A folding chair does a different job from a padded banquet chair, a Chiavari chair looks different from a crossback chair, and a transparent ghost chair sets completely different accents from a classic Napoleon chair.
In this guide we explain the most important chair types for events, weddings, corporate events, conferences, galas and large events. You will learn which chairs suit which occasion, how the models differ and what to look out for when planning, setting up and equipping your event.
In brief: which event chair is right?
- Folding chair: many guests, short sitting time, theatre-style seating – conference, concert, assembly
- Banquet chair: long sitting time and table settings – conference, gala, corporate dinner
- Chiavari chair: timelessly elegant – classic wedding and gala dinner
- Napoleon chair: festive and decorative – ceremony, reception, wedding celebration
- Crossback chair: natural and warm – garden, barn and country estate wedding
- Ghost chair: transparent and modern – design event and modern wedding
The most important types of event chair at a glance
Event seating is not just about providing enough seats. The type of chair affects how high-quality an event looks, how comfortably guests sit, how quickly a room can be set up and how well the seating can be adapted to different parts of the programme.
These chair types are used particularly often for events:
Simple folding chair
Practical, flexible and quick to set up. Ideal for conferences, concerts, training sessions, club events and large events with many guests.
Classic banquet chair
Padded, comfortable and versatile. Particularly suitable for conferences, galas, banquets, dinner events and corporate events.
Napoleon chair
Elegant chair with a decorative backrest. Often used at weddings, festive receptions and stylish events.
Chiavari chair
Fine, classic event chair with a slim silhouette. Very popular at weddings, galas and elegant dinner set-ups.
Crossback chair
Rustic yet elegant chair with a crossed backrest. Goes particularly well with boho, garden, barn and country estate weddings.
Ghost chair
Transparent designer chair with a modern look. Ideal for elegant, minimalist or unusual event concepts.
Which chairs suit which event?
The best chair is not always the most beautiful or most expensive one, but the one that suits the event, the venue, the sitting time and the schedule. A concert with theatre-style seating has different requirements from a gala dinner. An outdoor ceremony needs a different look from a staff meeting.
| Event | Suitable chair types | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Conference / talk | Folding chair, banquet chair | Folding chairs are quick to set up; banquet chairs offer more comfort for longer sitting times. |
| Concert / large event | Folding chair with chair connector | Theatre-style seating can be set up quickly, neatly and in large quantities. |
| Training / seminar | Folding chair, banquet chair | Depending on the duration, either flexible logistics or seating comfort takes priority. |
| Gala / awards ceremony | Banquet chair, Chiavari, Napoleon | A high-quality look and seating comfort are more important than maximum flexibility. |
| Corporate event | Banquet chair, folding chair | Depending on the format: folding chairs for talks, banquet chairs for dinners or festive evening events. |
| Wedding | Chiavari, Napoleon, crossback, ghost chair | Look, atmosphere and how the chairs come across in photos play a central role. |
| Outdoor ceremony | Chiavari, crossback, Napoleon, padded white folding chair | The chairs shape the ceremony area and are visible in many photos. |
| Boho / garden wedding | Crossback, Chiavari | Natural materials and warm shapes go well with outdoor and vintage concepts. |
| Modern design event | Ghost chair, simple banquet chair | Reduced shapes or transparent chairs support modern room concepts. |
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Always choose chairs according to three criteria: sitting time, the look of the event and logistics. For short programme items, functional seating is often enough. As soon as guests sit for several hours, comfort should be given more weight. At weddings and galas, how the chairs look in photos is also decisive.
Simple folding chair: functional, flexible and efficient
The simple folding chair is one of the most practical chairs for events. It is quick to set up, space-saving to transport and particularly useful when many seats are needed in a short time. Compared with decorative wedding chairs or padded banquet chairs, the focus with a folding chair is not on a representative look but on functionality and efficiency.
Typical uses
- Conferences and talks
- Concerts and cultural events
- Training sessions and seminars
- Club events
- Sports events
- Open-air events with temporary seating
- Additional seating at large events
Advantages of simple folding chairs
Folding chairs are particularly suitable when large numbers are needed, set-up time is limited or the room has to be cleared quickly after the event. Thanks to their folding design, they can be transported compactly and stored efficiently.
Another advantage is their flexibility: folding chairs can be used for theatre-style seating, talk areas, waiting zones, backstage areas or temporary seating groups. This makes them particularly suitable for events with changing requirements.
Limitations of simple folding chairs
For very long events, high-end gala set-ups or festive dinner events, simple folding chairs are not always the best choice. They offer less padding and look more functional than banquet, Chiavari or crossback chairs. For ceremonies only, short talks or large audience areas, however, they are very efficient.
When folding chairs are the right choice
Folding chairs are ideal when the event has many guests, the sitting time is manageable and clear, quick seating is needed. Especially at concerts, talks, training sessions and public events, the balance of cost, logistics and benefit is very strong.
Good to know: Folding chairs are stackable and are also suitable for outdoor events – with us this also applies to the padded models and folding chairs with seat cushions. Chair connectors are useful for theatre-style seating and even mandatory in larger places of assembly (see below).
Matching rental category: View folding chairs →
Classic banquet chair: comfortable, versatile and professional
The classic banquet chair is a proven event chair for events with higher standards. It is usually padded, sturdy, stackable and visually neutral enough to be used in many event concepts. Compared with a folding chair, it looks more upmarket and offers more seating comfort, without being as specifically geared towards weddings or design as Chiavari, crossback or ghost chairs.
Typical uses
- Conferences and congresses
- Gala dinners and banquets
- Corporate events
- Christmas parties
- Awards ceremonies
- Hotel events
- Talks lasting several hours
- Festive evening events
Advantages of classic banquet chairs
Banquet chairs really come into their own when guests sit for a longer time. The padding provides more comfort, while the neutral look suits many table and decoration concepts. They combine well with banquet tables, table linen, dinnerware, glassware and other event equipment.
A classic banquet chair looks professional without leaning too strongly towards a particular style. That makes it ideal for business events, corporate parties and formal evening events.
Banquet chair with or without a cover?
Depending on the model, banquet chairs can be used on their own or with covers. A cover creates a particularly uniform appearance and can be useful when the colour scheme, decorations or venue call for a very calm look. Without a cover the chair looks more modern and direct; with a cover it looks more formal and festive.
When banquet chairs are the right choice
Banquet chairs are recommended when seating comfort, a high-quality look and versatility are important. For events with a dinner, talks, awards ceremonies or several programme items, they are often the best solution.
Good to know: Padded banquet chairs are stackable and can easily be delivered in large numbers. Covers are delivered separately – with the Comfort package we fit them for you during set-up.
Matching rental category: View banquet chairs →
Napoleon chair: festive, decorative and perfect for weddings
The Napoleon chair is an elegant event chair with a distinctive backrest. It is often used at weddings, receptions, galas and festive ceremonies. Its look is more decorative than that of a classic banquet chair and more formal than that of a simple folding chair.
Visual effect
Napoleon chairs have a clear, festive silhouette. They look light, elegant and classic. In white they look romantic and classic, in black modern and elegant – so the same model can create very different moods, from romantic to modern.
Typical uses
- Wedding ceremonies
- Outdoor ceremonies
- Festive dinners
- Receptions
- Gala events
- Castle and hotel weddings
Advantages of the Napoleon chair
The Napoleon chair is particularly strong when an event should look festive without being overloaded. It goes well with classic decorations, elegant table linen and high-quality floristry. Matching seat pads increase comfort and allow the look to be adapted further to the event concept.
What should you look out for?
Napoleon chairs make a particularly strong impression when they are used uniformly. At weddings, the colour of the chair should be coordinated with the table linen, flowers, room colour and lighting. In very rustic venues a crossback chair can look more harmonious, while the Napoleon chair is better suited to classic or elegant settings.
Good to know: Napoleon chairs are stackable and can also be used outdoors. The seat pads should stay dry – in uncertain weather, a covered alternative location is recommended.
Matching rental category: View wedding chairs →
Chiavari chair: elegant, light and timeless
The Chiavari chair is one of the best-known wedding and event chairs. It has a slim, elegant shape and looks lighter than a classic banquet chair. The Chiavari chair is particularly popular at weddings, galas and stylish dinner set-ups because it looks high-quality without visually weighing down the room.
Visual effect
Chiavari chairs look fine, classic and elegant. Their vertical back structure creates distinctive lines that come across very well in photos. Depending on colour and material, the chair can look romantic, modern, classic or luxurious.
Typical uses
- Weddings
- Outdoor ceremonies
- Gala dinners
- Receptions
- Castle and hotel events
- Elegant corporate events
Advantages of the Chiavari chair
The Chiavari chair offers a very good balance of elegance and restraint. It visibly enhances the room without dominating the table decorations. Especially at weddings with high-quality floristry, candles, light fabrics or classic colour schemes, it looks very harmonious.
Chiavari or Napoleon?
Chiavari and Napoleon chairs are often used for similar occasions. The Chiavari chair usually looks a little finer and more timeless, while the Napoleon chair looks more decorative and ceremonial. For elegant dinner set-ups Chiavari is often the calmer choice; for festive ceremonies Napoleon can be very effective.
Good to know: Chiavari chairs are stackable and are also suitable for outdoor ceremonies. However, the separate seat pads must not get wet.
Matching rental category: View wedding chairs →
Crossback chair: natural, warm and full of character
The crossback chair is particularly popular at weddings and events with a natural, rustic or Mediterranean atmosphere. It is recognisable by its crossed backrest and looks warmer and more handcrafted than Chiavari, Napoleon or ghost chairs.
Visual effect
Crossback chairs create a natural yet high-quality look. They go very well with wood, linen, ceramics, dried flowers, warm light and outdoor venues. This makes them particularly strong at boho, garden, barn and country estate weddings.
Typical uses
- Boho weddings
- Garden weddings
- Barn weddings
- Country estate and rural weddings
- Rustic dinner events
- Upmarket summer parties
Advantages of the crossback chair
The crossback chair looks decorative without needing additional covers or heavy decoration. It brings character to the room by itself. Especially in combination with wooden tables, table runners, candles and natural floristry, it creates a very coherent overall look.
What should you look out for?
Crossback chairs work best when they fit the overall concept. In very modern, minimalist venues a ghost chair may be more suitable. In natural, warm or rural settings, on the other hand, the crossback chair shows its full effect.
Good to know: Wooden crossback chairs are available in natural wood with a seat pad or in white. The wood brings warmth to the room and goes particularly well with linen, candles and natural floristry.
Matching rental category: View wedding chairs →
Ghost chair: modern, transparent and design-led
The ghost chair – in our range the transparent baroque chair – is a transparent designer chair that is used above all for modern, elegant and unusual event concepts. Thanks to its transparency it looks light and understated, yet at the same time makes a clear design statement.
Visual effect
Ghost chairs look modern, airy and almost invisible. They make rooms appear larger and draw the eye more to the table decorations, architecture or lighting concept. This effect can be very strong, particularly in bright, minimalist or urban venues.
Typical uses
- Modern weddings
- Design events
- Product presentations
- Fashion events
- Elegant receptions
- Minimalist dinner set-ups
Advantages of the ghost chair
The biggest advantage of the ghost chair is its visual lightness. It blends into many rooms without visually overloading them. At the same time it looks high-quality and unusual. This makes it particularly suitable for event concepts where design, architecture or decoration take centre stage.
Ghost chair or classic wedding chair?
A classic wedding chair such as Chiavari or Napoleon looks more romantic and traditional. A ghost chair looks more modern and design-led. If your wedding or event has a clear, bright, elegant and reduced design, the ghost chair may be the better choice.
Good to know: Baroque-style ghost chairs are transparent and therefore blend into almost any colour scheme – ideal when the table decorations and the room should take centre stage.
Matching rental category: View wedding chairs →
Planning event seating: what to look out for
Good seating doesn’t start with the set-up but already at the planning stage. In addition to the right type of chair, room size, walkways, sitting time, delivery times, layout and the schedule of the event play an important role.
1. Consider the sitting time
The longer guests sit, the more important comfort becomes. For short ceremonies, talks or temporary seating areas, simple folding chairs can be enough. For conferences lasting several hours, dinner events or galas, more comfortable chairs should be planned.
2. Plan the look of the room
Chairs have a strong influence on how a room looks. Dark chairs can look formal and calm, light chairs friendlier and lighter. Transparent chairs reduce the visual mass, while wooden chairs create warmth and a natural feel.
3. Define the layout
Theatre-style seating, classroom seating, banquet seating, U-shape, ceremony seating or free seating groups place different demands on the type of chair and the space required. Folding chairs work particularly well in rows, banquet chairs in table settings and wedding chairs at ceremonies and festive set-ups.
4. Plan walkways and escape routes
With any seating, routes for guests, service staff, technical crew and emergencies must be taken into account. Especially with theatre-style seating, sufficiently wide aisles and an orderly arrangement are important.
5. Estimate set-up and dismantling realistically
Setting up chairs is often underestimated. Depending on the quantity, venue, lift situation, walkways and the precision required, the effort can vary considerably. For larger events, a professional set-up service often makes sense.
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Always plan the seating together with the table plan, walkways and time windows for delivery and set-up. Many problems are not caused by choosing the wrong chair, but by set-up times that are too tight or unclear routes in the venue.
Space requirements and seating layouts
How many guests fit into a room depends above all on the seating layout. To determine the number of visitors, the Places of Assembly Ordinance assumes two people per square metre for seats in rows and one person per square metre for seats at tables. These are minimum figures – additional space is needed for the buffet, stage, dance floor, bar and walkways.
| Seating layout | Typical use | Suitable chairs | Calculation basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre-style seating | Talk, concert, assembly, ceremony | Folding chair, banquet chair, wedding chairs | 2 people per m² |
| Classroom seating | Seminar, training, conference with documents | Banquet chair | 1 person per m² (seats at tables) |
| Banquet with round tables | Gala, wedding dinner, corporate party | Banquet chair, Chiavari, Napoleon, ghost chair | 1 person per m² (seats at tables) |
| Long table with rectangular tables | Wedding, dinner, Christmas party | Banquet chair, crossback, Chiavari | 1 person per m² (seats at tables) |
| U-shape / boardroom | Workshop, meeting | Banquet chair | 1 person per m² (seats at tables) |
Theatre-style seating: rules for places of assembly
In Bavaria, the Places of Assembly Ordinance (VStättV) applies to assembly rooms with more than 200 visitors. Among other things, it sets out the following for seating (Section 10 VStättV):
- Connect chairs: Chairs set up temporarily must be firmly connected to each other in each row – in practice with chair connectors.
- Seat width: at least 0.50 m per seat.
- Row spacing: a clear passage width of at least 0.40 m between rows.
- Seats per row: no more than 10 seats to the side of an aisle, no more than 20 between two side aisles.
- Blocks and aisles: no more than 30 rows per block, aisles behind and between blocks at least 1.20 m wide.
- Seats at tables: the route to the nearest aisle must not be longer than 10 m, and the distance between tables should not be less than 1.50 m.
Exceptions to the connection requirement include restaurants and separate areas with no more than 20 seats. In Munich, a seating plan may also be required for places of assembly. This overview is for guidance only and does not replace legal advice – the current text of the ordinance and the requirements of your venue and the responsible authority are what count.
Sources: Section 10 VStättV (Bavaria), Section 1 VStättV (Bavaria), City of Munich: seating plan information sheet (German)
Event chairs outdoors
For garden ceremonies, summer parties or open-air events, robust chairs that are easy to clean are suitable. Folding chairs, Chiavari and Napoleon chairs can easily be used outdoors. What to look out for:
- Pads and cushions: Separate seat cushions, pads and covers should stay dry. In uncertain weather, plan a covered area or an alternative.
- Ground: On soft grass or gravel, chair legs can sink in or wobble – check the ground in advance, especially for theatre-style seating.
- Time of set-up: Only set up chairs with pads shortly before the start, so that dew or rain doesn’t soak them.
Chair types compared side by side
| Chair type | Strength | Typical events | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple folding chair | Flexible, quick, space-saving | Conference, concert, training, large event | Functional and practical |
| Classic banquet chair | Comfortable and versatile | Conference, gala, corporate party, dinner | Professional and high-quality |
| Napoleon chair | Festive look | Wedding, ceremony, reception | Elegant and decorative |
| Chiavari chair | Timeless elegance | Wedding, gala, dinner | Fine and classic |
| Crossback chair | Natural character | Boho, garden and country estate wedding | Warm, rustic and elegant |
| Ghost chair | Transparent design effect | Modern wedding, design event, reception | Modern, light and unusual |
How to find the right type of chair
If you want to decide quickly, you can use the following logic as a guide:
- Many guests, short sitting time, quick set-up: folding chair
- Longer sitting time, business event, dinner: banquet chair
- Classic or elegant wedding: Chiavari or Napoleon
- Boho, garden or country estate wedding: crossback
- Modern design event: ghost chair
- Unsure about style and set-up: compare chairs and get advice
If you already know which type of chair you need, you can go straight to the matching categories:
Frequently asked questions about choosing event chairs
Which chair is the best for an event?
There is no single best chair. For large events and short sitting times, folding chairs are often ideal. For longer events, banquet chairs are more suitable. For weddings and festive events, Chiavari, Napoleon, crossback or ghost chairs are often the better choice.
What is the difference between a folding chair and a banquet chair?
Folding chairs are particularly flexible, space-saving and quick to set up. Banquet chairs are more comfortable, look more upmarket and are better suited to longer sitting times, galas, conferences and dinner events.
Which chairs are suitable for a wedding?
Chiavari, Napoleon, crossback and ghost chairs are particularly suitable for weddings. The best choice depends on the style of the wedding: Chiavari looks timelessly elegant, crossback natural and warm, Napoleon festive and ghost modern.
Which chairs are suitable for outdoor ceremonies?
For outdoor ceremonies, chairs that also look good in photos are important. Chiavari, Napoleon, crossback or light-coloured folding chairs are often suitable. It is important that the chairs suit the wedding arch, the floristry and the venue.
Which chairs are suitable for conferences?
Folding chairs or banquet chairs are suitable for conferences. For short talks, folding chairs are very efficient. For longer programme items or more upmarket business events, banquet chairs are usually more comfortable.
When do chair connectors make sense?
Chair connectors are particularly useful for theatre-style seating, for example at concerts, talks or large events. They help keep the rows stable and straight and ensure a tidy appearance.
How early should you reserve event chairs?
For wedding chairs we recommend at least three months’ notice – in the summer months many weekends are booked early. Folding chairs and banquet chairs, on the other hand, are usually also available at very short notice. The more specific the type of chair and the larger the quantity, the earlier you should send your request.
Can you combine different types of chair?
Yes, that can make sense. At a wedding, for example, elegant wedding chairs can be used for the ceremony and banquet chairs for the dinner. At corporate events, banquet chairs can be used in the dinner area and folding chairs in the talk area.
Which event chairs are stackable?
Folding chairs, padded banquet chairs, Chiavari and Napoleon chairs are stackable. This makes transport, storage and quick changeovers on site easier.
Which chairs can be used outdoors?
Folding chairs, Chiavari and Napoleon chairs are well suited to outdoor use. However, separate seat cushions, pads and covers should stay dry – in uncertain weather, a covered alternative location is recommended.
How much space does a chair need?
In rows, allow at least 0.50 m width per seat and a 0.40 m clear passage between rows. To determine the number of visitors, the Places of Assembly Ordinance assumes two people per square metre for theatre-style seating and one person per square metre for seats at tables.
How many chairs should I order?
Plan a reserve of around five to ten per cent on top of the number of guests – for unexpected guests, service providers or additional seating groups. If the ceremony and dinner take place in different areas, you need either two sets of seating or a changeover between the programme items.
Free advice
Not sure which chair suits your event?
We are happy to help you choose the right seating. Simply tell us the type of event, number of guests, venue and the atmosphere you want. We will recommend suitable chair types and, on request, prepare an individual quote.
Why Munich Event Rent?
- Experience with weddings, corporate events, conferences and large events
- A large selection of event chairs for different requirements
- Delivery, set-up and collection in the Munich area
- Complete event equipment from one source