"Just Napkins! Examples of Table Setting Without the First Plate, 'Charger Plate'*"

No Need for Show Plates!

Wedding table coordination is generally based on a setting similar to that of French or Italian restaurants.

☑ Glasses for toasting and drinking

☑ Cutlery such as knives and forks

☑ Show plates

☑ Napkins

☑ Paper items like seating charts and menus

These items are usually arranged together, and you decide how to coordinate based on their combinations ♩

However.

There is something in this list that can be omitted.

That would be the show plates!!

Reasons and Benefits of Not Using Show Plates

Show plates are the dishes placed on the table before guests arrive.

They are the dishes on which menus and napkins are placed, already set from the beginning.

These plates, also known as "position plates," indicate where guests should sit and where to place cutlery.

Food is not served on these plates; they are removed before the first course is brought out.

(Some people also like to hide a card with a message under the show plate♡)

Show plates are prominent in table coordination, making the design of the plate very important!

You want to choose a plate that matches the wedding theme, the table coordination, and the atmosphere of accompanying paper items＊

However,

If the wedding venue does not have show plates with your preferred design!

Or if changing to a preferred show plate incurs an extra charge, but you don't want to spend that budget, yet are not satisfied with the provided show plates!

In such cases, choosing a table setting that does not use a show plate is also an option◎

In fact, many brides have chosen not to use show plates because the designed paper items did not match,

and it can still look wonderfully coordinated ♡

Examples of Table Settings without Show Plates＊

When not using show plates, the position of the napkin will serve as a substitute.

Simply folding the napkin flat and standing a place card on top creates a very stylish look＊

Cute napkins folded in shapes of Mickey and Minnie arranged on the table make it look like there are lots of Minnies around, which is adorable ♡

Create Your Favorite Guest Table Coordination Freely ♡

You are free to coordinate the guest tables at the reception as you like!

There is no rule that you must use show plates!

If pairing with paper items and floral arrangements creates an entirely different image that you dislike,

it is perfectly fine to remove the show plates ◎

Consider the overall coordination and create your favorite combination that feels the best to you ♩