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We met with our planner this weekend and had a long talk about chiavari chairs. At first, I’ll admit—I felt like she and Mr. B were ganging up on me; saying things like “do we really need these chairs?” and “we really can’t afford these chairs.” Pavaune even tried the old, “can you even see the chair I’m sitting in right now?” I could, so that didn’t work! What did work was the realization that my obsession comes from a very deep desire to have beautiful pictures.
Finally, the light bulb went off when one of them said, “You’re going to spend $700 for a few pictures.” That really struck me, because we’re already paying quite a bit for beautiful pictures. We splurged to hire an amazing photographer and it’s so hard to justify (or find the money for) another splurge; again, having to do with the pictures.
So, I finally got it. I finally started to let go. I said goodbye to my beloved chiavari chairs. All until I came across this picture, and my heart sank! A tear might as well have rolled down my cheek. How gorgeous does this look?
The pink and green, which are our colors, really caught my attention, but it’s the chairs in this picture that I adore. I LOVE this look. It’s SO elegant, and perfect for our venue…but NOT for our budget.
Sigh. 
I’m sorry to bring this up yet again, but just when I thought I was over it, I fell right back in the trap.
Beautiful pictures. How much are they really worth? What are you having a hard time getting over that you can’t afford to have at your wedding? How did you ultimately give it up?
By asking myself would I REALLY care about this after the wedding. Trust me, almost always the answer is no.
Is that one picture worth $700 to you? Because really even if you were to give your photog a must take list. Of all the pictures you really want your photographer to take the day of would a picture of the chairs really rank on the top ten?
The one thing I probably really wanted -unrealistically- were Jimmy Choos. There’s NO WAY I had money in the budget for the choos. 
Unfortunately I was unwilling to swap something else in the budget for a pair of shoes!
I fully believe that gorgeous, high quality photos of your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day are worth… well, a lot! Those are the photos that you’ll have for the rest of your life and pass down to your children and their children. So that price point may be different to different people, I guess. Someone with a fabulous camera who’s just starting out (like a friend) may not be able to produce the same kind of photos as a professional, because it comes down to the photographer and his/her skills, not just the camera–seriously! I also think it’s important for people to understand that the amount you may be paying isn’t as much about the photographer’s time that day, but for all the hours of work they put in afterwards. I’m a big believer in the value of beautiful, professional photos. You can’t get that day back again– capture it the right way.
I made a rule for myself that if I was adding something just for the pretty picture, I wasn’t going to spend money on it. I got hung up on having a sparkler send off because I had seen all the pretty pictures. Did I really want a formal send off? No. Did I want to figure out the logistics of lighting sparklers, passing out sparklers, etc? No. Did I think it would be an amazing memory of our wedding that would add to our day because sparklers are important to me? No. I just wanted the pictures. So, I didn’t do it.
Why don’t you mention to your photog that you’re not crazy about the chairs at your reception hall? Maybe he/she can try to avoid pictures which dominantly feature the chairs OR perhaps use the lens focus so they don’t stand out to the eye? Just an idea 
I hear what you’re saying! I think because weddings are already picuturesque, capturing good looking pictures should be effortless. I don’t know if having $700 worth of chairs is really worth it. This picture is a perfect ad for brides who are detail oriented-don’t believe the hype! If you are set on getting a picture similar to this one, maybe you could spring for the chairs just for your head table(s)-or tell your photog to try not to take alot of photos with the chairs you don’t like. Personally my venue offers white fold out chairs at no cost-instead of upgrading the chair style, I went with chair cushions that were way cheaper and I’m sure some of my older guests will appreciate.
Good luck with your decision, I’m sure your wedding day will be remarkable regardless.
I couldn’t let go of the chiavari chairs, but i am letting go of having lots of flowers {thank goodness mr. o is allergic!} and a photobooth. they would be nice to haves but i don’t think i’ll be mulling over them after the wedding yay to you for resisting! your wedding is going to be just as lovely without them - i promise!
I think you need a good balance. What’s the point of a fantastic photographer if they have nothing pretty to take pictures of. (besides the bride and groom of course!)
Get the chairs if they are a priority, but you have to figure out what you are willing to give up to pay for them. That will tell you how much you really want them.
i had to let go of those chairs too!!! seriously i still let out a small sigh every time i see them! my FI is convinced the covered chairs are more comfortable to sit in and he couldn’t believe renting them would be $7-9 a chair it’s not worth arguing over.. and on a practical level (which is what EVERY thing comes down to) it IS expensive just for chairs. le sigh.
Once the people are sitting in the chairs, the magical look is covered up, so to speak.
Beautiful picture, but I think the best ones will probably be of you and your new husband smiling into the camera! Our wedding chairs were u.g.l.y., but they appeared in so few pictures as the photographer was aiming his lens a little higher; at us! You could always focus your attention on doing something really unique in your formals, or choosing a great photo venue. A pro photographer will be able to focus on what little touches you have invested in, and will hide the ugly but in-budget chairs.
I feel for you - the chairs really are beautiful. But I promise you - after you are married you are not going to care whether or not you got the chairs. It isn’t worth so much stress! So if not getting them is making you so upset - just do it! And if you truly can’t afford them, stop torturing yourself and focus on something else!
What do your (non-Chiavari) chairs look like? Would it be possible to have Chiavari chairs for just the head table and regular chairs for the rest? That way you can get that adorable picture and you’ll get to sit in a fancy chair (and let’s be honest, you’re probably the only one who will be excited about fancy chairs - as long as the other ones are comfortable for your guests!)
When I look at the pictures from our wedding, I see the looks on our guests’ faces as they watch us during our first dance, or listen as my maid of honor gives her toast, or chat with the person across the table who they met that night. I don’t notice the chairs on which those guests are sitting.
They look great in pictures, but they also add to the feel of the event if you ask me. Sorry, but I share your love for the chairs and this was one of my non-negotiables. The just bring things up a notch if you ask me.
I’m sorry your budget does not allow for your chiavari chairs. I think we all have something that we had to say no to! I’m sure your wedding will be gorgeous and I’m sure you will love your pictures when its all said and done!
On another note, thanks for posting this picture!! I love the little signs…I think I am going to try and DIY some of my own!
I agree with Pwitty…could you look into renting JUST TWO chairs? It can’t be that much! Then maybe you wouldn’t feel like you were settling or having to give up that picture!
Those are beautiful chairs, but I think in the long run…they won’t really matter. What do the other chairs look like? If you’ve already got a great photographer….I’m sure any pictures will turn out amazing.
Having beautiful pictures on my day is the most important as well….but I mostly want pictures of people as opposed to decor details.
I do not think I will be able to give up my chair dream, doesn’t need to be the “c” word chairs, but something nice. Luckily, one of my non-negotiables for a wedding venue is BYOB so right there we are more than making up for the cost of chairs.
Sure, good pics are worth a lot. But pictures of the empty tables? Not so much. The pictures that people care about are the ones with people in them. Sure, you will want a few gorgeous detail pictures. But you can get those with so much else - bouquet, rings, shoes, centerpieces, etc.
I don’t know, I just think it’s crazy to spend $700 EXTRA on chairs.
I know that women get carried away with all the little details (like the type of chairs), but to be truthful, I think you know that most guests are not even going to notice the type of chair they are sitting in. Years from now are you going to be regretting your decision not to spend extra money to have a different chair? Realistically, probably not. You will remember if your guests had a good time, and be happy that you and Mr. Brooch tied the knot. Think what else you can do with that $700 (honeymoon, house, baby Brooch…)
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Mrs. Brooch, Arlington, VA Age and Occupation: 25, Writer/Editor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Front Desk Manager Engagement Date: October 3, 2009 Wedding Date: April 2011 Venue: Oxon Hill Manor About Me: I’m an indecisive girlie-girl with a motor mouth, can-do attitude, and knack for making others laugh. I dream of becoming a best selling novelist like Elizabeth Gilbert or Julie Powell (a girl can dream, right?), and love long road trips, a beautiful countryside, music, blogs, books, and all things vintage/thrift/antique/or homemade. I’m a Virgo, i.e. overly sensitive, emotional, and critical, and there’s no such thing as short and sweet in my world. I want to say and do it all. Mr. Brooch grounds me. I point where to go and he figures out the way. He’s a pragmatic fancy-pants who enjoys video games and movies. We both adore our mutt, Rocky, and spending time with our amazingly supportive family and friends. We’re planning a garden wedding with a formal reception with lots of whimsy and unique, Southern-inspired details.
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