Plastic Catering Supplies?

I think it should be fine. I went to a wedding that did paper and it was not a big deal : )

http://www.smartyhadaparty.com/Reflections-Flatware-Value-Set-i9258.aspx?gclid=CJbZ6sPy4bkCFabm7AodGnUACg

We just had something like this at I bridal shower I attended. They look great. It isn't until you pick it up that you realize they're plastic. If it's a laid back reception, I think it would totally work!

Those are fantastic! Trying to cut corners where I can but still have it look nice and those seem perfect

We are using plastic clear plates and glasses that look like crystal and plastic silverware that looks real. It so much more cost effective and you can get really good deals on Amazon or thu SAMs Club.

If you're not going super formal, I say go for it. If you're not asking them to be in cocktail dresses or gowns, who cares what they eat off of.

I went to a couple of weddings that use plastic and they were fine. The only time there was problems is when they were plastic serving spoons in a buffet... At the one wedding my brother broke 2 spoons in the mashed potatoes.

Jillian, I was wondering the same thing. Our reception is at an event house on the Outer Banks. If the weather is nice it will be on the pool deck and two upper decks. We are having basically appetizers for the length of the reception and are hoping that people will mingle instead of staying in one place. We thought plastic would just be more practical, as well as more cost effective, since everything has to be bought or rented. Our first thought was to use plastic plates with "real" flatware, but we are worried that our guests would assume everything is disposable and flatware would end up in the trash. I think we are leaning toward plastic plates and flatware, but real serving pieces.

That sounds like it would work really well especially with the feel of your wedding. Mine will be pretty similar, we are also buying/supplying everything for the bar. We decided plastic drinkware would be a good idea and a lot cheaper too! I'm sure you'll have great weather I live in SC.

We used plastic plates, but inexpensive stainless steel flatware to avoid the breakage problem. Some links:

* Forks, $1.82 a dozen, http://www.instawares.com/walco-7-1-4in-dominion.wal-7405dz.0.7.htm

* Knives, $3.59 a dozen, http://www.instawares.com/walco-dominion-dinner-knife.wal-7443dz.0.7.htm

* Spoons, $1.16 a dozen, http://www.instawares.com/walco-dominion-stainless-steel.wal-7401dz.0.7.htm

At those prices, buying and then reselling flatware ended up less expensive than buying Smarty Had a Party stuff and throwing it out.

Thank you, 2d Bride! I did not know that you could purchase stainless flatware for that reasonable a price. I will be looking into it.

I was really set on using real china for our heavy hors d'oeuvres reception, until I discovered the rental cost. It broke my heart but we will be dining on plastic!

I tried to look back and remember weddings I had been to in the past, and whether we had eaten on real china or not. I couldn't remember a single one. Hope that makes you feel better!

This makes me feel a lot better! Now to just figure out who will be cleaning up..

I think we used plastic. Honestly, the vendor took care of all of it, and for other wedding I've been to I don't remember if it was plastic or not either. For some reason I think the non-alcohol was in glass at one wedding. So, plastic sounds fine if it's sturdy enough for what you're serving.

I had a big struggle deciding on real vs. plastic. Renting the real items (glassware, dishes, and flatware) was barely more expensive than buying the plastic ware. The thing that made a huge different was the catering service fees. They charge more if they have to clean dishes than they do if they're just tossing things.

So I compromised and am renting real glassware, but bought plastic dishes and flatware. The bartender will be helping to clean and re-rack the glassware, so it made the catering service fee much cheaper.

I just couldn't get around drinking champagne from plastic cups. The plastic dishes and flatware look pretty good so I was fine with those.

You are not alone- I think we will be going the "fancy plastic" route as well

I never knew you could buy steel silverware so cheap!

The plates for our cocktail hour are plastic and people love them because there's a hole for your wine glass. I don't think anyone will mind plastic as long as they can eat and drink!