Hate chair covers - alternatives?!!

I can't think of any other alternatives - it's either chair covers, hire in alternative chairs, or just leave them. Once guests are sat down and chaps have taken their jackets off, you'll hardly see the chairs anyway.

I feel the same way. We have been able to hire chairs in, unfortunately this is not the cheapest option but I feel having the chairs we want (the white was vintage ones) make such a difference to the room so we don't need to to much decorating, so that will save us money.

The only other thing I did look into is getting a chair cover which isn't stretchy and Lycra. Perhaps a looser cotton one with a pretty decoration on. If, like me, the chairs are important because they do make a big difference, then it would be worth making the effort.

Chair covers come in other colours (as above) and different styles, so keep looking and you might just find something you don't mind as much.

I think i'd hire in different chairs though to be honest, (but only) if they're something you really, really don't like and the ones already there are ghastly.

I have been to lots of weddings. Never yet have I noticed what the chairs are like! I sit on it. Then I push it under the table and go dance! I honestly think you are fretting about nothing! Don't panic.....people won't care. They'll just be getting excited for your day! :-)

I am almost sure I have seen something at some point on this wedding journey about using pillow cases or similar just for the top bit/back of the chairs?

But to be fair I agree with Katie!

Will ribbon or a sash / material at the top of the chair help? Fabricland may give you some ideas : )

Ive worked for businesses Chair hire co and Party Hire group for over 20 years in Sydney, Australia. From my experience with hiring chairs for thousands of events, a lot of venues have old chairs and they can tend to be quite corporate as they use them for day conferences. If you don't like the chair cover look, then the only option is to hire chairs in.

From a logistic point of view, venues can be difficult. However, if you organise all the logistics and they don't have to be involved and you meet the times they want the chairs in and out, it shouldn't be a problem. The issue will be cost, the venues can force you to collect post event at night as they might be turning the room over for the next mornings events. The chair hire itself won't be that much, but if you need a crew to pack it down at say midnight, the labour costs might be expensive.