Your wedding chairs are more than just places for guests to sit—they’re a crucial design element that appears in countless photos and sets the tone for your entire celebration. In Los Angeles, where weddings range from beachfront bohemian to downtown industrial chic, choosing between classic Chiavari chairs and modern seating alternatives can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make the perfect choice for your big day.
The Timeless Appeal of Chiavari Chairs
What Makes Chiavari Chairs Special?
Dating back to 1807 when Italian craftsman Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi first designed them in the town of Chiavari, these elegant chairs have graced everything from Queen Victoria’s palace to John and Jackie Kennedy’s wedding reception. Their distinctive bamboo-like carved joints and delicate silhouette have made them synonymous with sophistication and elegance for over two centuries.
Key Features:
- Lightweight yet sturdy construction (typically around 11 pounds)
- Stackable design (6-8 chairs high) for easy transport and storage
- Narrow footprint (approximately 16″ x 24″)
- Overall height of 35-36 inches with 18-19 inches of back support
- Available in multiple finishes and materials
Popular Chiavari Chair Styles for LA Weddings
Gold Chiavari Chairs
The most iconic choice, gold Chiavaris bring instant glamour and are perfect for formal ballroom weddings, galas, and upscale celebrations. They pair beautifully with ivory linens, dramatic lighting, and luxe centerpieces. Gold remains the most requested color among LA couples planning elegant affairs.
White/Ivory Chiavari Chairs
Crisp and clean, white Chiavaris create an ethereal, romantic atmosphere. They’re ideal for garden weddings, outdoor ceremonies, and beach venues throughout Santa Monica and Malibu. The neutral tone allows your floral arrangements and table settings to take center stage.
Mahogany/Fruitwood Chiavari Chairs
These warm wood tones add richness and natural elegance, making them perfect for vineyard weddings, rustic barn venues, and autumn celebrations. They complement earth-tone palettes and work beautifully in historic venues like Lombardi House or Carondelet House.
Black Chiavari Chairs
Sleek and dramatic, black Chiavaris are trending for modern, sophisticated weddings. They create striking contrast against white linens and work perfectly for evening receptions, art gallery venues, or contemporary spaces like The Vermont or Valentine.
Limewash/Whitewashed Chiavari Chairs
Currently one of the hottest trends, limewash Chiavaris offer a soft, vintage aesthetic that’s incredibly versatile. They bridge the gap between rustic and refined, working for everything from bohemian garden parties to minimalist modern weddings.
Why LA Couples Choose Chiavari Chairs
- Versatility: They complement virtually any wedding style, from classic ballroom affairs to outdoor garden ceremonies
- Photo-Ready: Their elegant lines photograph beautifully and never look dated
- Comfort: When paired with quality cushions, they provide excellent support for multi-hour receptions
- Space Efficiency: Their compact design allows you to seat more guests comfortably
- Proven Track Record: They’re a safe, sophisticated choice that guests recognize and appreciate
Modern Seating Alternatives Taking Over LA Weddings
Ghost Chairs (Clear Acrylic Chairs)
Ghost chairs have become the go-to choice for modern, minimalist LA weddings. Made from clear acrylic, they create an almost invisible effect that keeps the focus on your stunning tablescapes and venue architecture.
Best For:
- Industrial warehouse venues like Millwick or The Fig House
- Modern rooftop spaces like Serra on Vine
- Venues with dramatic architecture you want to showcase
- Couples seeking a contemporary, clean aesthetic
- Colorful or maximalist table designs that need breathing room
Considerations:
- Available in clear, black, and colored options (blush, blue, orange)
- Can show fingerprints and may require more frequent cleaning
- Some guests find them less comfortable for long receptions
- Typically more expensive than standard rentals
Cross-Back (X-Back) Chairs
Also known as French Country chairs, cross-back chairs bring rustic elegance with their distinctive X-shaped back design and natural wood construction.
Best For:
- Vineyard weddings in Malibu or Temecula
- Garden ceremonies and outdoor receptions
- Barn venues and rustic celebrations
- Bohemian and farmhouse-style weddings
- Venues with outdoor elements
Why LA Couples Love Them:
- Natural wood finish adds warmth and texture
- More casual than Chiavaris but still refined
- Available in natural wood, white, black, and mahogany
- Comfortable without requiring cushions
- Perfect for the indoor-outdoor LA wedding aesthetic
Velvet Upholstered Chairs with Gold Legs
For couples wanting to make a statement, velvet chairs with metallic legs offer the perfect blend of luxury and contemporary style.
Best For:
- Glamorous hotel ballrooms like Casa del Mar
- Art Deco venues like The Fig House
- Winter weddings and evening celebrations
- Jewel-tone color palettes
- Couples prioritizing guest comfort
Trending Colors:
- Emerald green
- Navy blue
- Burgundy/wine
- Blush pink
- Charcoal gray
Bentwood Chairs
These curved wooden chairs bring a European café aesthetic to your wedding with their graceful, rounded design.
Best For:
- Intimate restaurant weddings
- Café-style receptions
- Vintage-inspired celebrations
- Downtown LA loft venues
- Couples wanting a relaxed yet refined vibe
Folding Chairs (Done Right)
Don’t dismiss folding chairs! Modern options in natural wood, sleek resin, or metal finishes can look surprisingly sophisticated.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious couples
- Outdoor ceremonies requiring easy setup/breakdown
- Casual beach weddings
- Large guest lists
- Venues with uneven terrain
Statement Chairs (Peacock, Mid-Century Modern, Industrial)
For smaller weddings or statement seating areas, consider unique options like peacock rattan chairs, Eames-inspired molded seats, or industrial metal café chairs.
Best For:
- Sweetheart tables
- Lounge areas
- Head tables
- Photo opportunities
- Smaller weddings (under 50 guests)
How to Choose: A Decision Framework for LA Couples
Consider Your Venue Style
Historic Venues (Carondelet House, Vibiana, The Ebell): Gold, mahogany, or black Chiavaris maintain the elegant atmosphere
Modern Industrial (Millwick, Valentine, The Vermont): Ghost chairs, black Chiavaris, or metal chairs embrace the contemporary vibe
Garden & Outdoor (Malibu Rocky Oaks, beachfront venues): White Chiavaris, cross-back chairs, or natural wood options
Downtown Chic (rooftop venues, art galleries): Ghost chairs, velvet upholstered, or sleek modern options
Rustic Barn/Vineyard: Fruitwood Chiavaris, cross-back chairs, or wooden folding chairs
Match Your Overall Wedding Style
Classic Elegance: Gold or ivory Chiavari chairs
Modern Minimalist: Ghost chairs or white Chiavaris
Romantic Garden: Limewash Chiavaris or cross-back chairs
Bohemian: Cross-back chairs or mix-and-match vintage styles
Glamorous: Gold Chiavaris, velvet chairs, or black with gold accents
Industrial Chic: Ghost chairs, metal bistro chairs, or black Chiavaris
Rustic: Fruitwood Chiavaris or natural wood cross-backs
Factor in Practical Considerations
Budget: Chiavaris and folding chairs tend to be more affordable; ghost chairs and velvet options cost more
Guest Comfort: Long receptions require cushions (available for most chair styles) and adequate back support
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Weather-resistant materials are crucial for outdoor LA venues; consider wind and sun exposure
Guest Demographics: Older guests may prefer traditional seating with arms; younger crowds often appreciate modern aesthetics
Photography Goals: Chiavaris photograph as timeless; modern chairs make bold statements but may date your photos
Venue Restrictions: Some venues only work with specific rental companies or chair styles
Mixing Chairs: The Best of Both Worlds
Don’t feel constrained to one style! Many LA couples are mixing seating options:
- Chiavaris for reception, modern chairs for ceremony
- Statement chairs for sweetheart table, Chiavaris for guests
- Ghost chairs for dinner, lounge furniture for cocktail hour
- Mix two Chiavari colors (like gold and fruitwood) for visual interest
The LA Wedding Rental Perspective
As a premier Los Angeles party rental company serving Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and beyond, we’ve seen firsthand how chair choice impacts the entire wedding aesthetic. Here’s what we recommend:
For Traditional LA Ballroom Weddings
Gold or ivory Chiavari chairs create instant elegance and photograph beautifully in formal settings. Add ivory cushions for comfort during lengthy receptions.
For Modern Downtown Venues
Ghost chairs let architectural details shine and create an airy, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for urban LA weddings.
For Outdoor Garden & Beach Weddings
White or limewash Chiavaris offer the sweet spot between elegance and relaxed California style. They won’t overpower natural beauty but still photograph gorgeously.
For Rustic & Vineyard Settings
Cross-back chairs or fruitwood Chiavaris embrace the natural setting while maintaining an upscale feel appropriate for LA’s wine country celebrations.
Budget Planning: What to Expect
While prices vary based on chair style, quantity, and rental duration, here’s a general guide for LA area rentals:
Budget-Friendly ($5-8 per chair): Basic folding chairs, standard Chiavaris
Mid-Range ($8-15 per chair): Premium Chiavaris with cushions, cross-back chairs
Premium ($15-25+ per chair): Ghost chairs, velvet upholstered, specialty styles
Pro Tip: Allocate 10-15% of your total rental budget to seating. For a 150-guest wedding, expect to spend $750-$2,250 on chair rentals depending on style choices.
Making Your Final Decision
Ask yourself these key questions:
- When I envision my wedding photos in 10 years, which chairs do I see?
- Does this seating choice complement or compete with my venue’s existing aesthetic?
- Will my guests be comfortable sitting for 3-4 hours?
- Does the chair style align with my overall wedding budget and priorities?
- Have I seen these chairs in person, or am I only going by photos?
The Imperial Party Rentals Advantage
At Imperial Party Rentals, we offer an extensive selection of Chiavari chairs in multiple colors and styles, ensuring your seating perfectly matches your vision. Our chairs are:
- Meticulously maintained and cleaned after every event
- Available with premium cushions in coordinating colors
- Delivered, set up, and broken down by our professional team
- Competitively priced with no hidden fees
- Backed by our three-time award as Best Business of Los Angeles
We serve the entire Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and beyond.
Schedule a Showroom Visit
The best way to choose your wedding chairs? See them in person! Visit our showroom to:
- Compare different chair styles side-by-side
- Test comfort and sizing
- See how chairs look with different linen colors
- Get expert advice from our event specialists
- Create a custom rental package for your big day
Ready to select the perfect seating for your Los Angeles wedding? Contact Imperial Party Rentals at (323) 931-5566 or visit our showroom to explore our full collection of Chiavari chairs and modern seating options. Let us help you create a wedding that’s beautifully styled, comfortably seated, and perfectly you.
Pro Tip: Book your chair rentals 6-8 months in advance for peak wedding season (May-October) and 3-4 months ahead for off-season celebrations. Popular styles and colors book up quickly for Saturday weddings!
