Plastic plates with real silverware?

Gerbertmcway

I'm considering using disposable plastic plates for dinner (some of the "nicer" ones that I've seen on sites like smartythrewaparty) but I was wondering if it would be strange to use real silverware with these. I'd be concerned about supplying plastic silverware, specifically knives, to eat things that need to be cut like chicken or beef.

Maggie0829

Yes I would find that weird. I find that the small cost of having real dinnerware adds a major impact to the overall feel of your wedding.

Jen4948

If you're concerned about using plastic silverware when you need real silverware to cut your entree, I'd go ahead and use china rather than disposable plastic plates, and look for another area where you can cut costs, assuming that's the motivation behind considering plastic plates.

lyndausvi

I would find it strange.

WildMagelet

Jen4948 said:

If you're concerned about using plastic silverware when you need real silverware to cut your entree, I'd go ahead and use china rather than disposable plastic plates, and look for another area where you can cut costs, assuming that's the motivation behind considering plastic plates.

Just as an FYI, some of the rental companies around here are similar in pricing to buying some of the products I had been eyeing on SHAP.  If cost is your only motivation I would make a few phonecalls first.

Gerbertmcway

Alright, after much more searching I have found decently priced rental plates, along with wholesale stainless steel flatware for less than the price of either rentals or plastic ware. Woo! Next question, glassware vs plastic cups. If I have a real water glass and wine glass at each place setting, would it be okay to have plastic cups provided at the bar for beer and cocktails? Besides the cost of decent plastic cups being half of what rentals would cost, I think it would be more practical given our venue. It's a barn, so essentially an empty room with no kitchen and limited space. Im thinking plastic cups would take up less space and make for easier cleanup (there would be no stacks of dirty glasses sitting behind the bar or anywhere else). We're also planning for a pretty DIY wedding so there would be limited catering staff to clear empty glasses from the tables.

WildMagelet

I think you'd be fine with the nicer disposable cups on SHAP for beer and cocktails.  The only all-glassware bars I've seen have been at the top shelf open bar weddings I've attended.  They're easy because you can order them by the case and not have to worry about cleaning, packing or running out of them.  Any that are leftover you can keep for future use or resell.