What type of plates/utencils to use for an outdoor wedding with no caterer?!

Personally, I hate paper plates and plastic forks, so if it were me, I'd check a rental company for plates, utencils and napkins.

What types of foods are you planning to serve?

One thing to be mindful of, food prepared by non-professionals can be ify. Home stoves and ovens truly cannot do the same job that a commercial kitchen can. Also, the food needs to be transported properly and kept in the proper temperature zone, to avoid your guests getting sick.

Good question we are having the same type of reception I found this website: http://www.smartyhadaparty.com/Item8272-10.25_Majestic_Black_Plates.aspx

but I dont know if I want to pay that much for plates, but I also dont want just styrofoam, they have a lot more options so I like that they look pretty nice

Go with clear plastic plates and forks/spoons/knives. My friend who got married last year had her reception in a barn and it didn't look tacky at all. I'm doing clear plastic plates, forks, spoons, and knives because it will be cheap but not look tacky. If you decide to go the clear plastic route, check sams club and you can buy in bulk that way

I am assuming you are doing a buffett style then? You could really use any kind of plates, etc...that way you won't have to worry about anything blowing away (which would def be a concern if someone was going to be serving the food at the tables).

Check out this link, they have a lot to choose from and their prices are awesome! They also have cups...you can ge them personalized too

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&sp=true&Ntk=all&requestURI=viewEndecaCategory&tabId=1&Ne=90000&Ipp=16&N=388740+98&No=0

If you want "real" silverware check out your local dollar stores, forks, knives and spoons usually come in packs of 5-10 for $1! Then if people are cutting their food their forks, knives won't break like plastic does....and hey its more eco-friendly!

For a picnic type of reception, paper/plastic should be fine. However, if you want inexpensive "real" (stainless steel) silverware, here are some links:

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

Here is a link to some great plastic plates, they look like real ones.

http://www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Premium-Quality-Heavyweight-Plastic/dp/B000MJ7WYG

They are kind of expensive on Amazon but if you have a costco near you they are about $10-12 cheaper. I went to a fashion show where they used them and when I came across them at Costco I got them for my shower. They also have silverware that is plastic but looks real, also about $10-12 cheaper at costco.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JHGQKW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000MJ7WYG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BMWNPSMVZEFX66PTZMG

I agree with, Kathy about the food issue... Rented items are fine, just keep in mind that the rental companies want the materials renturned rinsed and free from food; which will mean you'll have to have people available to get them rinsed and prepared to be returned.

If you have any preteens or teenagers available in either one of your families, see if they could help out with picking up plates, and the clean up. Most will do it for free You can even have them wear their own cloths and just coordinate a uniform look for them, for example, white top, black bottom.

If you choose paper plates, www.smartyhadaparty.com, and www.partycity.com, have really nice selections and great prices.

Congratulations!!!!!

Go to orientaltrading.com or efavormart.com

they both do a lot in terms of table decoration, favors, and plates.

you get great prices and good products. Paper and plastic is fine. Party City is also good, but they will be more expensive.

Good luck!

Lise'

www.mybelovedwedandart.com

www.allenspatzphotography.com

www.partyplanningbyjaz.info

Have you considered using bamboo plates? I was at an outdoor bbq wedding that had bamboo plates which are disposable, and compostable, and they looked nicer than a paper plate but were just as easy as paper. The other bonus is that they break down better than the paper ones. You can get Bamboo cutlery as well.

These are what we're using. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=164873

When my mom hosts people, she always uses these great plastic plates from costco...they look completely real. you could look there!

Thank you everyone!! phew i feel much better now with the ideas you all gave me!