I still wonder, even today, why it is that most venues have the worst tablecloths and the ugliest chairs. At times, the tablecloths do not even go all the way to the floor. They’re usually in the most basic colors (think white), and the chairs are soiled or just plain ugly.
When I first started, I had such a difficult time convincing my clients that a great part of creating a gorgeous table is the cloth and chairs. I find in most of Europe they are still committed to using just a plain white cloth, which of course is considered “elegant” (but I have a better word for it: “boring”).
Even if you like white tablecloths, there are many different shades of white and white fabrics or details to make it exciting. In fact, a great tablecloth or a fun chair cover could be a great area to create a dramatic statement.
Thank god that in most countries there are great rental businesses of tablecloths and chair covers. However, I know it can still be a bit of a challenge to convince our clients they need to pay additional fees for the rental or purchase of these items.
Here are a few suggestions to make it more cost effective for your clients:
- Use the venue’s basic tablecloth and just rent an overlay. Overlays tend to be less costly than a full cloth.
- Use the venue’s cloth and create a runner out of fabric or flowers–also less costly than the full cloth.
Example of a chair cap
- Use a chair cap instead of a full chair cover. As you walk into the room, it will create a great visual statement.
- Decorate each chair with flowers or some other detail. (Personally, I am over using ribbon bows.)
- For those of you on a very tight budget, I suggest finding the right paper pattern to create a fun table.
So yes, I do prefer covering my chairs and creating fun tablecloths. I always find this creates an overall more romantic and soft look. However, a few folks could think this is too much… so please tell me. What do you think, NAKED OR COVERED?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Ashley Holder
March 30, 2010
I personally prefer upgrading the chair rather than covering most of the time. However the Chameleon chairs do offer a lot of fun very sleek looks that I like. I just hate the old styles that drape and hang with no structure at all!
Emily Tolve
March 30, 2010
Covered. There’s really not much else to say.
Chris Campbell
March 30, 2010
I love the white chairs !! GORGEOUS!
Chris Campbell
March 30, 2010
My favorite weddings!!!
Melania, Ivanka and Zeta Jones!!!
I have to buy your book.:)) I am sure I will have lots more in my favorite list!
Gloria Brown
March 30, 2010
This is an easy question to answer.
I don’t like naked tables and chairs. Chair caps can be fun and I really like the taffeta chair covers with a bustle on the back. I’ve seen chair covers made with scuba fabric that look sleek and fabulous.
I still see many weddings using those boring white polyester or satin chair covers with the drab chair sash. I’ve seen the chair sashes tied in a variety of ways but most often they look too boring.
A “white elegance” wedding can be beautiful when done with lots of texture and layers. I’ve used a white taffeta button pintuck round tablecloth with an embroidered white organza overlay embellished with glitzy beading. It was absolutely stunning with the white taffeta bustle chair covers. I added HUGE white organza flowers on each chair cover.
My own personal feeling is table linens and chair covers can be the super star of the event.
Let me explain: In a venue with elegantly decorated tables and chair covers, remove the over-the-top centerpieces and the room still looks fabulous! In the same room remove the elegantly decorated tables and chair covers and leave the over-the-top centerpieces. The room feels incomplete leaving the guest feeling uncomfortable.
Please look at Preston’s top two photos and remove the centerpieces in your mind. Do you see my point?
Kristin
March 30, 2010
COVERED allllllll the way!
kathy warden
March 30, 2010
it is all about the details, the layering of details, and when the budget allows; a covered chair can complete the room.
i am totally with you.. why do hotels and clubs have such boring cloths???
our job is to educate our clients so they can see all the amazing possibilities..
thank you preston for all your positive and creative energy you inspire me daily!
cheers
kathy
Emily
March 31, 2010
I think covered chairs add such elegance to any special event, however, if the chair is beautiful on its own like a chiavari chair which I think on its own brings such beauty and creates such a high end look I would do little to no cover. My son is getting married and of course I have chosen chiavari chairs and the only thing on them is a sash with a crystal brooch pinned in the middle. It looks stunning.
P.S. your work is amazing!
Susan Sanford Willrich Bridal
March 31, 2010
I love speciality linens at a reception. But you’re right it is hard to convience some couples that it is worth the expense. It really makes the room.
Bisi Bordley
April 1, 2010
Depends on the style of chair.
Here in the UK, we are slowly embracing the covers with sash (if i see another one of those things I might just scream.
I am looking into introducing the new styles to my events.
Any ideas PB
Warm regards
Bisi
Sherell
April 1, 2010
Preston, Thank you for saying what I am always talking to my clients about. They have a hard time understanding that their linens play a great part in the decor. White of course is boring!!!!!!! You have confirmed for me what I already know to be true and maybe your saying it will register with coordinators a little better.
Your are the best!
Tabitha | Elite Bridal Concierge™
April 2, 2010
I like them covered or adorned in some stylish form or fashion. Most uncovered chairs and tables with standard white linens are boring as you said. My thoughts are “it’s your wedding,” so why not do it up a bit? It doesn’t necessarily have to be over the top, but details are what guests remember everytime.
christine
April 7, 2010
covered chairs do look great and dressed up tables are fabulous. Preston you are truly a great man.
Barbara Ramoutar
August 26, 2010
No ,,should not ,,they take away from the decor,,,,
Barbara Ramoutar
August 26, 2010
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Barbara Ramoutar
August 26, 2010
they should be and tables over lay ,, thay take away from all the hard work of the design and decor,,in the room….
Adele
September 14, 2010
Covered. I like the covers I see on here. Where can I see more?
Nazek Azar
October 12, 2010
C’est vraiment superbe et exeptionnel
meliana ~ blubells flower
October 21, 2010
it really depends on the chair itself.. if it’s already has a nice shape and support the decoration, so go for it (naked).. If it’s not.., lets cover it with good fabrics or do some nice design (if budget limited). I do really inspired by lots of design that you have made for this matter Preston!.. thanks..;)
cover the chairs. It add a finished look.
October 27, 2010
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
chaircover
December 7, 2010
These are amazing decorative things suitable to the environment . Thanks for making us able to see it.
lorenrosenzweig
February 10, 2011
I love the BIG arrangements with the BIG tulips. How tall are the vases? What type of tulips are they? Don’t most tulips get wilted pretty easily? How do you keep them from wilting/brusing?
Sandra Elidor
March 8, 2011
Covered all the way….even chiavari chairs look better covered to me. As long as it’s stylish and go with the overall look.
Jeania Derricott (Blessed Events of Va)
March 31, 2011
I prefer covered. So elegant!
{ailish}
May 27, 2011
i detest white/ivory linen & the idea that table linen doesn’t touch the floor is outrageous!
i agree wholeheartedly regarding linen, how it needs to be exciting, we’re trying to change peoples ideas, one event at a time!
Beatriz
July 25, 2011
Defenitely COVERED!!and I agree I am also done with bows
kajal
August 4, 2011
i completely agree with tables and chairs to be covered with beautiful and colourful covers
Vivian
October 3, 2011
Hallelujah, someone who speaks my decor language!
It’s only in the dramatic details that transformation occurs. A venue is a venue. It can’t and will not do anything for your room. Why? Because walls are walls. No matter how pretty walls are, they can’t make a room romantic, festive, wintery, woodsy, tropical, etc. Linens and chair covers are DETAILS. The exact same thing applies to lighting. Never ever forget this.
Heather
January 14, 2012
All I have to say is….Where do you get these fab chair caps? I am a wedding and event planner in a small town so we out source everything and I love these!!!
Anonymous
January 29, 2012
Simply Beautiful. You have truly be blessed with a creative mind; one could only desire to learn under you.
Anonymous
February 15, 2012
After just finishing an AA in business. You still inspire me to continue but right now I have to ” plow the mule and pay this loan back so that I can even dream of doing the things that you do. this something that eat sleep and dream of. “PASSION” I love your work and would one day want to learn under you great masterpiece. Love you Mr. Bailey