To chiavari or not to chiavari

Remember that in addition to the base price to rent, you're looking at a fee to set up and take down each chair. I just went through tons of quotes for chairs, and the setup, delivery, and tear down fees added up to hundreds of dollars for every quote.

Honestly, if I had unlimited money, I'd pay for the gold chiavari chairs that would match our reception decor perfectly. However, I'm saving $600 by renting the basic white folding ones instead. I understand wanting everything to match, but sometimes it's not worth it for something only you will notice.

Am I the only one who finds those chairs really uncomfortable?

I feel that the whole chiavari chair thing comes down to preference. Personally, I love them aesthetically and I had them at my wedding.

Do a cheaper chair. No one notices the chairs.

@Delfina-

That's exactly what my aunt says, but I sat in them again today, & the cushion made the seat quite comfy... and I like to sit up all straight. (Now if I had that as my office chair, I don't think I could handle it hour upon hour upon hour!)

First - I don't think there's a huge difference in preference in sitting in the white folding or the chivari chair - some people find one more comfortable, others the other - it's not like one is CLEARLY better to sit in.

Second - what's the feeling of the rest of your wedding? DIY, rustic, more casual? then I think the chivari chairs may feel slightly out of place. Formal, romantic, elegant? then perhaps they would be a better fit.

I find the white chairs perfectly acceptable at weddings - and at a savings of $5 a chair when you're "running low" on funds - I would probably go with the white typical chairs

If it's not in the budget just get what you can afford.

From the beginning I factored in the price of the upgrade, so fh & i were aware.

Not for example how some brides say " my budget is $15k but thats not including alcohol and chairs"

Like those should be in that budget!

Don't bother with the "better chairs". No one will remember or care.

I THOUGHT my budget was ample.... until I started getting quotes for all the different items.

Yowza!!

Weddings are expensive!!!

I'm having the exact same dilemma. I've said since the beginning though that it's something I really wanted so I think I'm going to try to make room for it. In my opinion it makes a big difference

I love the way chivary chairs look, but I've always found them super uncomfortable even with a cushion. I think its because they sit so straight up

Everyone says "no one will remember the chairs", but if you have a gorgeous venue and gorgeous decor, "bad" chairs will stick out like a sore thumb.

I went with the chiavari upgrade and cut in other places. But that's just me.

Can you use the white wedding chairs and dress them up a little bit?

I echo the no one notices chairs train of thought.

I always notice the chairs. :/

(But I'm trying to convince myself that it's not really that big a deal....)

Agreed, no one else will care about the chairs. While I wish we did go with different chairs for our wedding, I'm glad we used that money on other things like giving our guests free booze and tons of food.

I don't think the majority of guests will care about the chairs

People notice how chairs feel more than how they look. I also like the look of the Chavari Chairs, but they're not going to be at my ceremony OR reception. (It also helps that chairs are included with my venue, and I have a few options to choose from) Like other people have mentioned, they're not that comfortable. You can always decorate folding chairs with a sash to dress them up and add some contrast.

Also, I didn't see it mentioned, but my bad if it was or if you already know, but keep in mind that if you have 100 guests, you most likely need 200 chairs. Unless your ceremony and reception are at the exact same spot or you have people hired to move the chairs. Also, if you're putting them on grass, chivari chairs are going to sink more with their pointy legs vs the wider legs of the folding chairs. So with a minimum of a $5 difference, using folding chairs will save you $1000. Even if you get sashes (usually $1- $1.50 each) that's still several hundred dollars you're saving. If you can find another area(s) that you're sure that you can cut from, and decide they're less important than the appearance of chairs (and are ok with the comfort level), then go for it. Ultimately it's your call, your money, but I personally wouldn't.

My venue has white chairs in the cost. Honestly, use that money elsewhere. I'm sure they're remember how you look (makeup/hair) vs chairs.

Go with the cheaper chairs, no one will care. I also happen to think that chiavari chairs are not very attractive or comfortable. Chairs are not worth going over budget or taking away from other parts of the wedding.