Real China vs. “high End” Plastic

I personally don't mind nicer plastic at cocktail hour & with dessert, since most cocktail hour food is on the go and on small plates anyway.

Our caterer included "fancy plastic" utensils and plates with the food order. We preferred to use china/real table service for the actual dinner, but since we were getting the "fancy plastic" anyway, we used those for the appetizers and desserts. I definitely don't think it's a big deal!

Fancy plastic sounds fine to me!

Our entire reception was cocktail party style and we used high end disposable plates and flatware. It was convenient and looked just fine. Not one guest turned up their noses.

Nicer plastic would totally be fine! its usually more finger food anyway. no one will complain

You should be just fine using plastic for cocktail hour.

I think it depends on where your cocktail hour is held and if you want everything to match. I've been to weddings where the cocktail hour was outside of the reception hall so we did not see the plates and other items for the dinner. On the other hand, I've also been to weddings where the cocktail hour was held in the reception hall and the bride wanted everything to match perfectly.

I think if your wedding is being held in a separate location away from the reception hall you should save some money and go with high-end plastic. However, if you are having it in the reception area, or if you are looking to match everything, rent more China plates. If you don't care if it matches, I'd say go with the high-end plastic to save some $$.

Personally, my FH and I are using high-end plastic plates and silverware for our wedding. Most of them are so nice, you can't tell they're fake until you touch them.

We are doing the Fancy Plastic for our guests. I have found some that look really good and it is very hard to tell if it is plastic or the real deal.

Fancy Plastic