Charger Plates

FCIL didn't have chargers, I didn't think that it looked empty or anything. (but she did have 3 centerpieces)

There is another thread on here with some really good actual pics of people's tables without chargers, ext. Here is another with the silverware on the table for a buffet dinner, and one with thank you cards

Charger plates weren't in our budget. Instead I got ivory paper placements with a lace patterned edge. When I did a mock set-up of how my tables would look, it helped fill-in the place settings a lot. I got a pack of 50 for right around $5 online.

I don't think it will look empty without chargers, but that's up to you.

@Ashley - I really like your set up- that's a great alternative!

@Monica, those settings look really nice and definitely not empty.

@Ashley, we're not having salad, but that's a neat idea.

I don't plan on having chargers...i don't get the purpose but here:

http://canada.linentablecloth.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=charger

I had buffet and no chargers. I haven't gotten my pro pics back yet with the details. However, I did upgrade to colored linens and had favors at each seat so it had stuff on the table in addition to silverware.

Also: flatware at weddings is usually set at the table even if it's buffet, not at the actual buffet.

Our caterer is not through our venue so I don't think they're going to set out the flatware at each individual setting. Guests will most likely just get it at the buffet.

I'm not using chargers. I've been to a lot of functions at our reception venue and the tables never look empty once they are set.

Our venue is letting us rent chargers for free since we cannot use glass plates. They got theirs from Dollar Tree for $1 a piece.

Caylin, I bought chargers, and I'm using them, but I'm regretting spending the money. They're not going to make a huge difference in the long run. They'll be whisked away immediately following the salad. I love the look of the napkin folded into a pocket with the menu put inside, instead of the charger. That or plated salads - which we're also doing. I bought mine at www.tableclothsfactory.com. They're always running specials.

I don't see the point in them actually; the first course is usually down when people come in.

We're having a buffet so nothing will be down when guests come in and since our reception starts at 3:00 it'll be a little while before dinner is served. I thought of going the folded napkin route, but I don't know if we're going to do menus.

Caylin, visually speaking, I tend to agree with you. A beautifully set table without plates does look empty to me. I don't know what your guest list is like, so I don't know how many chargers you would need. Because you're doing a buffet, I would probably print up coordinating menu cards to put at each place setting if you can't swing the chargers. I would list everything that's at the buffet. It would fill the empty space on the table and not kill your budget and leave you with a ton of charger plates you'll likely never use again.

I found chargers at Michael's today for $1 each + 25% off entire purchase coupon online. You can always sell them after the wedding!

I'm doing chargers, I got them off of another bride on here. Check the WW Bride-2-Bride facebook page and craigslist since you have time. Mine cost the original bride $2 per piece and she sold it to me for $1. I'd say you can buy them from us when we're done but they're red.

If I buy them I definitely plan on selling them after the wedding. I've been on the Facebook page and nobody has any.

@FutureMrsC, are the ones from Michaels any good? I've heard bad things about them even though I know they're cheap.

If you're doing a buffet, just scrap this from your list - no need.

As far as the 'empty table' issue, I'd like to say for me personally, one of the reasons I dread formal sit-down meals (for business or personal) is that inevitably there is no room on the table because of all the dishes, silverware, and because the seats are much closer together than at a restaurant table. I'd be thrilled to have space on the table LOL!

@Caylin, I think they will look really nice and they look identical to all the ones I looked into renting. A lot of them were scratched up so it did take a lot of time going through them all.

I bought my chargers for $2 a piece from Bed Bath and Beyond. I am def going to sell them after the wedding though.