Crafting Wedding Chargers: A Guide To Diy Elegance

Charger plates are large plates used as decorative bases for special events or catered dinners. They add an elegant touch to any table setting and can be purchased at a low cost to elevate the look of your wedding tables. You can make your own charger plates using cardboard, fabric, glue, and Mod Podge. Alternatively, you can purchase charger plates from stores like Dollar Tree, Michaels, or Amazon, with prices ranging from $1 to $12 per plate.

Using cardboard and fabric

To start, you will need cardboard, which you can source from pizza bases or any other cardboard you have available. You can buy pizza bases in bulk from packaging suppliers. Trace a circle onto the cardboard with a pencil and cut it out. You can also cut out a circle of fabric at this stage.

Next, place the cardboard circle onto the wrong side of the fabric. Cut small notches around the edge of the fabric and start folding, pleating, and gluing the fabric to the back of the cardboard circle. You can use hot glue to secure the fabric in place.

Once the fabric is attached, your chargers are ready to use. You can also add Mod Podge to the top surface of the charger to prevent stains and protect the fabric.

This project is versatile and can be adapted to match any wedding theme or colour scheme. You can use any type of fabric, and the cardboard base can be painted to bring more colour to the chargers. This is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding décor.

Mod Podge to prevent fraying

If you're making DIY chargers for your wedding, you might be concerned about fraying. Luckily, Mod Podge can help!

First, you'll need to buy your charger plates and fabric. You can use any colour or pattern of fabric that matches your wedding theme. Cut out a circle of fabric that is slightly larger than your charger plate, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch bigger all around.

Now, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the plate with a foam brush. Centre the fabric circle over the plate and firmly press it down, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles. You can use plastic wrap as a "glove" to keep the fabric from sticking to your fingers.

Once the fabric is adhered to the plate, trim away any excess fabric around the edges. Apply a final coat of Mod Podge around the edges of the plate to seal and protect the fabric from fraying. Let the plate dry completely (20-30 minutes) before using.

And that's it! Your DIY wedding chargers are now protected from fraying and ready to be displayed on your big day.

Tips:

• Buy your charger plates before the fabric so you can measure exactly how much fabric you need.
• Don't pre-wash your fabric, as the colours may fade. These chargers are not intended for direct food contact or laundering.
• If you want to make your chargers easier to clean, you can add an additional coat of Mod Podge to the top. However, this may dull the fabric slightly.
• If you're concerned about the fabric feeling rough after applying Mod Podge, you can try using a very fine grit sanding block to smooth it out gently. You can also apply a brush-on sealer like Minwax Polycrylic to build up the top layer and make it feel less rough.

Buying from Dollar Tree

If you're looking for an affordable option for wedding chargers, Dollar Tree is a great place to start. Dollar Tree offers charger plates in various colours, including gold, silver, and acrylic. At only $1 each, you can't go wrong with these chargers to elevate your wedding tables.

The quality of Dollar Tree charger plates has received mixed reviews. Some people have mentioned that they are nice and serve their purpose, especially for the price. However, others have expressed concerns about scratches and cracks on the plates. It's important to inspect the plates before purchasing to ensure they are in good condition.

In addition to charger plates, Dollar Tree offers a variety of wedding-worthy items that can help you create elegant tablescapes without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Candle holders: Clear glass votive candle holders are a steal at Dollar Tree, costing only $1 each compared to $8-10 at other stores. They are perfect for holding votive candles and will seamlessly blend in with your wedding decor.
• Table numbers: You can use cylinder vases with chalkboard paint to display table numbers and fill them with floral arrangements. Alternatively, small wooden blackboards can be placed alongside centrepieces for a similar effect.
• Flip-flops for guests: Comfy feet are a gift your guests will appreciate! Dollar Tree offers flip-flops in various styles and sizes for just $1 each, which you can dress up with tags indicating sizes.
• Wine glasses: Why spend more on drinkware when you can get elegant stemless wine glasses from Dollar Tree for only $1 each? You can even personalise them for each guest.
• Wedding favours: Dollar Tree has a range of boxes that you can decorate and fill with candy to create unique wedding favours. They also offer bride and groom favour boxes.

Michaels for better quality

If you're looking for high-quality supplies to make your wedding chargers, Michaels has you covered. Michaels offers a wide range of wedding décor and supplies to help make your dream wedding a reality.

For charger plates, Michaels provides elegant options that will perfectly complement your table décor. Their charger plates come in various colours and styles, including gold, to add a touch of luxury to your tablescape.

Additionally, Michaels offers a variety of DIY supplies if you want to create custom charger plates. You can find materials like fabric, cardboard, glue, and Mod Podge, all in one place. Their selection of fabrics includes various patterns and colours, ensuring you can find something that matches your wedding theme.

Michaels also has a range of decorative favours, elegant invitations, and beautiful backdrops to help create a cohesive and stylish wedding. Their products are of high quality, ensuring your special day looks stunning and exactly as you envisioned.

With Michaels, you can trust that every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Amazon for disposable plates

If you're looking for disposable plates for your wedding, Amazon has a wide variety of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Gold Disposable Plates:

Amazon offers several gold disposable plate sets that serve 50 or 100 guests. These sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, cups, napkins, and plastic cutlery. Some sets also offer a subscription and save discount, so be sure to look out for those!

Silver Disposable Plates:

Similar to the gold options, Amazon also has silver disposable plate sets for 50 or 100 guests. These sets include dinner plates, salad plates, cups, napkins, and plastic cutlery. Again, keep an eye out for subscription and save discounts to get the best deal.

White Disposable Plates:

If you're looking for something more classic, Amazon offers white disposable plate sets in various quantities. These sets typically include dinner plates and salad plates, but some also offer cups and cutlery. Some white plate sets also feature a gold rim, adding a touch of elegance to your table setting.

Eco-Friendly Options:

For environmentally conscious couples, Amazon offers eco-friendly disposable plate options made from bamboo, palm leaves, and biodegradable materials. These plates are not only stylish and elegant but also good for the planet!

Customisable Options:

If you want to add a personal touch to your wedding, consider customisable disposable plates from Etsy. You can choose from a variety of designs, colours, and patterns to match your wedding theme.

With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect disposable plates for your dream wedding on Amazon or Etsy!

Frequently asked questions