Chair Investments for Wedding Venues and Rental Businesses
Why Wedding Venues and Rental Businesses Should Consult with Seasoned Wedding Designers BEFORE Investing in Chairs
(even better if the Wedding Designer started as a rental business first)
When it comes to furnishing a wedding venue or rental inventory, selecting the right chairs is a crucial decision. Chairs play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of an event and can impact the guest experience. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which styles, colors, and materials will be the best investment for your business.
As seasoned wedding designers and planners who also provide decor rentals, we at Ira and Lucy have extensive experience in selecting furniture that not only aligns with industry trends but also holds long-term value. Our firsthand knowledge of what couples and planners are looking for allows us to guide wedding venues and rental companies in making informed choices that enhance their offerings and maximize profitability. Our work requires us to stay ahead of trends, anticipating new aesthetics and what is worthwhile for investing in OR letting pass.
Heather Nan Photography, Sean Thomas Photography
The Value of Consulting Before Investing
Understanding Market Demand – We work closely with engaged couples and fellow planners, giving us insight into what’s trending and what remains timeless. By consulting with an experienced designer, rental companies and venues can avoid investing in items that may quickly become outdated.
Before making any decisions, do your research! What are other venues and vendors currently offering? If you don’t have the time to conduct this research yourself, wedding designers have already spent years and countless hours doing it for you.
Too often, we see rental businesses assessing the market, investing in the same chairs as their competitors, and then undercutting pricing. This not only damages industry relationships but also drives overall value down, ultimately hurting everyone’s bottom line. This is a major misstep.
Instead, if you’re offering the same chairs as your competitors, be sure to maintain industry-standard pricing.
Aesthetic Cohesion – A well-curated inventory should align with various venue styles and wedding themes. Creating a cohesive design deck for in-house rentals ensures consistency with your venue’s aesthetic. If this isn’t within your expertise, work with a seasoned event or wedding designer to achieve a polished and intentional look.
Offering a unique chair style that other vendors and venues don’t carry can be a strategic advantage. If couples desire a different look, they can always rent alternative styles elsewhere. This approach fosters a thriving wedding business community, allowing businesses to support one another instead of feeling pressured to expand inventory endlessly.
Quality & Durability Considerations – Not all chairs are created equal. A professional who has experience sourcing and renting out decor can provide guidance on the best materials and manufacturers to ensure longevity and durability, reducing replacement costs over time.
Strategic Investment for Increased Bookings – Offering sought-after chair styles can be a key selling point for venues and rental companies. When couples see desirable, high-end options included in a venue’s package or rental catalog, it can make their decision process much easier.
Image Credits: Real Weddings | Planning and Design, Ira and Lucy
Madison Maltby Photography, Sean Thomas Photography, Heather Nan Photography,
Kortney J Photography, Emily Battles Photography
Real-World Example: Our Collaboration with Idaho Tents and Events
We’ve had the privilege of working with Idaho Tents and Events on key inventory decisions, helping them curate a selection that meets market demand and elevates their offerings. One of the most notable investments we guided was their wood cross-back chairs, a timeless favorite among couples seeking a refined, organic aesthetic. We played a crucial role in selecting the perfect stain color, ensuring it complemented a variety of venue styles and color palettes, AND at the time, the only wood farm tables on the market - that we built.
Additionally, our expertise led to their investment in champagne-toned acrylic chairs, an elegant and versatile option that we strongly advocated for. Knowing that couples and planners are consistently looking for fresh, modern, yet timeless seating choices, we saw a gap in the local rental market and encouraged Idaho Tents and Events to add this chic option. We had guaranteed clients banking on these chairs as a staple in the overall aesthetic - making it a win-win, for both ITE and for our clientele. As a result, these chairs have quickly become a popular choice for luxury weddings and high-end events.
Emily Battles Photography
White Barn Wedding, Emmett Idaho
Planning, Design Ira and Lucy
Elevate Your Offerings with Expert Guidance
Whether you’re a venue looking to enhance your included furniture options or a rental company aiming to expand your inventory, consulting with an experienced wedding designer can save you from costly mistakes and ensure that your investments truly meet industry demands.
At Ira and Lucy, we specialize in providing strategic consulting for wedding venues and rental businesses, helping them curate selections that attract bookings and set them apart. If you’re considering adding new chairs or other decor elements to your inventory, let’s connect and ensure your investment is a profitable and stylish one!