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Two years ago, before I started reading wedding blogs, I never even would have known that this item existed. It is totally unnecessary, but absolutely, incredibly beautiful nonetheless. It is elegant, classic, and architectural, yet soft. It comes in a variety of wonderful colors. It makes me swoon.
However, it is also expensive. Very expensive. And probably will have much less of an impact on the look of the reception than, say, the addition of lighting. Oh and did I mention that it’s unnecessary?
What is this amazing item?
It’s a chair.
Yes, a chair.
A chivari chair, to be specific. Take a gander at this beauty:
Sigh.
You might be thinking, so what, it’s just a chair. Trust me, I know. I know that there is absolutely NO WAY to justify the cost of this upgrade. Cheeseburger Mom and I just laughed about it on the phone the other day. She says no one will notice our venues chairs once the room is all set up. I said she’s probably right. She said that there are lots of other things we could spend the money on. I completely agreed.
I just can’t get these chairs out of my head!
This is not a novel problem. Lots of brides struggle with this same decision: case in point. But that doesn’t make it any easier for me now that it’s my turn. 
I tried to be rational and logical. I made a Pros and Cons list.
Pros: pretty, classy, elegant, makes me happy (what!? that’s a pro! ;), people might notice them, “they complete” the look of our perfect reception
Cons: expensive, unnecessary, people might not think the venue chairs are that bad (see below), requires Friday delivery and seating pad assembly on each chair at the venue, expensive, unnecessary
So, yeah, even though that list clearly points to a big old NOPE, my hope lingers on that I will a) win the lottery, b) inherit some money, c) win a chair donation contest, or d) GET OVER THIS CHAIR ISSUE
Just so that we’re being fair, here are our venue’s chairs:
(they are pretty green, huh? - source)
And that gorgeous chivari chair one. last. time. -
What’s a girl to do? Help me out, hive!
I love chivari chairs too. THe money is just too hard to justify, especially when you could use it to do something else for your guests that they will definitely notice.
I feel your pain, I want chivari chairs soooo bad but can’t justify the extra expense 
Le boo!
I think your venue chairs are totally fine, you could always add a ribbon tied around them or something to snazz them up a bit!
Omg I have this debating my mind on a daily basis, I want them sooo bad, but the $$ is incredibly hard to justify!! What do you think about chair covers? They are much less expensive?
I think those chairs look great, but to be honest, chairs aren’t something I’m splurging on. I think you can jazz up the venue chairs, and they really aren’t bad at all. Nobody will notice, swear!
I love the Chivari chairs too, but at the cost per chair times the number of people we expect to attend, there’s just no way. We are going with the not-so-bad venue chairs, and (gasp) no chair covers either. The fabric is maroon, which shouldn’t clash too bad with our colors of magenta-pink and turquoise.
I might be a bad influence because I’m going to say get the Chivari chairs. We spent the extra money and I’m so glad I did because it just helped give our reception the look I was going for.
I feel you pain. I am so lucky to have these chairs already at the venue for our wedding, because I hate to admit it, but I do notice the chairs at weddings. And was once told by a bride that these chairs *made* her venue look amazing so I think thats why I pay attention. Silly I know! If it weren’t included I can’t imagine adding it to the budget.
I totally understand the dilemma. When looking for a venue I found a place that came with the chivari chairs as standard. I bagged the spot ASAP! It really meant a lot to me, no clue why. I also happened to love the place and their food but the chairs were a big selling point. I will say though, that I never noticed the chair at other weddings UNTIL I got engaged and began planning
Could you live with chair covers? They cost significantly less and then the chairs will fade more into the background!
This might make me come across as a hateful b@tch - I do notice the Chiavari chairs, but not in a good way. I see those chairs, and unless they came as a default with the venue, I can’t help but think, “Wow, the money they spent on these chairs could have paid for sooooooooo many other things.” You could have a nicer honeymoon. You could put a bigger deposit down on a house. You could have even more booze at your reception. You could have splurged on a dessert bar in addition to your cake. You could spend that money on anything, but you went for fancy chairs. My venue offered Chiavari chairs as an upgrade on their standard package, and my reaction was, “Hell no.” I would waaaaaay rather upgrade my liquor than my chairs. And by God, I want a dessert bar.
I am upgrading our chairs (to natural wooden folding chairs), so I feel your pain. For me, I justified it as wanting more sturdy chairs (yeah, right).
Is there a different, less-expensive rental chair that you could rent? Chivari chairs cost so much in part because of their must-have status…maybe you could find another pretty rental chair that works with your colors and feels Chivari-esque w/o the Chivari price tag?
the chiavari chairs add a really lovely look, but it’s so much money. i think other brides would notice and really appreciate it, but i don’t think anyone will dock you points for not having them.
tough decision–there is no wrong decision though, so carry on with your bad self, whichever option you choose. let us know what you decide!
Rent chair covers! That will cover up the greeny greenness and dress things up, but they’re a lot cheaper. We used all white with white organza sashes, but they come in all colors.
I’m with @S: could you consider covering them? Chair covers vary in price, but range from around $3-$5 apiece, which really adds up when you factor in that you’ll be renting a lot of them!
i wasn’t really into the chairs at my venue (they were actually herman miller, but they reminded me of my workplace). no one noticed the chairs! honestly no one will notice! i’m not a fan of chair covers, but i am not a fan of most typical wedding stuff. we embellished some of our chairs with little fabric flags and other fun stuff. it was an easy solution. people notice good food and good music. chairs not so much.
I second the vote for chair covers! Or maybe renting chairs that are prettier than the green ones from somewhere else, but aren’t Chivari (and thus ridiculously expensive)?
i wouldn’t upgrade for chivari. the average person would not notice them and i always feel slightly unstable in chivari, like i’m going to break it and topple over. don’t know why but i do. lol.
but maybe chair covers will work for you. or just leave the chairs as is. none of your guests will walk away talking about how you didn’t have chivari!
I upgraded to chivari.. for us, it costs $3/chair.
For you, if there’s a mid-range option like a wood folding chair, I would consider that. But I also agree that no one will notice the chairs. The only people that care are other bloggers, pretty much.
I totally agree, I love the chairs. I am lucky, they’re standard for my venue - both ceremony and reception.
Since yours doesn’t offer that, try a chair cover. They should be pretty inexpensive to buy/rent.
Besides, i doubt anyone is going to say, “Ohmigod, did you see those chairs! It totally ruined the wedding!”
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Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PA Age and Occupation: 25, Medical Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical Student Engagement Date: June 28, 2008 Wedding Date: March 2010 Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel Reception About Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
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