Real plates vs plastic?

jdcoker1

It's become a huge debate with my parents that we are considering nice plasticwear for plates, forks, glasses,etc.  We are very happy with caterer and got the exact food and cheap price we wanted, however, they don't do plates, etc and suggest we rent them or buy plasticwear.  I contacted local rental company and it is a huge logistical problem to rent and worse return that night clean.  I don't want to wash dishes in my dress or have any of my guests doing this.  I know that real is better, I like nice things, but this is crazy.  Anyone had experience with this issue or advice?  Thanks!!

jessicabessica

Can you see if you can pay the caterer a bit more to have the catering staff clean the rentals?  Can you hire students to take care of clean up?  You can also post for ideas on your local board--I have heard of rental companies where you return dishes dirty, just with the food scraped off.  It's fine to have disposable stuff, but it doesn't go with a more formal event. 

Peavy

If you are having a more casual wedding, then I think that nice plastic ware is fine.  However, if you are going for an elegant feel, plastic isn't going to provide that.

See if you can find/hire someone to clean up the rental dishes which don't have to be returned until the next day or even two days if the rental company will agree to that.

TheVirginians

Use real plates for the entree and plastic for the cake/desert. You can buy glass plates for $1.00 at an online dollar store.

QueerFemme

Ikea has cheap plates (about .75 cents a piece, but they are smaller than standard plates).  Or the dollar store.   If you go plastic, just buy the good ones. Smartyhadaparty.com has nicer plastic ones and like-real forks.

but I agree with previous posters... it depends on what type of food you are serving.

[Deleted User]

I went to a wedding a few yrs ago and they had plastic plates, silverware & cups. NOT a good look. It was a joke. 

Like PPs said, if you are having a low-key affair, it may work. But say NO to plastic for a formal affair... 

skwasniak

There are lots of great options:

There are plastic utensils that look like real silverware.  Google them.

Depending on the look of your wedding, you can  get some cute bright colored plastic plates.  Or, if you hurry, you can catch sales on all the cute summer picnic/outdoor eating items at target.

If the wedding is not huge, why not ask everyone to bring a dinner plate (or two to your shower), they can get something vintage, something of their own, anything.  Everlyone has one or two cute dishes that they don't have the match to.  I'm competitive and I'd be on Ebay looking for the cutest dish!  Mix and match could be great depending on the style of your wedding.

Or, pick out some cheap everyday dishes from Target or Walmart and ask your shower attendees to buy these.  

Have plenty of dishpans on hand to stack them in after the wedding.  Have whoever is taking care of your gifits to take the plates in the tubs and use the hose in the dishpans to let them soak overnight.

Hope that helps.  I'd make it a fun activity for everyone!  BYO Plate (and leave for the bride & groom?)

Maggie0829

Plasticwear does not bother me, especailly if it fits within the feel of your wedding (a casual BBQ affair).  The only real issue I have with plastic cutlery is when it is suppose to be used to cut large portions of meats (such as pork, chicken, steak).  Between the fork and knife I always expect one to break because they are just not strong enough.

Alex3Mom

I can't speak for your caterer or rental company, but I can share my experience.  I also rented my china, glasses and flatware.  The rental company delivered everything to the B&B where I was married.  After dinner, the caterer put the dirty dishes in a container supplied by the rental company which in turn picked up the dirty dishes the following day.  No one washed anything.  My caterer actually preferred this.  Originally I was going to use the B&B's dishes and then he would actually have had to wash the dishes.  This would have been more time and labor for his staff and ultimately probably more expense to me. 

lilfaeriebrat

My mom and I have had this same discussion but in reverse. I wanted the nice china and she says use plastic wear. I was firm on the china if we had a traditional meal but now we're looking at something different and out of the box so she might win and get the cheaper plastic stuff. We're still arguing about cloth table covers verus the plastic or paper ones she can buy at the party supply store.

petunia1286

I think you should Google the real-looking plastic wear.  I went to a backyard wedding where we sat under a tent.  I thought the plates and silverware were real until I picked them up.  I think they're great.  If my place wasn't providing china, etc. I would totally go for this option.