Planning a wedding involves countless details, from the venue and flowers to the attire and catering. One often overlooked but essential aspect is the table setting. The cost of renting plates and silverware can vary, impacting your overall budget.
If you plan on having your big day in the Holy City, understanding the pricing structure of event rentals in Charleston, SC, can help ensure your special day is beautiful and affordable. Whether you want a luxurious, elegant affair or a charming, rustic celebration, you need to know what to expect in rental costs.
Wedding Table Essentials
When planning your wedding, consider various types of dinnerware and flatware to enhance your guests’ dining experience and complement your theme. Choosing the right pieces ensures practicality for your menu, aligns with your budget and streamlines event logistics, creating a cohesive and memorable atmosphere.
Here are the main items you might need:
- Dinner plates. Dinner plates are typically around 10” to 12” in diameter and are used for serving the main course. As the largest plates in the setting, they often become the focal point of your table setting.
- Salad plates. Salad plates are smaller, usually around 7” to 8” wide and are used for serving salads or appetizers. These plates are essential to a multi-course meal, providing a separate, stylish platform for lighter dishes before the main course.
- Dessert plates. Dessert plates are used to serve sweet treats at the end of the meal. Typically around 6” to 7” in diameter, these plates can add a touch of elegance to your dessert presentation.
- Charger plates. Charger or service plates are large, decorative plates placed underneath the dinner plates. They are not used for serving food but as a base to improve your table setting’s visual appeal.
- Flatware. Flatware includes the essential utensils needed for dining, such as forks, knives and spoons. Each type of flatware has its specific use: forks for salads and entrees, knives for cutting and spoons for soups and desserts.
Average Cost for Plate and Silverware Rental at CHEERS
| Item | Average Cost Range |
| Dinner Plates | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| Salad Plates | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Dessert Plates | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Charger Plates | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| Flatware (per piece) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
Example Cost for a 100-Person Wedding
| Item | Quantity | Cost Per Item | Total Cost |
| Dinner Plates | 100 | $3.50 | $350 |
| Salad Plates | 100 | $2.00 | $200 |
| Dessert Plates | 100 | $2.00 | $200 |
| Charger Plates | 100 | $6.00 | $600 |
| Flatware | 100 sets of 3 (knife, fork and spoon) | $3.00 | $300 |
| TOTAL | $1,650 |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Renting Plates and Silverware
When calculating the cost of flatware and dinner plate rentals for your wedding, several factors can influence the total cost, including:
- Quality and style. Higher-end, elegant styles will generally cost more than basic options. The rental prices will be higher if you choose luxurious materials such as fine china or intricately designed flatware. However, these upscale choices can increase the aesthetic appeal of your wedding. For example, opting for painted ceramic charger plate rentals or vintage flatware will cost more.
- Additional fees. Some companies may charge additional fees for delivery, setup and cleaning. These fees can add up, especially if you have a large order or your venue is far from the rental company’s location. Delivery fees are typically based on distance, while setup and breakdown services may be charged by the hour or at a flat rate.
Cleaning fees are sometimes included in the rental price, but confirming this with the vendor is essential. Being aware of these potential extra costs can help you avoid unexpected expenses.
- Quantity of items. The number of guests you invite will impact the quantity of plates and flatware you need to rent. Generally, ordering 10% to 20% more items for any last-minute changes or unexpected guests is a good idea.
- Duration of rental. The length of time you need to rent the items can also affect the cost. Some rental companies offer discounts for longer rental periods, while others may charge a premium for extended use. It’s important to clarify the rental period with the vendor and understand any potential additional charges for late returns.
- Season and demand. The time of year and current demand for wedding rentals can influence prices. During peak wedding season in Charleston, typically from late spring to early fall, rental prices may be higher due to increased demand. Booking your rentals in advance can help secure better rates and ensure availability.
Rent Luxury Plates and Silverware for Your Wedding with CHEERS
Renting plates and silverware for your wedding is a practical and stylish solution that can help create the perfect dining experience for your guests. By understanding the costs and working with CHEERS Charleston event rentals, you can ensure that your wedding is an elegant and memorable event for everyone involved.
Contact CHEERS to learn more about our services, from vintage car rentals and birthday car rentals to custom bars and bartending staff. Our team can help you create your dream event.