There are many types of chairs to choose from for your ceremony and reception. Today we’re highlighting the chiavari chair in our new Monday series, which introduces you to common words you’ll hear while planning your wedding. The chiavari chair takes its name from the coastal Italian town of Chivari, for which it is named.

A favorite of brides and first ladies alike, the chiavari chair is a classic that looks equally at home outdoors and in ballrooms. Light and easy to stack, the chiavari chair is as functional as it is pretty.

Also known as a ballroom chair, the chiavari chair is most commonly found in mahogony, natural wood, silver, gold and black. The two images above were taken by Liz Banfield and designed by Tara Guerard.

Depending on the market where you’re planning, you may be able to find chiavari chairs in colors as wild as magenta, spring green or clear lucite. Both of the tables above were designed by Eddie Ross — the first for an event at SCAD and the second, called modern mix, pictured here.

The chiavari chair is often twice as much as (if not slightly more) than the cost of a folding chair, which is another popular choice for events.

images: 1- photographed by Meg Smith via La Tavola; 2 pictured here and 3 via Martha Stewart Weddings photographed by Liz Banfield and designed by Tara Guerard;  Kennedy Wedding via LIFE; SCAD event and modern mix by Eddie Ross