Did anyone use or is anyone planning to use plastic plates, instead of china/glass at their reception?

I think its a wedding not a bbq/picnic. Splurge on the real stuff as opposed to the plastic. Just my opinion.

Tara..We actually looked into this via Party City and Smarty Had a Party. It was actually less expensive for us to rent ivory china trimmed in gold, the cutlery and glassware. Smarty Had a Party has lovely things, but it was really costly.

IMO the fancy stuff is a better fit for a wedding reception. I'm fortunate that my venue includes china in the cost. If your theme is laid back(backyard style) you can get away with it.

I am using plastic plates at my reception. We are having what we call an "I Do BBQ". I ordered a really thick durable plates from the webstaurant store online. They look real but are much more affordable. It was a no brainer for us. But do what you feel comfortable with!

Good quality plastic will cost you almost as much as renting china.

We are using heavy duty plastic. FH mom is a Costco shopper and found nice looking white plates trimmed in silver that look very nice.

Tara...I do wedding planning on the side and for the first time since I started wedding planning, I am working with a bride (she's actually getting married on Saturday) who is using plastic utensils and plates. I'm not sure how it will work, but I can definitely keep you posted after Saturday to let you know if I heard any opinions about it or not.

For the bride, this was actually much more cost effective than renting the china and flatware.

Hey Tara, it depends on where you are having your wedding...how you feel about the appearance of everything and how many people will be coming. Personally, between the FH and I, we have over 300 people coming...and that is just family...we tried to have a small wedding....wasn't happening! We are just too close to everyone...all that to say this...we are having a caterer, serving a buffet style dinner and yes we are using plastic plates and utensils...they will be clear not the white look. However, our bridal party will use utensils that look real, but they are actually fake, my mom found them at Kroger, I believe. So, the decision is really up to you...Our families are just so excited to see us that day...they could care less if they eat on plastic or real plates! Best wishes on your decision

I think it really depends on your venue. An outdoor/ backyard wedding would definately be an ok place for pp plates etc. But if your reception in in a ballroom setting, it might seem a bit off.

Kimberli, I will check that site out. Amber, we are having our reception at a theater w/ approx 100 - 120 guest. It's buffet style, so I think we can get away w/ it (still trying to sell the FH on it). I know exactly what utensils you are referring to b/c I had them at my engagement party and ppl put them in the sink b/c they thought they were real. Lastly, we would use the clear chinet (sp?) plates as well, which looks really nice.

We are doing a BBQ in a western setting park, so fancy china would be totally out of place. Guests are sitting on hay bales, picnic tables, blankets on the ground, wire cable tables, sorry but this is NOT venue for china. So it's plastic plates and utensils for us. About the only glass that we will have will be the glass bottles that the wine comes in.

We got plastic ivory plates with gold accent bands for our wedding. However, we were doing only heavy hors d'oeuvres, not a full meal (although we had enough food so people could make a full meal of it). We got them from The Webstaurant Store, which was less expensive than Smarty Had a Party for the exact same brand.

I notice that The Webstaurant Store now has an even less expensive option.

If you want real china plates, Bed Bath & Beyond always has the "Entertainer's Party Set" on sale after the holidays for $9.99 for a dozen plates. They are real porcelain, with either a gold or "platinum" (silver colored) band. The only downside of them is that they weigh a lot more than the plastic ones, so you'd have to figure out how to transport them to and from the reception.

No plastic, no plastic, no plastic....they'll talk about you for the next two years......

Kimberli, thank you so much!!!!! Just checked out the site and they basically had what I was looking for.

We also used real, but inexpensive, stainless steel flatware. Here are some links, although the prices may have gone up a bit since we bought them:

• Forks, $1.49 a dozen
• Knives, $3.11 a dozen
• Spoons, $0.99 a dozen

Oh wow! Thanks 2nd bride.

YAYYYY!! Thats great Tara, that site is awesome!

Amen LD.

We used plastic for our ceremony (buffet style) like the ones 2nd bride have pictured and I don't think anyone confused it with a BBQ or even noticed. And if they did and had something to say then hey, the next time they can give us the money to do real china. Dh and I were happy with it.

To each's on, one has a right to their own personal preference and I personally think there are factors and reasons why a person may opt for paper, plastic rather than fine china. #1 Budget, # Type of Reception & #3 type of foods that will be served. They have really nice plastic plates and plastic ware now that looks decent, but again to each's own. Tara I see nothing wrong with the plates you posted, Good luck with your planning ladies & congratulations.