Tacky???

ckgurly25

Ok here's the deal.. I am getting married in September and it's going to be no more than 25 people, immediate family only. It's going to be a pretty down to earth wedding. I found a caterer that we are most likely going to go through and we are probably doing a buffet. They include disposable plates, cups, silverware etc. BUT they do offer china for rental. Is it tacky to use disposable dinnerware? I want to rent the actual dinnerware but FI says that we would have to rent lots of extra's because if someone goes back up there, they won't want to empty out their plate in the trash to go back up for more. Advice needed!!

HaylaC

i think some disposable stuff now adays can look really professional,  so i'd have a look at them and if you like them go for it, it will be cheaper for you.  As for people wanting to throw their plate away and get a new one each time they go up (aside from different courses)  i dont see that would be an issue, ive never had that thought cross my mind at any buffet ive been to.

rknox88

I think nice disposable is fine. I would ask to look at what they offer.

I also believe though that most guests at a wedding know that if you have china there probably isn't going to be a lot of extra plates. When there is disposable people are more likely to go through them faster simply because they can.

ewurgler

Generally, I think it is tacky and not very eco-friendly.  Rent the real stuff.

kaesha

I'm with ewurgler.

kgrunow

I really don't think it matters. Do what you prefer. If you are on a budget then go with the included stuff, but if you would prefer the real stuff go for it. Nobody is going to remember your dishes.

RebeccaB88

I'd prefer the real stuff.  It's sturdier and more professional looking.

ivyrose13

Check out smartyhadaparty.com they have disposable plates that look like the real stuff, which to me is the best of both worlds.

doeie04

We are having a buffet style dinner, and we will be using disposable. It is a laid back event, so it isn't out of place.

SSaltzman87

I can see both sides to this. 

I do think that disposable tableware/silverware would be tacky for a wedding, so renting china for that small of a guest list shouldn't be that big of an expense. Craigslist might be a good place to look for table settings too. But, there is nice looking disposable tableware out there too. I guess you have to decide what's best.

markayla728

I am getting married the same time and I am using disposables. i got them from sam's during the holidays but costco still sells them. They look real they are white with a silver trim but I don't think it's tacky at all. i think it is more tacky to enlist people to help do the dishes so they are ready for the rental company to pick up.

neongreenbox

I have seen the plastic disposables that look just fine. I am having a similar problem for my wedding and am thinking about trying these as disposables - http://www.amazon.com/Bambu-11-Inch-Occasion-Veneerware-Package/dp/B000E8SVHW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1298786343&sr=1-2-spell

my caterer offers them or I can bring my own. I found that renting real china with my caterer costs even more because they need to have another person to help with the dishes (so you are paying for another worker on top of rental)

good luck!

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_food-cakes_tacky-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:23Discussion:0393bb33-ac40-4ca0-8cb7-f2ae79bb6b7dPost:07f7f9e9-7462-4953-b60f-231435966e68">Re: Tacky???</a>:
[QUOTE]i think some disposable stuff now adays can look really professional,  so i'd have a look at them and if you like them go for it, it will be cheaper for you.  As for people wanting to throw their plate away and get a new one each time they go up (aside from different courses)  <strong>i dont see that would be an issue, ive never had that thought cross my mind at any buffet ive been to.</strong>
Posted by HaylaC[/QUOTE]

<div>I think it's actually a hygienic issue.  Sometimes people will inadvertently touch the serving utensil to their plate when they serve themselves.  If it is their first time through the buffet, then it could just mix the foods a little, but if it's their second time through, they will transfer whatever ended up from their mouth (via their fork) on their plate into the serving trays.  
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Mrs.B6302007

Yes, it is a hygenic issue.  Caterers are required to provide extra plates for this reason and will intervene if they see someone going back to the buffet w/ their current plate.  OP - if you're going to use disposable, definitely include some extras for seconds.

Melissa603

I would say rent the real - it will look nicer and it is a little nicer to our environment 

sabatron

If it's crappy styrofoam or paper plates, yes, incredibly tacky.  If it's some stepped up Chinet brand crystal plastic, that's probably  fine.  Just make sure you buy enough for multiple trips to the buffet for hygenic/practical reasons.  Going with the real thing is preferable, though.  I'd check prices for Chinet versus renting real stuff.  

autumncallalilys

I would rent real. If it's only 25 people, it can't possibly be that expensive.