Plastic at a wedding

IMO...I think plasticware is okay for a BBQ or morning/afternoon buffet reception but anything plated or in the evening (other than pizza or bbq) should be on rented plates and silverware.

View Quoted Comment Thank you. I will definitely have an evening wedding.

Dear Twinsiesmum,

I think that it depends on how guests are served/serving themselves. For example, we decided to do chef stations with a few things self-service, but most items (especially big-ticket food) to be served to each guest with a different attendant for each item. Because of this, we bought a sample of a plastic plate and a foldable cardboard box. The box was smaller/easier to hold, cheaper, and it held the same amount of food. We were able to get the perfect amount per serving, and adjust the size according to each item served. However, if you're looking to save money on a seated dinner, I think plastic plates do just great! Personally, walking with any kind of plate is not my favorite, but I think that they look great!

Thank you for your post and I'm excited to see what you chose in the end!

Aubrianna

I think it can be done tastefully, depending on the overall vibe of your wedding. We had an evening wedding, but it was more of a rustic, garden feel not a black tie ballroom event, and we used plastic plates. We rented real flatware (mostly not pictured because they were still setting up when the photos were snapped) and glassware for water service, but we used the plastic plates our caterer provided for free because it saved a significant amount of money that I could put towards things that I thought mattered more for the overall experience. I was personally really happy with how our tables turned out

View Quoted Comment I’m thinking of doing a buffet style dinner

View Quoted Comment Oh wow! We have the same wedding colors. I’m thinking of doing a buffet style wedding

Unless the plasticware is specifically disposed of in a separate bin to be taken to a recycling center, it will sit in a landfill forever. Renting has a minimal environmental footprint in comparison. Also, plasticware is better suited for extremely informal parties such as a birthday or bbq. You really don’t save money by purchasing because you are the one doing the labor of setup/tear down etc.


Most dishes and silverware can be rented locally much cheaper than purchasing and you don’t have to wash the dishes before they are returned. Just rinse them and go.

Im doing plastic ware from amazon that look like real fancy plates

View Quoted Comment Totally agree!

Sure, plastic can be used just to serve the purpose and they have some higher quality disposable plates now. But, despite that, my mind can’t help but notice it and think “Hmmm? disposable” because I only associate that with BBQs, birthday parties and other non-wedding level events.

If you're doing a buffet, just make sure they are good quality plastic, as people will be walking around with plates full of food in nice clothes, don't want any breakage!