Paper plates at reception?

Not sure on your budget but another option is bamboo/leaf plates. They're compostable but still disposable, and depending on the brand they can look really nice.

I got these from sams over the weekend. They are thick plastic with a silver ring. The silverware is plastic too. They were around $13.00 each

I don't know.... Anytime I see plastic at a wedding I cringeeee. The only time I see it being acceptable is at a bbq wedding or something.. And even then.. Just imagine people trying to cut on a paper plate or with a plastic fork/knife

I was going to go the plastic route due to finances, but it wound up being just as effective to go the rental route. If you still want to go plastic, smartyhadaparty seems to have the most options for the best price. I do think plastic can look nice, but I'm happy I decided to go the rental route. Have you thought about maybe square plates instead of round to get in the unique factor? You could get those from the rental place. Also, I love the mismatched thrift store china everyone is talking about, I haven't seen it in person yet, but it seems like a cute idea. If you decide to go that route, check out flea markets, they always have a ton of random china for super cheap. Good luck!

As long as there is food and a drink for me.... I don't care what I'm eating off of.. I actually couldn't tell you what the plate or glass looked like from the last few years of weddings I've been to..... And to be honest, j just didn't care lol

Good to know @LelaD

I just talked to our caterer tonight and we decided clear plastic plates for appetizers and desserts but real China for dinner.

They make a clear plastic plate that somewhat mimics glass. But if your meal is formal I'd just do plain white/nuetral china because the plastic will look awkward

My caterer (for BBQ) provides disposable plates that are hard plastic and look nice, disposable silver utensils, and clear see through glasses. I am happily going with that.

Disposables seem like such a waste and bad for the environment. The bamboo compostable or sugar cane compostable are better alternatives. I'd go with the rental china. Real china and glassware always add such a nice touch to a reception.

If you're doing a venue wedding (as opposed to a tented outdoor wedding), I'd go with china, not plastic/paper. I use china for holiday meals, and a wedding is far more important than a holiday meal.

Sams club has some plastic clear ones with nice designs on them

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I also spent 2 days trying to find mismatched vintage plates/china for reception buffet for 80. I am looking at $2.25/piece for mismatched vintage plates at local rentals! So, now I cringe at the thought of not using china, but it is an outdoor reception under a tent--so they can talk all they want--the food will be excellent.

Unless it was super heavy duty foodservice quality from Costco, I would be highly concerned that paper or cheap acrylic plates are not sturdy enough for a full plate of food. They work great for cake which doesn't weigh anything once it's sliced.