Linen tablecloths with plastic silverware?

Question

I am sure that the etiquette police are going to be after me on this one, but my grandmother has graciously offered to pay for my wedding and we are trying to keep costs down. The one thing that she would really like for us to have is linens, but we are unsure about renting all real china and silverware. Our wedding is going to be a light afternoon luncheon, with mostly hors dourves/finger foods tea sandwiches, and fruit.

Is there anyone out there who thinks that it is alright to have nice tablecloths along with sturdy plastic luncheon plates and plastic silverware? Or have a mix, like china plates and real silverware, but nice plastic cups and paper napkins?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I think those are all fine ideas.... :) Check out the oriental trading company....you may find glass champagne flutes for pretty cheap. PLus they have other plastic cup and such! Great place to find wedding items on a budget! Good luck!

Answer 2

I second Pspoptart's answer. It really isn't that much more to rent real china. They even wash it for you.

At any kind of indoor wedding, anything other than linens and real silverware just looks cheap, sorry to say. And disposable is horrible for the environment. Plastic glasses can leech chemicals into people's drinks. Nobody likes those tiny flimsy plastic wine glasses that hold almost no alcohol, and get knocked over with a fingertip.

Most venues that people use for weddings, such as hotels and halls, offer plates and silverware as part of the wedding package or room rental. I would find a place or a caterer that offers a good packaged deal.

I had my wedding at a hotel, and they provided the linens, silverware, wine glasses, plates, etc. Even the centrepieces (but I ended up using another type). It actually saves both time and money. Less worry, more to cross off the list as done.

I think considering that it is not much (if any) more money to get real plates and china, go with that. I think this is what your grandma would want.

Answer 3

Trust me, you and no one else will remember what they ate off of at your wedding. If the food and music is good, they really won't care what they are eating it with.
Spend your money on your home or your honeymnoon.
Mixing fancy and plain is a good way to save money and give an overall impression of high class. Its like having a 2 thousand dollar couch, you can totally spend 12 bucks a piece on toss pillows at homegoods and no one knows the difference!

Answer 4

i don't think there's anything wrong with disposables used with linen table clothes. you can find some nice plastic plates and check out these plastic forks/spoons/knives they look just like real silverware but they're plastic and a lot cheaper: http://www.discountofficeitems.com/refle…

Answer 5

Honestly, its not going to look great. Its going to look like plastic tableware on linen, no matter how sturdy or nice they look. Paper and plastic are sore on the eyes, and the environment. What a waste. Its better to rent, or find friends who are willing to loan out some of their stuff.

Answer 6

depends on how formal your wedding is. I would say get some nice plain real dishes and silverware. even if you can borrow some from family (it doesnt have to match, just as long as each table does I guess). if its not too formal then paper and plastic is fine, you can get it to match your wedding colors. I would definitely NOT mix real china with paper/plastic.

Answer 7

Hi.

I think that would be perfectly fine! Another girl asked this last night. Here are the links I gave her. If you want a 10" clear plastic plate, Oriental Trading Company is having a sale. You get 25 plates (10") for $10.00

http://www.orientaltrading.com/applicati…

OR....they also have their 7-1/2" plates for $9.95 (25 in each package.)

http://www.orientaltrading.com/applicati…

You can also buy these clear plastic tumblers with a "wedding bell" design:

http://www.orientaltrading.com/applicati…

And...they have matching napkins also! http://www.orientaltrading.com/applicati…

Now...if you want a different style....you can also look at this company:
http://www.cateringsupplies.com/modules/…

http://www.cateringsupplies.com/modules/…

I kind of like these "colored" ones....it would add a little color to the table:
http://www.cateringsupplies.com/modules/…

Kind of a nice look would be....white table linens, colored plates (in one of your colors) if available, or go with clear plastic, or white....and colored napkins in a matching color (to the plate). You could then use the clear plastic "tumblers" (cups) from Oriental Trading Company.

You can buy colored napkins at many places. Any party supply store (Gordon Food Service)....or, depending on your color...even at Dollar Stores.

Depending on your budget, and if you wanted to add a little extra touch: You can get colored napkins imprinted with the names and wedding date. These are sold at many places.

The plastic cutlery (silver...realistic looking) is availalbe at lots of places also. I have seen some at Target, and online also.
http://www.cateringsupplies.com/modules/…

Another cute idea that we do lots where I live: "wrap" the cutlery in the napkin and tie with a little white silk ribbon. Put them all in a basket on your serving table.

Good luck!

Answer 8

go to costco - they have disposable tablecloths and napkins, they are very good quality and look great very luxurious. i know you said gran is wanting you to have real linen, but you may find a need for the disposable tablecloths/napkins as well. especially at the buffet table and if you are having a 'kids' table!
also at costco they had really cool plastic cutlery that is silver! it looks just like real knives, forks, and spoons. very cool.
i have not yet found any disposable plate that can the beat 'chinet' brand. also at costco.
i think a light afternoon luncheon is a wonderful idea, i hope your wedding day is perfect! happy wedding sweetie!

Answer 9

Mixing is going to look bad. You need to choose one or the other.

Generally the rule of thumb is that if your dining is indoors you use real plates and silverware. If your dining is outdoors you can get away with some heavy duty disposables depending on the menu.

I priced out both for my wedding and real plates are about the same price and less trash to dispose of. You can go Sam's, Walmart, or any dollar store and get a 6 pack of cheapo silverware for less than two dollars. Same thing with plates. Plain, white melamaine or ceremic plates at Sam's club are less than a dollar each. If you have time some metallic paint and stencil (make sure you get the proper kind, 77c acryllics won't do) from the craft store can dress them up nicely if you want something fancier. If you really don't mind you can even borrow items from friends and family.

Source(s):

People don't instantly focus on the dinnerware so over the top patterns aren't that neccesary. But if they are in a hotel ballroom with catering and full linens and suddenly are trying to cut their steaks with a spork or the tine snaps off their plastic fork they will remember you cut the corner.

Those two piece plastic wine/champagne glasses are pretty awful too. Many times I've watched the bottoms conveniently fall off.

Answer 10

I think linens and 'plastic wear' will be just fine. They make plastic silverwear that actually looks like real silver wear, so that is an idea. I have seen it in the wedding isle of Target and I'm sure they sell it other places as well. I couldn't believe it, but it was really nice. Good luck, it will be great!

Answer 11

Why don't you change it to like a cocktail hour with the finger foods. For get the linens. You could have some stools around the bar and just everyone mix and mingle.