Chargers for Buffet style?

We are doing a buffet, but skipping the chargers. Seemed a little pointless to me and also, we can save a little money from not having them.

I think it really just depends on what you like. I have an obsession with chargers, so I'll probably use them even if we do a buffet. But I think tables without them can look simple yet elegant. The only negative I've seen with chargers at a buffet was several guests (at a friend's wedding) I guess weren't familiar with chargers??? So they picked them up to bring to the buffet line...until I quietly explained they weren't actually plates. I think that was a unique instance since most the guests were younger and maybe weren't setting tables yet? I'm probably going to end up buying chargers. I've noticed renting is between $4-$10 per charger and buying can be closer to $2 with Walmart, Amazon or Dollar Tree.

In lament's terms, it's basically the plate that goes under the plate that you eat on lol I always thought it was for aesthetic purposes, but I wonder if there's a practical reasoning for them.

Edit: Sorry, meant to reply to Heather's comment asking about what a charger is!

I believe they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. In addition, the charger can prevent spills/food mess from landing on the tablecloth and they help retain heat keeping your food hot longer.

They are just an added expense that I think is a waste. Your guests will (hopefully) only be sitting at their seats for an hour or so, and then up having fun. No one will remember the chargers, and honestly if you get the nice ones they cost a pretty penny. I know they are a focal point for some tables, but I just thought to myself "Will this add to or take away from the elegance of my centerpieces?"

We're having a buffet, and we're not having chargers. I think they are mainly just for looks, so you really don't need them.

We are not using them for our buffet either. Seems like a waste of money.

Chargers carry other plates the same way that a charger(horse) carries a rider.

No one needs chargers. Some people use them because they think the look is more formal. It may be if you are using glass or silver chargers, but I don't think the acrylic chargers most people use, add to the level of formality. They are simply a decor item.

The one thing that stands out to me in the pic posted above, is that the table is way too crowded- 10 people where they should be 8. When you can barely fit a fork between place settings, there will be absolutely no elbow room for the guests.

Nope you don't need them with buffet

We are doing a buffet but I am still doing chargers simply for decorative purposes so the tables don't look empty. I think it's all personal preference.