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Paper Plates???? Is it really bad....

amymelissa2002amymelissa2002
10 Comments
in Wedding Reception Forum
So I am curious, is it "bad form" to have plastic plates at our recepetion? We are having a buffet and do not plan on setting the tables. I am trying to figure ways to cut costs and it will probably cost $3 pp to rent everything. It will not be a formal affair, but definately not a "backyard BBQ" either.  I know that there is  some really "nice" placeware out there...but I am just not sure if it will be tacky. Thanks in advance ladies!
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Re: Paper Plates???? Is it really bad....

  • mbcdefgmbcdefg member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    As long as it's sturdy (as in, the plates don't tear when you try to cut a piece of food), I think it'd be fine with a casual wedding. I would also look into other ways to get real plates, if you really want them. See if buying them through IKEA or a wholesale restaurant supplier would be cheaper than renting them. Maybe work out a deal with a local Knottie to split the cost, or see if anyone would buy them from you after your wedding is over. Look on Craigslist and your local board to see if any former brides are selling theirs. You could also try calling local schools, community centers and churches, and see if they have real plates and silverware that they'd rent you for a small fee. Or you could scout out local thrift stores and yard sales for complete sets of china or dinnerware - you could buy one pattern per table and that might give your wedding a homey, vintage feel.
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  • pag41989pag41989 member
    1000 Comments
    Since your wedding isnt "formal" I see nothing wrong with it. I was planning on doing the same thing until I switched venues and found out the dinnerware comes with the food for free. :)
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  • ffmaidffmaid
    1000 Comments
    Not tacky but it is very very casual
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  • laureninglaurening
    100 Comments
    It's not tacky as long as the plasticware goes with the overall tone of the reception. It doesn't have to be quite as casual as a backyard BBQ, but plastic ware will seem odd if the reception isn't on the casual side. Also, the "nicer" plastic ware will be more expensive than the typical paper plate so make sure to do the math and see if it makes sense to rent the tableware or even to look around and buy real tableware on the cheap. If the savings isn't substantial, it may be worth cutting costs elsewhere.
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  • lindakeelindakee member
    First Comment
    people will eat and then the plates will be thrown away.. soo after dinner.. they wont even be seen! just get nice heavy duty plastic ones. I like the plastic ones that look glass! they even have small cake ones at the dollar tree! and glass looking serving platters!
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  • amymelissa2002amymelissa2002
    10 Comments
    Thank you everyone! I was feeling weird about it, but now I realize that it will be totally fine. The guest list is already unbalanced in my favor (me-74 people him- 10) and 90% of my guests are family. I think they will be fine :)
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  • jenn.danieljenn.daniel
    2500 Comments
    I've seen some very nice plastic plates. go for it!
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  • aerinpegadrakaerinpegadrak member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    Costco and Sam's Club have some amazing plastic silverware and china.  FI's aunt served Christmas dinner on them, no one realized they were plastic until they went to use them, and everyone was commenting on how cool it was that plastic could look so nice.  Plus, it makes clean up really easy.
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  • LasairionaLasairiona member
    500 Comments
    As long as the plates are sturdy (Chinet brand for example), there shouldn't be a problem. Think back to the last 5 weddings you attended and ask yourself if you remember what you ate off of.
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  • hollieheidihollieheidi member
    Seventh Anniversary 100 Comments
    We HAVE to use the plastic plates because our venue does not have a kitchen so everything has to be disposable.Although we are using plastic it's the higher end stuff.  Check out  http://www.divinedisposables.com (on FI computer, not sure why it isn't clicky) for ideas on how to make the plastic look more formal.  
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  • amymelissa2002amymelissa2002
    10 Comments
    Thanks ladies, I did a lot of searcing and it is only a tiny bit more to rent the serviceware. Especially when you consider people may use more than one plate..     Love Love Love the website btw www.divinedisposables.com
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