Because plates are generally placed at the buffet, allowing guests to walk to the buffet without carrying their plate, the charger is often placed on the table without a plate on it. … If you want to use chargers at a buffet, then go for it! This is YOUR wedding.
Do people still use plate chargers?
Charger plates are larger decorative plates used to dress up dinner tables at parties, weddings, and other special events. Even though they have been around for centuries, their popularity has grown tremendously since the late 1990s. Since food is not actually served on chargers, they are often called underplates.
Do you need placemats if you have chargers?
In most cases, using a place mat under a charger is not necessary. Placing on top of a tablecloth is fine. Chargers are decorative elements that protect the tablecloth or table and add color and formality, essentially serving the same purpose as place mats.