Deciding on the number of plates for your wedding might seem overwhelming, but it’s essential in your planning process. Not only are plates necessary for a seamless dining experience at your reception, but they also serve as an integral part of your table décor.
CHEERS provides wedding rentals in Charleston, SC, and our team can help you achieve the breathtaking, unforgettable look you envision for your special day. Whether your style is classically elegant, contemporary, chic, or distinctively unique, we’re thrilled to help bring your dream to life.
Determining the correct number of plates for your wedding is a crucial detail, and it can vary based on your wedding arrangements. Learn about the different types of plates you need, how to calculate the correct number for each guest, and where to find high-quality plate rentals.
Types of Plates
Selecting the appropriate tableware is critical for organizing your wedding dinner. You need to have sufficient plates to correspond with the number of courses in your meal. Using various plate styles and designs also creates a layered look that enhances the visual charm of your tablescape. Some common plate types include:
- Dinner plates. These are the main plates used for the entrée or main course. Standard dinner plate sizes are between 10” and 12” and are the centerpiece of your table setting.
- Salad plates. At 8” to 10”, these plates are slightly smaller than dinner plates and are used for serving salads or starters. They are often placed on the dinner plate when styling your wedding place settings. Or, if you are having a formal dinner, they’re placed about 2” from the edge of the table to the left of the forks.
- Dessert plates. These are smaller plates used for serving wedding cakes or other desserts. They are not usually included in the table setting but are brought out when the wedding cake is served or stacked at the start of the dessert buffet line.
- Bread plates. Often the smallest, these plates are for bread or rolls served alongside the meal.
- Charger plates. Large decorative plates sit beneath the dinner plate, enhancing the table’s aesthetic, but are not used for food. These can be a great way to add a pop of color or pattern to your tablescape to match your wedding theme.
Calculating the Number of Plates
As you arrange your wedding, the number of plates required will vary based on your menu, the number of attendees, and the type of service you choose.
- Menu structure. You will need a different plate for each course if you serve a multi-course meal with appetizers, a main course, salad, and dessert. You can reduce the number of plates you need by simplifying your menu and serving fewer courses.
- Guest count. Make sure you have enough plates for each guest to use a fresh one for every course of your meal. For example, if you have a two-course meal for 100 guests, you’ll need 200 plates.
- Service style. Different service styles require varying numbers of plates. In a formal seated dinner setting, each guest should have a minimum of three plates: one for the main course, another for salad, and a third for side dishes.
For a buffet-style reception, provide two dinner plates and two side plates per guest. Guests may opt for a fresh plate for seconds or to separate different foods, so having extra on hand is helpful.
- Extra plates. It’s always a good idea to have some spare plates. You never know when a plate might get dropped or if an unexpected plus-one turns up. An extra 10-20% of your plate quantity as a buffer can prevent last-minute inconveniences.
Choosing the Right Plates
Beyond their functionality, your wedding plates are an important decorative part of your reception. There are several things to think about when choosing plates for your wedding, including:
- Theme and décor. Your plates should be a natural extension of your wedding’s theme. For a rustic wedding, consider plates with earthy tones or wooden textures. For a more elegant affair, classic white plates with gold or silver rims can add a touch of sophistication. The key is to ensure that the plates don’t clash with your tablecloths, centerpieces, or overall color scheme.
- Quality and style. High-quality plates not only look better but also feel more luxurious. Think about the style, too – do you prefer something modern and sleek or more traditional and ornate? The style of your plates should reflect the overall vibe you want for your wedding.
- Rental services. Using rental services can simplify your wedding planning process. These services enable you to create the tablescape of your dreams without going over budget. CHEERS event rentals in Charleston, SC, offer a wide range of options in styles and sizes, including charger plate rentals and dinner plate rentals, making it easier to find something that fits your vision.
- Budget considerations. While you want the best for your wedding, balancing your desires with your budget is important. Plate rentals can vary in cost, so call CHEERS to request a quote and discuss your tableware options.
Create an Unforgettable Wedding Reception with CHEERS
CHEERS Charleston event rentals offer stylish plate options for wedding themes and décor styles, from relaxed coastal to vintage glamor. Browse our plates, glasses, and other tableware collections to create an unforgettable wedding reception.
Contact CHEERS today for more information on our services and rental items.