I know that some brides (many brides) spend hundreds, up to thousands, of dollars on renting table clothes, silverware and flowers for their tables. And I feel pretty certain that you lose your classy bride card if you have plastic silverware and paper napkins. But on the other hand, whatever we use – we have to clean. And I’m pretty sure that there will be enough cleanup with all of the cooking stuff and serving dishes. So tell me internet, do I lose serious points if I go with paper plates and plastic silverware? Is that too 5 year old’s birthday party?
And where do I look for classy paper plates? Is there someone that specialized in that?
As for flowers – Tye is huge into plants, so I’d rather get a few plants and flowers that we can keep afterwards in pots or plant, then get cut flower arrangements. Again – this could turn out awesome. Or horrible.
It’s your wedding. If your guests will go, “Yep, that’s so (insert your name here),” and say it in a joking, that’s-so-endearing way, then go for it. Or do finger foods that don’t require silverware at all! I have seen some very nice heavy-duty paper plates before, so you could always go with something like that. And if you’re doing something like a cookout theme for the reception, then paper plates would be fine. It all depends on the direction you’re going. If you’re trying to do a very classy wedding, though, then you’d be better off going to the Dollar Store and getting their plain white plates. Use a Sharpie and a stencil to put monogram initials in the center, bake them at 250 for 30 mins, then let them cool. Supposedly the Sharpie is permanent then, and you can dress up the reception that way without going broke. Just a thought. Pinterest is awesome for finding some great ideas and cost-cutting options, so check there if you haven’t already! Good luck!
I didn’t know about the sharpie thing – that sounds way cheaper than trying to track down the elusive “perfectly patterned” paper plate. And Tye is crazy artistic, so I bet I can get him to sharpie us up some fancy plates. Thanks!!
Costco has some great plates – white with a silver band around it. They are hard plastic and look like china. I had already planned on getting those because we can mix those with any of my white dishes. They also have plastic silverware that looks real. (This stuff falls under Mom of the bride does and buys territory) Also, I have wine glasses that I use for large functions that look okay but I won’t have a heart attack if they are broken from Old Tyme Pottery. Plus I do have silverware that we can use, cause I do have a dishwasher. Couple of things to think about though. One – such an extensive menu takes forever to prepare and while i do have a 4 burner gas stovetop, I have an exceptionally small wall oven (only 27″) that I hate. Plus the 2 electric eye stove top in the kitchenette is well – wonky and I don’t entirely trust it. If we use any neighbors’ ovens we need to invite them to eat – it is only fair. Second – with all of this cooking and wine and beer – do you all want to just stay at the house Friday night. You can have the special guest room upstairs – because I have a feeling the cards, beer and eating could run very late and I don’t want any unsafe driving. I will send you pics of the room to see if it would do as a Bridal Suite for one night. Third – Sat. Jim and I have Sam’s graduation from HS at 12:00 noon. We have to be there as well. You are welcome to stay as long as you can. Just some things to think about.