Paper and Plastic dinnerware for an outdoor reception?

Paper/plastic plates are really not appropriate for a wedding, unless you're having something extremely informal.

I would be scared they would blow away if they were on the tables outside...

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I think they are commonly used for outdoor receptions...I'm looking for advice, not criticism.

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I was worried about that too

View Quoted Comment That wasn't her question.

I wouldn’t leave them set out as place settings like you would with “real” dishes, to me that seems like it would look odd. And I think plastic dishes/utensils is fine. Personally Idgaf about stuff like that. As long as the food is good.

Plastic plates

They make plates that look very nice and real. I just went to a wedding show with gorgeous set ups using plastic dinnerware

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Ok, that wasn't her question. But I have seen this done for buffet/outdoor receptions. It wasn't set up as at the table, though, they were just stacked like most buffet plates would be. I think they would definitely blow away. Costco and Sams Club has some decent plastic dinnerware with gold on them. I think I would stray away from paper, though.

For your advice, even though we had real plates, it is common with a buffet to have the plates with the buffet, not at individual tables. But silverware and glasses are normally set out at individual place settings (but also assumes someone comes to fill up the water or coffee glass). If drinks are self serve as well, then cups should be with the drinks.

Do keep in mind though that unless they are super heavy/sturdy plates, disposable plates are likely to blow away, which is why people say real plates should really be considered. And if your reception is entirely outdoors too, make sure you are cover and some sort of temperature control (fans, heat, etc.) as needed. It's not that outdoor receptions or paper plates are bad at all per se, but it's the other things that make guest comfort (climate control, protection from rain, bugs, and wind).

Many companies that cater will bring in real plates and take the dirty plates/glasses with them to wash elsewhere after the event.

I'm doing the same(paper and plastic) and were having the tables set prior to eating.
Here's a mock, were also adding gold charger plates underneath to break up the white 😁

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I'm not criticizing you, I'm simply telling you how most people feel about seeing that at a wedding. You're posting on a public forum, you cannot control the responses you receive.

And it's not at all common to use them for outdoor weddings. I've been to plenty of outdoor weddings and they all used real dishes, glasses, and flatware.

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Same. I'll eat on plastic all night long as long as the food is good. Peoples plates get taken/thrown out anyhow.

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That's pretty!

Are you going to have a plated dinner or buffet? If you're doing buffet style I would maybe just look into have all the plates and utensils at the beginning of the buffet line?

To the haters I'm totally having plastic dinnerware. If someone drops it I'm not responsible and I'm saving almost $300 by not doing real.

You can rent regular silverware for really cheap and it is much nicer visually as well as better environmentally

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I understand, but there is no way to clean them afterwards. I am getting married in a very rural location near a river. I am very well aware that I can not control other peoples comments on a public forum, but I asked for people to respond nicely with advice. If I could I would love to have normal dinnerware, but I can't.

I would set the table as usual. Having to carry your cutlery is a nuisance. It also leaves your tables looking rather sparse and empty. There are lots of examples online for place settings without the plate, for buffet weddings.

no plate

An alternative to paper and plastic would be eco friendly plates ( palm leaf and bamboo)

and wooden cutlery.

wooden cutlery

bamboo

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Oh that is a very good idea and very pretty! Thank you!

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If people do have to pick up their cutlery at the buffet, it should be at the end of the buffet. It is much easier to serve yourself, if you are not also carrying your cutlery the length of the buffet.

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I think I am going to have a buffet style meal!