Caterer doesn't wash/reuse glasses?

Maybe they don't have the capability to wash onsite? I would still use the glassware. If your guests are like me, I hold my glass until I'm sure I can get another. Otherwise, just refill the one I have.

Probably means that they don't know what kind of washing facilities are in some places (3 sink, dishwasher, glass washer, ect) and would rather pack up their glasses after 1 use to wash back in their stuff.

Our location does offer a full kitchen- but the caterer said the same thing. They don't wash and reuse the glasses. We are having about 150 people so we ordered about 750 bar glasses.

From working in a restaurant- when we had an outside caterer at an event, we wouldn't wash their plates or cups because if the machine breaks it the venue would have to replace (which seems small but thats what we were told)

Yeah that's pretty normal as far as I know.

It all depends. Many venues don't have the space for us to wash. A few have dishwashers, most don't. We tend to order enough glassware to cover 3 glasses per guest at the bar. We don't go to plastic.

@ Tori - how much are they charging you per glass?

I'm guessing it's because they don't have full plumbing set up at the bars (which are most likely moveable) so they'd rather just go through their glasses than try and cart trays of glasses back and forth from the kitchen. I know our bar doesn't wash glasses but I honestly haven't asked them what they do with them. I agree with KD though, as a guest I'd be inclined to hold onto my glass.

Pretty normal.

When i worked in catering we never washed and reused during events due to time and cleaning regulations

That's normal. Think about all the venues where there is no ability to wash the glasses. I am getting married on a rooftop-no kitchen.

That was the normal at all 4 daughters weddings.

When I worked for a restaurant that catered, they would bring back all the dirty dishes from events to wash in their kitchen. Pretty normal.