Christina John runs award-winning Christina’s Chair Covers and Sashes, based in St. Clears. She started the business in October 2011 and runs it from home with help from family members.

As well as weddings, Christina has also dressed venues for award ceremonies, corporate events and parties.

“Chair covers and venue decoration are not only for weddings!” she smiles.

Here Christina tells us about her business.

“We offer chair covers for any venue in either lycra or cotton, in white, ivory or black. There are currently over 150 different sashes available - organza, satin, taffeta, lace, hessian, to name just a few. Matching table runners and table swags are also available to project more colour and texture.

“Added to the business in 2013 was the Starlight Range, which includes two starlight backdrops, a top table starlight skirt and a cake table starlight skirt. The backdrops are continuing to be a very popular must-have for most weddings in the West!

“I love new and different trends!

“Currently, brides are shying away from the sash tied in a bow and going for more of a fancy sash, e.g. hoods in either lace or chiffon with ruffles, to give the room a totally different look and feel.

“I am continuously looking for something new and, having seen that sequins had been a big hit in America and Australia for the previous 18 months, in 2014, I was the first in West Wales to offer sequin items, e.g. sequin table runners, cloths for cake tables and napkin holders. These items work well with any theme.

“If couples are unsure about chair covers etc., I recommend a consultation to see what is available and how it can be applied to their venue decorating needs.”

Christina recommends booking your venue dresser sooner rather than later, as ‘we can only dress so many weddings on any one weekend.’

“I believe that to do a job well, do not overbook your weekend! To dress a wedding/wedding reception could take between one-six hours, depending on requirements.”

She also recommends at least one meeting where she can go through options, colours and themes.

“The majority of couples know what they want by this meeting, therefore a second meeting isn’t essential,” said Christina. “In some bookings, a second meeting is needed due to colour change/change of venue. I keep in touch with all couples before the big day to amend any booking, as numbers/items required change continuously.”

When it comes to choosing your venue dresser, Christina advises: “Have a look at their previous work. This will show their level of work and whether or not they fulfill your venue dressing needs. I for one always post all my work on social media, on a Facebook page mainly to show my working achievements.

“If budget is small, there are always different options. Please don’t assume cheaper is always better! Discuss with your chosen venue dresser different options, e.g. sash only, organza sash instead of fancy sash.”

So what’s the most memorable wedding Christina has been involved with?

“There are actually two that spring to mind. In October 2013, we were asked to dress a wedding with a nautical theme as the groom works for the RNLI in Tenby. We made navy and white stripe sashes with matching table swags to co-ordinate with the theme. It looked amazing, if I do say so myself!

“The second, we dressed last December. A Christmas theme throughout, we added to the back of each chair a pine cone with fir and holly. This was extremely effective and gave another twist to a Christmas wedding.”

And what’s the best thing about her job?

“The end result has got to give the most job satisfaction. To see all those months and sometimes years of planning and hard work pay off by creating a spectacle for all those guests to see and most of all to the couple who trusted you with their requirements,” said Christina.

Christina’s Chair Covers and Sashes has been fortunate to win best venue dresser in West Wales at the Welsh National Wedding Awards, not once, but three times - 2013, 2014 and 2015. This award is based on a voting system, voting on work, service and professionalism.

“We are extremely proud of these achievements and thank all couples who voted for us,” added Christina.