Garden Folding Chairs vs White Plastic Folding Chairs for Ceremonies

The folding chair is the workhorse of the outdoor ceremony. Whether you are on the lawn of a suburban forest preserve park, at a lakefront or in a backyard, it is quick to set and quick to clear. But "folding chair" covers a wide range, from a plain white plastic one to a slatted garden chair that looks like it belongs in a nicer yard. Here is how they compare, and when it is worth paying a bit more.

Side by side

Our teak garden folding chair is slatted and teak-look. A white plastic folding chair is a molded or resin-seat chair, typically white with a slim steel frame. The two behave similarly but look very different.

We do not rent white plastic folding chairs. Many party rental companies do, and the comparison is useful whichever you pick.

Setup time

Folding chairs are fast. Setup time depends on your crew, the ground and the layout, so ask for an estimate in your quote. The steps are the same every time:

Our chair setup and breakdown guide shows who is responsible for each step.

Ground matters more than chair type

Both types fold into a narrow footprint, so both sink into soft turf. On a wet lawn, lay plywood or flooring under the rows. On sand, legs sink quickly; on gravel, they can tilt. See chairs on grass, sand and gravel.

For Chicago, the lakefront wind and spring rain are the two issues to plan for. Our outdoor event chairs and Chicago weather guide goes through each.

What a ceremony costs at each choice

Because the garden folding chair is an estimated $5 to $7, a 100-guest ceremony costs roughly $500 to $700 in chairs before delivery and setup. That is a modest line in a wedding budget, and it replaces the single most common complaint about outdoor ceremonies: that the chairs look like leftover party supplies. If you are unsure how many to order, count guests, add the officiant's table or musicians if they sit, and add a few for late arrivals and elderly guests who may want a second seat for a cane or walker.

Two small details make folding chairs look better regardless of type. Align the rows with a string line so the back edge is straight, and keep the aisle width the same from front to back. A crooked aisle is the first thing photos reveal.

When plastic is fine

Choose white plastic folding when:

1. The event is a casual picnic, school event or community gathering.
2. You need a very large number of chairs on a small budget.
3. Chairs are mostly hidden or covered by a tent liner.

When garden folding is worth it

Choose the teak-look chair when:

1. The ceremony photos will be outdoors with greenery.
2. You want a ceremony chair that does not look temporary.
3. You plan to keep the same chairs for a cocktail hour or lawn lounge.

For ceremonies that flip to a reception, see ceremony vs reception chairs.

Plan your ceremony seating

Book a free 15-minute seating call to talk through your ceremony, or request a quote with your guest count.