Introduction
One of the biggest decisions you will need to make when planning for your catering budget is whether to rent china or use disposable plates. This choice can greatly impact the cost and aesthetic of your wedding. There are many factors to consider before making this decision.
The Importance of Dinnerware in Wedding Planning
While dinnerware is a necessity, it’s important to remember that it’s not going to be the most memorable part of your big day. Guests will remember you, the weather, the food, but not the tablescape. However, wedding dinnerware options can really affect your budget.
Setting the Tone: How Tableware Impacts the Overall Aesthetic
Elegant place settings made up of rented china and glassware may look amazing in photos, but they aren’t always the most budget-friendly or logistical option for every wedding. On the other hand, disposable plates can sometimes make an event look or feel more casual.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly dinnerware, ask your caterer what they provide or recommend when it comes to disposable tableware. Opting for solid hard plastic plates or silver-looking plastic cutlery instead of clear can elevate the look of disposable tableware without the cost of rented plates and cutlery.
Balancing Elegance and Budget: Key Considerations
When it comes to disposable vs rented china, there are a lot of factors to consider. Disposable plates and cutlery are convenient and budget-friendly, but can sometimes give a casual feel to the event and generate a lot of waste. Rented china looks beautiful and elegant, but has a much higher cost.
Understanding Disposable Dinnerware
Disposable dinnerware is a very popular option for Charleston weddings. Ask your caterer if disposable plates, cutlery, and cups are included with their pricing.
At Crazy Dutchman Catering, we provide white hard plastic plates, clear plastic cups, and silver-colored cutlery.
Advantages of Disposables
Choosing disposable plates and cutlery comes with many advantages. It is a budget-friendly tableware option that is sometimes included with your catering package. Because plastic plates are easier to clear than rented plates, labor costs are typically lower.
Cost-Effectiveness
Disposable tableware is much more budget-friendly than rented china. Plastic plates and cutlery may already be included in your catering contract.
Convenience and Cleanup
Clearing and bussing plastic plates and cutlery is much easier than clearing rented china. This typically means less staff members are required for your event, leading to lower labor costs than the same event with rented china and cutlery.
Disadvantages of Disposables
There are some disadvantages to disposable tableware. While they are the cost-effective option, disposable plates can sometimes make an event seem more casual than you intend. And since disposable plates are disposable, they can generate a lot of waste.
Environmental Considerations
Let’s face it: single-use plastic is bad for the environment. A wedding can create a lot of trash. If you want to lessen your event’s impact on the environment, disposable plastic plates are not the best choice for you. If you would like a cost-effective but environmentally-friendly option, ask your caterer if they offer or recommend bamboo plates. Do keep in mind that this can make your event feel very casual.
Perceived Lack of Elegance
When we hear “plastic plates and cups”, we tend to think “casual barbecue”, not “elegant wedding”. However, you do have options when it comes to plastic plates and cutlery that can elevate the overall look of the dinnerware while still staying on budget. Opt for solid white plates instead of clear plates and choose metallic-colored cutlery instead of clear cutlery.
Exploring Rented China Options
There are several event rental companies in Charleston that can help you design elegant table settings for your wedding. Each company has different options and pricing.
Benefits of Renting China
There are many benefits to renting china for your wedding table settings. Rented china looks beautiful and gives an elevated touch to your event. There are many customization options that allow you to personalize your table settings.
Aesthetic Appeal
If presentation is one of your priorities, rented china can help you create picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy table settings. A coordinator can help you figure out the tablescape and which rental company is best for your vision and budget.
Variety and Customization
There are many event rental companies in Charleston that can help you design a unique table setting for your event. Each company has different options for you to choose from, offering an assortment of differing styles that will fit your wedding.
Drawbacks of Rented China
There are some disadvantages to rented china. There is a greater cost involved when renting china and there are some factors to consider before choosing rented china as your wedding dinnerware option.
Higher Costs
The biggest factor to consider when looking at rented china is the cost associated with it. Not only do you need to pay for the plates, cutlery, napkins, and glassware, but most rental companies charge additional fees like delivery fees and damage waivers. There is also a higher labor cost on the catering side. Rented china takes more time to clear from tables and must be scraped clean, meaning that additional staff is required on events with rented china.
Depending on the event style you have chosen, you may need to rent more plates and cutlery than you have anticipated. For example, if you have a stations menu, each station will need to be stocked with enough plates and cutlery for all of your guests. Always check with your caterer to determine the quantities needed to properly execute your wedding.
Buffet vs. Stations
Logistics and Handling
A popular money-saving idea is to buy mismatched plates at thrift stores for unique table settings. While this may seem like a way to have an elegant wedding on a budget, there are some logistical challenges that come with buying your own plates and with all rented china in general.
Many Charleston wedding venues are beautiful and timeless, but they do not always have working kitchens or plumbing systems that are capable of washing dishes. This means that your caterers will scrape the plates clean, but you or your family will need to transport and wash the dirty dishes after the event.
If you rent your tableware from an event rental company, they will handle the heavy-lifting and clean up for you, making the day a little less stressful.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Disposables and Rented China
When deciding between disposables vs rented china for your wedding dinnerware options,there are a lot of elements to consider.
Budget Constraints
The biggest factor to think about is the cost. Disposable plates and cutlery are the more affordable wedding tableware option. Rented china itself can be expensive, but also comes with fees and higher labor costs.
Wedding Theme and Venue
Depending on your budget, your tableware can help reflect the theme of your wedding or complement your choice of venue. Do keep in mind that if you go with an outdoor venue, it may not be a good idea to have each place setting preset with your plates, glasses, and cutlery. A sudden rain shower or gust of wind can ruin a picturesque tablescape in seconds.
Guest Experience and Expectations
If presentation and perception is a priority for you, rented china is the way to go. Disposable plates are the budget-friendly tableware option, but they can sometimes seem too casual for a wedding.
Making the Right Choice for Your Wedding
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding. You’ll need to decide which tableware option works best for your vision, priorities, and budget. There is some room for compromise. You can have disposable plates and cutlery, but rent wine glasses. You could also choose to have rented china and cutlery but use disposable cups for the beverage service.
Assessing Personal Priorities
To help you decide between rented china vs disposables, determine what your priorities are when it comes to your wedding. If presentation or the environment is at the top of your list, you should choose rented china or a more eco-friendly disposable option. If budget is your biggest concern, go with disposable plates and cutlery.
Consulting with Vendors and Wedding Planners
Your coordinator and caterer may be able to offer recommendations on which tableware option will fit your vision and budget. Consult with your coordinator and caterer for wedding china rental tips. They may have connections that can help you decide. They will also be able to discuss any logistics issues that may arise..
Conclusion
At Crazy Dutchman Catering, we always remind clients that at the end of the day, your guests will remember you, the weather, the scenery, the food, the music, the cake, the flowers…but not if they ate on plastic plates or china.
When deciding between disposable plates or rented china, choose the option that fits best with your vision and your budget.