Charge!

Looking for simple, inexpensive wedding accessories that will instantly polish up even the simplest of table decors?

For a truly luxurious and opulent look, look no further than the decorative charger plate. Also known as a chop or underplate, the charger is an over-sized plate that is placed underneath the dinner or serving plate and is never meant to touch the actual food. An item that would be akin to a circular place mat, but with much more panache.

Larger in diameter than the dinner plate it decorates, it adds color and texture to an otherwise plain standard catering dish and can be found in a wide variety of materials including metal, wood and even leather. Chargers also have the added benefit of coming in a wide variety of colors. Which allows you to have plain white tablecloths and dishes (something that helps when sourcing out inexpensive rentals).

While the rules of etiquette when using chargers varies, most etiquette experts agree that the charger is something that should be removed before the final course of dessert is served.

Inexpensive chargers can be purchased or made by hand, but most brides would agree that the simplest option is to rent them. However, on the side of purchasing chargers, some brides have created personalized favors from them that guests can take home to decorate their own tables.

For a simple, yet elegant way to beautify your reception tables, just say “Charge!”

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