Disposable plates

I personally wouldn't use disposable plates at a wedding regardless of cost. Do plates not come with your catering package?

I would not do disposable plates at a wedding unless it were outside with a tent and a buffet or a food truck and more casual. It makes things look cheaper. Catering for me included plates and silverware and linens and napkins and everything needed.

No they don't, both the caterer and the DOC recommended buying heavy acrylic (I think) plates because they're easy to clean up.

It's pretty casual, buffet style fajitas, I was gonna roll the silverware in napkins just for easier transport to tables and a cleaner look. But it's these small details of wedding planning that are tripping me up. The stuff I don't notice when I go to wedding.

I've seen the "nice" looking clear plastic plates at Sam's Club. The 9 inch ones are $11 for 50.

I am doing the heavier plastic plates from Sam's club. Plastic cups even! My venue is my aunt's house and there is no way anyone's going to wash dishes in her kitchen all night. I'd have to hire a separate dish washer! Definitely go with disposable (but you can have trash and recycle bins) if your wedding is not like a banquet but an outdoor or otherwise more laid back event and you don't have access to a commercial kitchen. Our catering is a drop off pick-up buffet. Nothing is included but the food and the set up for it. We are hiring people to serve and switch out the trays separately too.

Jaci, I looked at the site, also. I may actually purchase our stuff there! I was hoping to find some 'nice plastic' (seems to be a total oxymoron...) because our dinner will be super casual, but hadn't found anything I liked in any stores around here. This may be the answer! Thanks for sharing!

I'm doing disposable because I did not want to have to pay for real ones. I don't see anything wrong with it, we're having a casual barn wedding, and it's going to save us a ton of money. In 10 years, one is going to care, let alone remember what kind of plates you used. That being said, I have heard from a lot of people that buying this sort of thing can end up being cheaper than renting.

I'm using disposable plates. The nice clear ones. My caterer is providing plates, napkin, silverware for $2 per person.

OMG I love the stuff from smartyhadaparty.com! Plus it makes for easier clean up!

We are renting glass plates (already paid for) if I had heard of that website before hand I would have really considered them!

If it's a casual event I see nothing wrong with disposable. I went to a friend's wedding and it was in their parents backyard in the middle of the woods with a huge pond and it was beautiful. They had a licensed caterer do a hog roast and we all hung out in a tent outside with a huge bathtub size bucket of beers. It was casual and laid back and I thought nothing of the disposables.

@laine but it made it look cheap right?

I'm doing heavy duty disposables from webstaurant.com. They're white with gold trim. And you get like 150 for $46. I love them. They look real until you pick them up.

ETA: I've never been to a wedding with China or dishes. It was always nice heavy disposables. NEVER once did I hear someone say "omg these aren't real! How dare she?!" Guests don't care about plates as much as the quality of the food on the plate!

@kbb I think at a casual venue it doesn't look out of place at all! I would think disposable plates at an elegant meal would seem a bit more out of place than actual ceramic plates yes. It all depends on what venue and style you are going for. I personally don't want to do disposables at my wedding (especially since the dishes are already included with my catering) but if I chose to, those nice clear ones you are using are a great option! They are great for serving bite size appetizers as well without needing to wash hundred of plates! Like this chocolate mousse picture. They make some good quality stuff now a days lol! I think bite size appetizers are super cute and fun and those clear disposables are perfect for them, too!

I remember one time someone used superrrrr realistic flatware that they thought would be heavy like metal when they picked it up and they couldn't believe they weren't actual silverware but plastic! Everyone was pretty amazed lol.

Just echoing that Smarty had a party is EVERYTHING

Webstaurant has great stuff! Thanks @FutureMrs.Dyson!

I think as long as it's the clear or China like plastic it does not look cheap. Lol I just recently went to a wedding that had Styrofoam plates. Honestly if someone is snarky about the friggen plate the have deeper issues at hand.

I was going to go with a heavy duty plastic and decided to get a palm leaf plate. They are very durable and fit in well with our wedding decor.

I am using disposable plates. Our reception is outside and cocktail style. Our caterer suggested it heavy acrylic. Thanks for the link Jaci! We can purchase through our caterer but only have one choice.... I would like to see what else is available.