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I am not talking about paper plates, I mean the "nice" disposable plastic plates. My venue is going to charge $500 for our glasses, plates, and the cutlery but they are willing to let us bring in our own disposable. Do you think it's worth it?
I don't think it's a good idea... Think carefully about how much you will actually save using disposable. Also- it depends on what type of dinner you are having. I would say it might be better for a buffet style than sit down. If waiters are serving the food I would say definitely spring for real dishes.
I think this is totally fine for outdoor receptions or intimate bbq weddings, etc. but if you are talking an indoor venue I personally wouldn't cut costs by way of the plate settings or flatware. I'd try to do more simple centerpieces or cut back on something that people won't notice or miss quite so much. Even though it shouldn't be a big deal and in the grand scheme of things plates are so unimportant, I just feel like the guests would remember the disposable plates and it may take away from other beautiful details that deserve to be recognized.
I think it depends on how casual the wedding is. If it's a casual wedding and you really don't care about the plates, go for it and spend the 500 elsewhere. But if it's something you think you'll regret, then go for the nicer ones.
I don't think it will be a good idea either. As a guest, the one thing I would remember from your wedding is the disposable plates.
I say pay the $500
I see what you're saying...
We will have a buffet, and it will save us a few hundred dollars, which is significant to us. We're trying to save every penny we can because we're both students. We can afford this, it's just that any extra padding we can put back is nice. I think I am going to ask my coordinator for some pictures because she mentioned other brides from this venue had done this very thing and she did have pics. I don't want it to look cheap, but I am wondering how much of the dinnerware my guests will actually remember!
http://wholesalepartyplates.com/store/product/2495/Masterpiece-10in-Plastic-dinner-plate---Gold/
Here are the plates in question. I don't think they look too tacky, but then again...I just can't seem to decide.
I really think it depends on what type of reception you are having. We had an outdoor one with just appetizers so disposable plates and what not worked out really well. But like the others said if it is indoor and you are having a dinner it might be better to have sturdier items. $500 isn't that bad, when i was looking at renting things for my wedding it was going to be like $700-800!
ETA: I just saw your other replies and if it is buffet style then I say go for it!
I was at a wedding with disposable plates and utensils that were in plastic with salt, pepper, and a napkin (like from a take-out)......I will never forget it because I was just shocked. This was an indoor wedding and so even less appropriate to use disposable. I know it might seem silly, but I personally would not pick disposable over real to save money because as 2010bride2be said, guests will remember and it does affect the overall ambiance.
Is there an option to cut out pieces of dishware/flatware to reduce the cost? (I don't know the exact place setting they use and whether it's a couple forks, or five)
Wow, I am DEFINITELY not talking about getting packages of white or clear plastic silverware! I can understand how that would look cheap. They use two forks...
Thanks for all of your input, I am emailing my WC now to see about those pictures...
I am also on a very tight budget and have considered highend disposable items; however, I am also trying to have an environmentally friendly wedding too. I haven't set up with a caterer yet, but depending on what they quote me, I may just try to hit up Walmart, Target, Pier 1, etc, for the table settings. Something else that will need to be factored in is the setup. I can just sell the settings after the wedding.
Even if you serve the least expensive food possible, it will tast better on nonplastic settings.
I think that if you are questioning yourself about it now, you probably know the answer to your own question.
I just posted this elsewhere, but it applies here too!
This is where I am getting my plates from-
http://wholesalepartyplates.com/store/
I NEED (Need, hear me world!) white square plates with a passion. To rent them- heartattack land! Oy vey! This place has 120 10.75" dinner plates for $95 bucks! 120 dessert plates for $35! Sooo super awesome! They are "disposables" for catering comapnies, but they are made out of thick plastic, so can simply be washed and resued (so for those of us on tiny budgets- washed and resold!). They have tons of plate options (as well as other things!) outside of my beautiful square plates. Explore the site and I hope you are able to find something you love AND can afford!
Also, for silverware (if you don't have your yet) Sam's club sells their forks/spoons/knives in packs of 36 for $5-$8 a pack! Way cheaper then renting and while they are not the fanciest things ever, they are real metal and you can turn around and sell them to another bride in need.
I agree with a few other posters when they say it will affect your overall ambiance and will be remembered!
$500 dollars is really affordable for rentals - If you can afford it I would say go for the real plates and cutlery!
I personally would not use disposable at a wedding. I would try to take the 500 dollars from somewhere else if you can. I would find it really odd at a wedding unless it was very informal.
I was in a wedding where the bride's mother wanted to cut costs. Plastic plates, silverware, champagne glasses. it was.. different. I think you should splurge the $500. as someone else posted, try to cut costs where people won't really notice. wedding favors? centerpieces? flowers?
sorry :( but I'll always remember that plastic dinnerware.
Honestly, the plates you linked to look fine. Especially if you're going for a casual buffet thing. I like the plainer, square plates better, though (I'm all about clean lines). I've been debating the merits of disposable stuff vs. real stuff, and what has me finally convinced to use the real stuff is the money!
The disposable plates come to $0.83 per plate, and I can rent plates for $0.45 per plate! I was shocked, but the green speaks. If your place is renting them for a lot higher, go with the plastic or someone else. I don't think it's worth it, but obviously, I'm in the minority. 
Edited to correct math!
We used disposable plates, platstic champagne glasses, and silver plastic utensils at my wedding. It was an afternoon, casual, outdoor wedding though. I think that it depends on the setting. I have to agree that if it's an inside sit down dinner, definitely go for the real deal. I've been to a few indoor buffets that had plastic settings before, but never if it was a sit down.
Not all "disposible" plates are going to look tacky. And, honestly, do you really care what your guests are going to think? If they look good and it saves you money then that's a good thing.
Honestly, I would be overly offended if I invited someone to share in the special day and they judged the plates.
Indoor, sit down dinners require real plates. You can purchase your own real plates if they'll allow you to bring them in. You can likely find some fabulous deals on craigslist or at thrift stores or even ebay. Unless this is an intimate reception located outside, disposable plates are a big no-no.
I disagree with almost everyone here. I've never heard anyone at a wedding ever make any sort of comment about the plates. As long as they are clean and have food on them, I truly do not think anybody will care. Keep your $500 and spend it on something worthwhile.
I think the disposable plate in the photo looks good for a buffet. If you're having a fancy sit-down dinner, I might think twice. Also, I would be assured if your wedding coordinatory has mentioned that other couples have gone the same route.
Anyone who makes a negative comment about your plates has got issues of their own to work out!
Honestly, if what springs to my friends and families minds about my wedding is my use of plastic plates instead of the fact that they were a guest at my wedding and got to witness our marriage take place, I'd be pretty disappointed in THEM, not feel bad about myself.
I used the same ones rabbit posted and no one - not one soul - made a disparaging comment about my wedding. And honestly, I don't choose friends that would either way. Do what you can afford. A wedding is to have your loved ones watch your union then celebrate it with you, not to impress them with how much money you can spend.
I'm all for disposables! Renting dishes never even crossed my mind. Ha, I think that's the one and only decision I've been absolutely sure about!
We are renting because we don't think that plasticware will look and feel right with our wedding decor, etc. If you don't think they'll look out of place on your linens and with your centerpieces then I'd say okay.
Also keep in mind what you are serving. Will the food be too heavy for the plates to hold. It is very hard to carry your plate through a buffett line and to your table with real plates think about flimsy ones with a heavy piece of meat or liquid gravy.
Again, I tell you---PLEASE do NOT use disposable. It really does scream"tacky" (and cheap!)to me. Spring for the $500. In the grand scheme of things, its not even that much money. But seriously---your guests will remember your disposable plates....not a good thought.
@BAbride - I think I'd rather be known as tacky than shallow for judging someone based on what they served me food on. And $500 IS a lot to some people.
I don't know if it is an option but my caterer charged me 2.50 per person for plates, silverware and glassware. I was suprised how cheap my caterer offered them for.
So I paid $325 for 130 people to eat. My caterer was part of a university so I knew there costs would be a bit cheaper.
But if that is still not in your budget, as long as it's not cheap looking. It will be fine.
I think a lot of it could depend on what area you are in and what your guests are used to. Personally, I've never been to a wedding with real plates. But, I've also never been to one with a sit-down dinner. As a fellow budget bride, I understand your dilemma.
Do what you feel comfortable doing and spending. If you don't feel comfortable with it, don't do it! If you think you can do real china - great! If not, your wedding will still be beautiful and special!
mmm. I think that the disposable plates might be okay if you're doing a super casual bbq style dinner. Although in that case maybe you'd wanna go the more green thrift store route for some mismatched china (super cheap & awesome)?
I would not use plastic plates. I know everyone is on a budget, but your decor should match your wedding. If you cant afford to do a nice sit down then go with a more casual wedding. Plastic plates for a sit down dinner is just not appropriate. I see some people are saying its ok and people shouldnt judge you for your plates, but thats not really the point. Sure people shouldnt judge you, but im sorry it just doesnt look good. I mean plastic plates with metal silverwear is odd and if you use all plastic that is just horrible for a seated dinner.
I think you can pull it off if your wedding is a bit more casual. definitely do the calcuations for how much you are saving before you commit.
I also love the idea of doing mismatched china...
We're actually using compostable plates, cups, and napkins and wooden cutlery. It's thicker and sturdier than plastic, and looks really eco-chic. I've found that it can be cheaper going this route than using plastic anyways - I found my stuff at www.BranchHome.com. It's cooler looking than plastic AND your helping the environment!
I am surprised at how cheap and good looking those compostable bamboo plates look like!
The only thing I would be nervous about (as a guest) would be that the plastic or disposable plate would bend/give out while I was carrying my food back to the table (embarrassing and messy!) (You said you're having a buffet, right?)
Just a thought.
I've found some other compostable plates -- many of the websites have sample packs so you could always order one and see how the quality/color is. Some compostable plates look thin and ugly, while others seem really sturdy and rather nice (better looking than plastic). The ones listed below (besides the one listed above from ProudPeacockBride) seem like good bets.
http://www.verterra.com/dinnerware.php
A review I found of Verterra -- http://www.typeamom.net/verterra-biodegradable-dinnerware-review.html
If you live near an Ikea they have amazing prices on real dishes! i would deff check that out!
Of the weddings I have been to, I don't recall a single one that used real plates. No one was offended by it either, and they are the type who would definitely talk about what the hosts were doing that was wrong, and that has never once been an issue. The guests who are there to celebrate your marriage won't care about that type of thing. The plates you have picked out are just fine for your situation. However, if you must have real plates, check the dollar store and then donate them to a thrift store later if you don't want to keep them. For real silverware, the kitchen section at Walmart has a set of 6 utensils for $1. Sit down and price each option to see which is more economical before you decide.
My sister is using plastic plates at her indoor buffet style wedding reception. It meets the budget and although the plates are plastic...they are really sturdy, look nice, and go with her wedding decor. Also if she decides to keep them...she has the option of washing them and using them again...they are really THAT sturdy. She found a store that sold them so that she can go check them out...but she is actually ordering them online. At the end of the day...if the only thing guests remember about your wedding/reception is the plates and silverware....then you may have invited the wrong guests.
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