Paper plates vs. china

Humm, I think it all depends on your your budget. If you can afford to have china go with it, IMO it's just nicer than paper plates and it looks more elegant. Also, only you can decide how the overall look of your wedding will be so if want it go for it.

Yeah go with what you can afford. Personally I think paper plates for weddings are tacky, IF it's not an outdoor relaxed themed wedding. If your vision is a more elegant wedding then do china.

I'm having an outside beach wedding with the reception at our hotels courtyard. I have been having the same issue. I personally dont care, but I dont want to look too cheap! Anyways what I have decided to do is purchase silver charger plates for each place setting (I can sell them after the wedding). I found them at Walmart (christmas season) for only 99 cents each. Sooooo the place settings will have the nice charger plate, and since we are doing a bbq buffet they will get there paper/plastic/not sure which one yet and just place it on the charger plate and eat. My opinion (and Im a pretty laid back bride lol) is that they will have that plate in front of them for about 15-20 minutes while they eat, thats it....my tables will look nice, and all decked out and I have saved the expense of real dinnerware. I imagine alot of people will disagree with me....but thats my thought Good luck with whatever you choose

What are you serving? If it is something a little more formal or upscale and you can afford it go with the china. If it's something a little more low-key-bbq or such, then go with the paper. We are having china just because our venue (being a garden) is very environmentally conscious and does not allow disposable dinner wear. We have to have china and glasses (they do make an exception for the bar service as they don't want that much glass carried as it is a liability issue)

I'd take a look at the disposable plated they have and if they look as cheap then go with the china if u can afford it! if everything else in your wedding is going to be elegant and fancy or whatever, dont do the disposable plates it just wont look right.

I'd doing appetizers on my Friday wedding and using disposables, but for Saturday, we'll probably rent the plates which is luckily $1.50 per guest.

I left out some important info - we are having pretty typical wedding buffet food. No set decisions, but probably roast beef au jus and stuffed chicken breast. That to me is fancy enough to justify china. Decor is flowers, lace, and ceramic skulls - believe me, it works! I think I'm looking for justification to my fiance for the china. We are paying for this ourselves, and only want to pay $6500 for the wedding. I would prefer a fantastic 2 week honeymoon with the saved money. Thank you ladies for all your advice. I will ask the hall to show me the plates. If they can pass for real plates from afar, I may go with them. But then again...

It's whatever fits into your budget. Honestly, who is going to remember the plates/silverware at your wedding? I only remember the plates from the last wedding I went to because M & I are using the same rental company our friends used lol. Other than that I can't recall what any of the dishes looked like from other weddings.

What about plastic -- can look nicer than paper and be cheaper than china?

I was thinking plastic, as well. They make some nice glasses that look real and are plastic...that might be the way to go.

China!!! Yes, people will remember paper plates...especially since you mentioned it being an indoor wedding. If you go with disposable, I'd try and look for those plastic acrylic faux china ones that are nice. Costco has em!

Samantha - I think I'm in love with that website. Thank you!!! I'm bringing up bamboo dinner plates to the fiance and he'll throw me in the psych ward. But they are really cool!

Well I would do styrofoam the heavy duty. not paper or chinette it gets wet. At that price you could buy dollar tree clear glass plates and wash them yourself and donate them to good will and have the tax write off.

Since you are serving traditional and possibly messy food, I would rent the china, etc. No styrofoam is going to hold up to that menu, imho. I would hate to have guests lose their food and get all messy. If you were having an outdoor BBQ, I would vote styrofoam, but not for an indoor wedding w/ this type of food.

They make excellent plastic. However, by the time you buy it, you will spend almost the same as renting the china.

The amount of money for the difference can't actually buy you a fabulous 2 week honeymoon. So, spring for the china.

We ordered the gold rimmed heavy plastic plates off who knows what site. They look a lot nicer than paper but wouldn't be near as pricy as china. It's a thought.

China for sure. People absolutely remember their dining experience, and china and silverware is an important part of that. It makes it feel special and I swear it makes the food taste better. To me, paper, plastic, or styrofoam would seem out of place at a wedding like the one you've described. And honestly, $450 is only going to buy you a two-week honeymoon if you spend it camping and you already have all your gear. Maybe you can talk them down on their dishwashing fee?

Western, PA! Where abouts?!

Let me clarify - I meant we're saving money across the board for a long honeymoon - 7k from the original budget is going to the honeymoon. No way would $500 pay for anything but possibly one plane ticket!

I'm leaning towards the china, and getting glasses made for favors. Kill two birds with one stone that way!

Amanda - We are getting married in Saltsburg, if you've ever heard of it! Near Greensburg.

Yep! I went to school at IUP. I live right outside if Pgh now.

I am on the same page as MJ.. any way you could buy some nicer plates at a dollar tree or even a thrift store and maybe even have the site wash them. Then you could either pay it forward, sell or donate them.

Just a thought.