My daughter plans to be married next June.  We recently booked the reception hall.  One item that she really wants is chair covers.  Well, the chair cover rental is $5 a chair!  YIKES!  We expect 75-100 guests so that really adds up.  The chairs have a rounded frame on the top of the back and are stackable. While I want her to have a lovely wedding, I just think that's too much for decor.  Also, the photos of the reception hall show pictures with the covers and chairs without.  Admittedly, the chair covers do really dress up the look.  I did point out to her that the one thing the photos don't show is the reception hall with guests in the photos.  I've been racking my brain for an alternative idea to chair covers that would be less costly and wouldn't be horribly time-consuming to make or too difficult but I haven't come up with anything.  I doubt we could use tape to attach a decoration.  To her credit, she has cut the expenses down and is cost conscious.   Any crafty ideas out there on something to use other than $5 chair covers?  Thanks.

 Hi ... It sounds to me like the reception hall is the one offering the chair covers for $5.00 each - so have you contacted a local hotel supply store, general rental stores, or party stores to compare their prices? Many bridal stores can refer you to other professionals that could also have these covers for rent - catering businesses and also the churches in your area may have them to borrow/rent/make a donation.

How about something like this?

http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/showProject/projectId/27/categoryId/109/

Heather's suggested link would be elegant yet inexpensive! You could choose tulle in the wedding colors.

Another option was used at a Christmas party we attended last year except using wide gold ribbon in place of the tulle. I honestly don't know the price for the ribbon but it is another option at least. At that party the flower was a real rose. Lavish for sure but hopefully it will spark a less expensive ribbon idea.

Heathers' link idea looks super easy too. I would suggest you try advertising for the "tulle"  on  your local freecycle.com before purchasing at a retail store. Many brides use tulle for decorating their reception and someone may have a bolt they no longer need.

Darlene 

kb999999:

 Hi ... It sounds to me like the reception hall is the one offering the chair covers for $5.00 each - so have you contacted a local hotel supply store, general rental stores, or party stores to compare their prices? Many bridal stores can refer you to other professionals that could also have these covers for rent - catering businesses and also the churches in your area may have them to borrow/rent/make a donation.

Yes, we've checked with a couple of rental places and they are basically the same.  Thanks.

 I think this looks really cool!  Maybe my daughter will like it.  Thanks.

one time we wove matching colored ribbons into the backs of the chairs, it took about 2 minutes for each one, after you cut the ribbons, and unlike seat covers they dont get in the way or look "unkept" when people sit and stand up, removing them is also easy, snip snip (just save the pieces for your craft drawer!)

this was also an outdoor wedding, i dont know how "elegant" it would be

I'd check ebay or craig's list.  I'm sure that even googling wedding chair covers would give you links where you can rent or purchase it for a hell of a lot cheaper.  They have sashes galore on ebay.  They'd look pretty with an artificial flower pulled through the bow.

Something to consider, though, if you purchase or rent it yourself, you'd have to have the time to put them on the chairs, tie the sash, etc. and you may be very busy that day.  Maybe bridal party could help?