Linens vs. Plastic

MeganH2010

So I was actually planning on using plastic table cloths and skirts to save money. (I honestly haven't even priced out linens) Anyway while over at my FMIL's house tonight, she commented on another brides photos about how "cheap" their wedding must have been because they were using plastic instead of linens. I guess I assumed she knew what my plans were, and I didn't say anything. Now i'm feeling like our reception will be lame with plastic instead of linens. We are doing a buffet style meal, and I was going to use "nicer" plastic plates/silveware/cups. Our wedding reception is located in a barn at a Nature Center. What do you all think? Is plastic really that lame???

vgmartinez

No, it's not lame at all.I priced linen table covers at about $7 per table while you can get rolls of plastic for the tables for about $10-$15 and each roll will cover several tables. It will still look very elegant. You can find plastic table coves in any color and coordinate with plastic plates and silverware. I will definitely be using plastic table covers and dinnerware.

ExpatPumpkin

I think it's relative to the overall formality of your reception. Personally, plastic/paperware is NMS, but I wouldn't think it out of place at an informal reception. If you're having a very formal event, I could see where it would look cheap.

hollieheidi

The one thing I realized is that I will probably go with the linen-like instead of plastic because I was going to use table runners and they would look out of place having a satin/organza/linen table runner on a plastic table cloth. We have to use all disposable stuff becuase our venue doesn't have a kitchen...you can get the more upscale disposable stuff that looks really nice and is still budget friendly.

MeganH2010

I guess that's the problem - i'm not sure how formal I want to make this. With the reception being in a barn, it is easier to make it less formal looking. Plus, we have a very limited time at the end of the night to clean up, so I thought plastic would be easier as well. I have found one linen place in my area that other knotties have recommended. I think i'll price them out, and the plastic as well.

hollieheidi

www.mypapershop.com www.webstaurantstore.com  

mbcdefg

I don't think that plastic tablecloths are automatically "trashy" ... but if you can afford basic linens, I think they just look a bit classier than plastic tablecloths. If it were me, I would take a look at the budget and see if there's anything I could scrap or downgrade that wouldn't be missed - nix the favors, scale down the centerpieces, borrow your shoes and accessories instead of buying new ones, etc. Is your budget stretched to the max, or do you think there's a few things you could adjust to be able to afford linens? Think about stuff you wouldn't notice as a wedding guest (the brand of the bride's shoes or veil, how big their limo was, etc.) and decide from there. Price out linen rental and see how much it is. Also look into buying tablecloths from a discount store, or purchasing inexpensive fabric and making your own tablecloths - either sew them yourselves or use iron-on hem tape or something. In the end, though, you gotta do what you gotta do. I would never judge a couple for having plastic tablecloths if it was clear that they were on a tight budget ... but in all honesty, if I saw a lot of unnecessary "extras" at a wedding that could've been scrapped in order to afford real linens, I would find it really strange.

aerinpegadrak

I think that the super cheap plastic cloths would be out of place at even a very informal wedding.Why not just buy some nice looking fabric in bulk and DIY some tablecloths?  You don't even have to sew, you can just trim the edges with pinking shears so they won't fray and will look finished.  That might even end up being cheaper than the plastics, especially because you could probably resell them on Craigslist or the Trash to Treasure board after the wedding and recoup some of your expense.

eas2730

Hi. I like some of the ideas other people have had. Definitely price out linen rentals and perhaps bulk fabrics as well.You could also maybe go for a bistro look and use brown paper. Then maybe run some ribbon or wrapping paper in your colors down the center like a runner.Good luck.

MeganH2010

Thanks so much! I've liked so many of your ideas. I am checking on the "linen-like" table cloths and definitely will keep in mind not to go with "cheap" plastic, but at the very least do the vinyl type. I'm also checking on linens I really liked the idea of the brown paper for the bistro look too!

MeaghanandMichael

I would do bare tables before plastic cloths.Also, why not do an eclectic look of borrowing linens from friends and family? Of course they won't match but if you keep them in your wedding color family it really look wonderful when tied together with the right centerpiece.I just wouldn't cheap out on something as obvious as this. Get creative! Good luck!

aerinpegadrak

Oo, I like the way you think, Meaghan.  Especially if you're working with a common color, like white or blue.

mbcdefg

I once read about a bride using new, flat bedsheets from IKEA as table linens.

MeganH2010

Good Idea! I do like the idea of bulk fabric, and ikea linens actually. I don't know what their linens cost, but they can't be much. I have an ikea like 30 min away. You guys have no idea how much you've made me feel better, and get even more ideas that I hadn't thought of! Thanks a ton!

hollieheidi

www.mypapershop.com will send you swatches of the linen-like tablecloths Maybe you can get a feel for what they "feel" like and the colors available.