How Many Charger Plates Should You Order for Your Event?
When organizing an event, the details may make all the difference. Charger plates are one of those things that can transform a table setting from nice to magnificent. However, as you arrange your event, you may wonder how many charger plates you would truly need. In this guide, we’ll go over several important aspects to help you order the proper amount for a fashionable and well-prepared event.
1. Determine your guest count.
The first and most obvious step is to understand your guest list. For a formal meal, you should have one charge plate per visitor, as each individual requires their own place setting. However, if you are holding a cocktail-style event where visitors will circulate rather than sit for a meal, you may not require charger plates for each attendee. Understanding the nature of your event will help you establish a reasonable baseline for the number of charger plates required.
2. Account for each place. Setting
Once you’ve determined the number of attendees, consider if you want charger plates at each place setting. Some events, such as buffets or informal parties, may only use chargers at specific tables or for specific dishes. If you’re hosting a multi-course seated dinner, chargers are normally placed at each place setting and are frequently kept throughout the meal to function as a decorative base beneath each plate change.
Pro Tip: If your event is formal, budget for a charger plate for each place setting to ensure a consistent and polished appearance.
3. Determine Whether You Need Extras
It’s always a good idea to keep a few extra plates on available in case of mishaps, last-minute guests, or unexpected changes to the layout. A safe rule of thumb is to order 5-10% extra than the actual guest count. This cushion guarantees that you have backups in case of damage, replacement, or even last-minute décor changes.
4. Consider your venue and table setup.
Additional plates may be required in certain settings and table configurations. If you have a head table or a sweetheart table for the bride and husband, consider using a different charger plate design or color. Furthermore, certain places with larger round tables may require more dishes per table than smaller rectangular tables. Understanding the layout requirements helps you avoid last-minute changes and ensures you have enough chargers for each seat and table style.
5. Use Charger Plates Strategically.
Charger plates bring elegance to formal and semi-formal occasions, but they can also be used sparingly. If your event has different areas for dining and socializing, consider using chargers just in the dining area. For example, in a wedding with separate ceremony, cocktail, and dinner areas, chargers may only be required for the dinner tables. This careful application might result in a more refined appearance while keeping your prices down.
6. Select Charger Plates That Suit Your Event Style.
When deciding on quantity, keep in mind that charger plates come in a variety of designs and materials, including classic glass and porcelain, rustic wood, and metallic finishes. When choosing charger plates, make sure the style matches your event’s theme. This allows you to focus your purchasing decisions while also ensuring a consistent and visually pleasing appearance for your guests.
Final Checklist for Ordering Charger Plates
To conclude, here’s a simple checklist to help you get ready to place your order:
- Confirm your guest count and the number of place settings needed.
Plan for 5-10% more plates as spares. - Check table layouts with the venue to see if any additional arrangements are required.
- Decide whether you’ll utilize chargers at every seat or in specific sections.
- Choose a charger plate style that suits your event’s decor motif.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to order the appropriate amount of charger plates for your event, resulting in a stunning table setting that leaves an impression.
If you’re looking for the appropriate charger plates for your event, go to Wedding Events. We provide a large selection of charger plate styles and colors to match any event decor. Begin shopping today and make your celebration special with beautiful table sets!
If you want to know more about outdoor weddings, please click this: Best Wedding Dates to Avoid