Hiring chair covers with lycra bands

I think you're being very sensible opting for the bands instead of sahses if it's up to a bunch of boys to sort them out! If you google 'wedding chairs lycra bands' it comes up with loads of photos. Here's a few of rooms set up

They all look like they're from the same room, but obv examples of different colours.

Or you can get ones with a buckle detail:

and these are my favs from my brief Google search

HTH xx

If you did the sashes could you pre tie them so they only need to be slipped on?

I was going to suggest this, but it would mean tying them round the actual chairs which may not be possible and also if th chairs taper in you would have trouble slipping them on. You could always test the boys out. Get them tying bows on your dining chairs at home, or teach them how to do it. They might surprise you and do a good job, then you can send them away to do the real ones knowing that they can do it right x

F.Y.I

I helped a friend set up for her daughters wedding the other week infact there was a team of us. she had ordered the chair covers to come which they did but please be aware
some were differnet material to others, staines on the covers which you couldnt see until they were on and the sash although ur having a band took AGES!! 130 chair covers later I was ready for bed.

Good luck in what ever you decide but there are some good companies out there that have some good deals on at the moment .

With the colour of the purple I think either would look great, but I would probably choose ivory just because it'll match your dress x