding event is the reception, where guests enjoy dinner, drinks, music, and dancing. You have a tremendous amount of options when renting seating for your reception, including:

• Acrylic chairs. Sometimes called ghost chairs, there's a reason why these transparent beauties are popular wedding staples: they fit in with any look and add a touch of modern elegance. 
• Cross-back chair. With its tell-tale 'X' on the back of the chair, cross-back chairs make a great statement piece for rustic-inspired weddings.
• Bentwood chairs. The classic Bentwood chair is ubiquitous in cafes across Europe and can help you set the tone for your reception. If you want your aesthetic to say, "Oui, oui!" try a Bentwood chair.

Keep in mind as you consider quantity that not everyone will want to sit at the reception all the time.

How to Decorate Rental Chairs

While the style of rental chair you choose for your wedding can enhance the aesthetic, you can take things one step further and choose to decorate them with any of the following:

• Blankets (great for a winter wedding)
• Flowers 
• Ribbons 
• Old photographs of the bride and groom
• Faux fur throws
• Wreaths
• Garland

Decorating rental chairs is an easy way to bring design continuity to your event while making it truly unique. You can even choose to have custom fabric covers or cushion slipcovers printed with the couple's initials for a fun twist. 

When planning your wedding, don't overlook beautiful and comfortable seating. Your guests will sit for an extended period, and a less-than-comfortable chair can detract from the joyous occasion. By renting chairs, you can create the perfect seating arrangement. With a little creativity, you can make your rental chairs look like they were made just for your event. Contact L & L Tent & Party Rentals for more information.