Folding chair covers are useful at weddings and other formal events to improve the aesthetic of the chairs and make the overall color scheme of the event more consistent. The two basic varieties of folding chair covers are disposable and prefabricated fabric covers, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Folding chair covers come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, and most companies that rent chairs will also rent out either disposable covers, fabric covers, or both. It is not difficult to make custom chair covers either, though this will involve a bigger investment of time, money, and resources.
Disposable folding chair covers are made from plastic and are usually fairly thin. They are made to be reasonably attractive at a low cost, and they can be thrown away once the wedding or other event is over. They are water-resistant and stain-resistant, which means they will protect the chairs from damage and they can be wiped clean quickly and easily when such a spill occurs. Some disposable covers feature extra visually appealing designs, such as bows or ties. Many people favor these folding chair covers because they are inexpensive and require no maintenance, but they are not the most environmentally-friendly choice, especially if the chairs will be reused frequently and will need covering regularly.
Fabric covers are usually made of cotton or a synthetic material that is more resistant to stains and other damage. These also come in a wide array of colors, and they very often feature bows or tie-backs to further improve the aesthetic. These folding chair covers are generally more comfortable than disposable covers, and they can be washed easily in a washing machine. Many of them are treated with stain-resistant chemicals to protect the fabric from spills and other stains. These high-quality covers are generally more expensive than disposable covers and require more upkeep and maintenance, but they can be reused multiple times.
Custom folding chair covers can be made from plastic, fabric, paper, or other materials. They can be customized to fit a particular theme or color scheme, and depending on how they are made, they might be reusable or disposable. Making custom folding chair covers is not especially difficult, but making them will take some time, especially if several covers need to be made. Fabric covers will require the maker to have a working knowledge of sewing, as well as the skills to use a sewing machine.