Any way to "tone down" these chairs besides covers?

Once there are butts in the seats, you won't see the red chair. I personally wouldn't stress over it or spend any money covering something the guests will be covering for free. If you do decide you want them covered, I would get chair covers like others have suggested if you have it in your budget to do so.

Literally had this same freak out where I was doing red and gold decor and the chairs are navy blue. Don't overthink it. Nobody is going to think about chair colors and if they do say something they have too much time on their hands.

Chairs are my thing and I see them in every photo of any event. I would either change the chairs out completely or find some way to cover them but that is me, it's literally my thing. Other's have said no one will notice and a couple of us weirdo chair people are squirming. It is what it is and ultimately comes down to you. Do you see or have issues with the chairs? You're going to be the one paying for new chairs or covers, if it bothers you it is worth the cost, if not don't bother. I have never said anything to the hosts of any event about decor it's just my odd obsession that I keep to myself (and my mother and FH lol). I honestly bonded with my FMIL over the chair obsession during our planning meeting with venue.

View Quoted Comment So while I never thought about it before but I think I'm a chair person too. I decided to look online at pics of receptions with red banquet chairs just like mine and the first thing my eye is drawn to is the red. It's so obvious against the white tablecloths etc. While as people will say the guests probably won't care, I do. And if it's bothering me now it will bug me as we get closer. My venue doesn't have chiavari chairs. Sooooo....I purchased the spandex seat covers in white. $1.53 a chair but we saved in so many other areas I'm totally happy with it. 🙂

View Quoted Comment OMG I'm glad I'm not the only one!! When looking at venues, I seriously judged them by the chairs - along with other items of course!! One we toured had red carpet, with purple chairs.

View Quoted Comment I took pictures of the chairs and floors at every venue we toured!

Can you change your wedding colors? Are you set on the pastels? It may clash, or maybe no one will notice.

After the room is set and they bring the lights down, it will be so much less noticeable.

I didn't pick a venue because they had those new wooden chairs that are becoming a thing and I wanted chivari chairs. I picked my colors based on the color of the chairs (chairs were gold, my colors are now gold and white). Maybe no one will pay attention but you will see them in your pictures. Glad you got it sorted!! I think its was worth it.