Charger plates are large decorative plates underneath the dinner plates in a formal setting. They are commonly used for weddings, banquets, and formal dinner events. They are part of the tablescape and can be color-coordinated with the rest of the table setting. If you are planning for a significant event, starting a catering business, or starting an event business, you will want to buy charger plates bulk to save money on something you can use several times. Restaurant supply stores like TigerChef offer a wide range of charger plates in different colors and styles.
Here are a few things to know before buying bulk.
What is the purpose of charger plates?
The purpose is two-fold. First, they are decorative and add to the overall tablescape supporting the event’s theme. They provide a touch of elegance to the table and are commonly expected at formal events. Each place setting should have its charger plate to ensure visual consistency across the table. Avoid mixing and matching colors and designs. The charger plate should not distract from the rest of the tablescape.
Second, they offer stability and aid with hot dishes and messes. For example, placing the bowl on a charger plate will allow you to move or adjust the bowl without risking a burn when serving hot soup. If the soup spills over a little while being moved, it will spill onto the charger plate instead of on the table. The charger plate is not intended to hold food directly or be eaten off of. The paint and designs used on charger plates are not necessarily food-safe because the manufacturer is expecting that they won’t be used for eating.
What kinds of charger plates are there?
There are different styles and colors you can choose from to suit your event. There are acrylic charger plates, plastic charger plates, and glass charger plates. You can also choose a gold rim or a different texture to add to the visual texture of the tablescape. Most charger plates are round, but you can get square charger plates, too. You can also get themed designs. For example, you can get Christmas charger plates or Easter charger plates to coordinate with specific events or holidays. If you are buying themed plates, focus on the most likely ones to use repeatedly to save money.
What should you consider when buying charger plates in bulk?
It is essential to keep the purpose in mind when buying in bulk. For example, suppose you are starting an event business. In that case, you will be using the same charger plates repeatedly for different conditions, so durability is going to be highly important. A selection of colors and designs will be necessary, but sticking with a few trendy colors and designs will allow you to offer a great selection without going over budget on the initial purchase. Before making a purchase, investigate the prices based on how many you buy. When buying wholesale, the more you buy, the lower price per piece you’ll get, so it is essential to know at what point you get a price break to plan accordingly.
Buying charger plates in bulk is ideal for a business because you can get a more significant number of plates for a reasonable price. These will be an investment in your business, but it is still essential to be frugal when shopping. Research your options and the prices of each option before ordering them to ensure you get the best possible price for what you need. You can also partner with another catering or event vendor to share inventory so you have access to a wider variety without the significant upfront investment.
